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“That’s a challenge to evolve as a team and try and work that out. New guys have come in and have different strengths and weaknesses. So I guess we’re still trying to work that out.”
After querying his players’ mindset leading into last week’s shock 38-32 loss to Sydney Roosters – declaring “that game was lost before we got here, I think, for whatever reason” – Cleary had no desire to re-visit that disappointment on Tuesday.
The Storm will be eager to avenge their grand final loss to Penrith.Credit: Getty Images
But he is aware of the motivation last year’s grand final defeat will provide for Melbourne, having been on the receiving end in 2020 when the Storm ambushed his young team in the decider.
That heartbreak, and the desire to make amends, became the driving force that launched Penrith’s premiership dynasty the following season.
“Yeah, it’s a different motivation I suppose,” Cleary said.
“But everyone’s got their own hunger and their own motivation, so I can’t really talk for the Storm.
“We’ve just got to focus on our own self and what drives us right now. It’s just putting on a good performance this week.”
Concerning psychological advantages, these two perennial heavyweights appear likely to meet again at the business end of the season. Finals aren’t of any concern to Cleary just yet.
“I’m not really worried about the back end right now,” Cleary said.
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“The back end will come if you’re good enough. This is a great test though, undoubtedly. A good chance to see where we’re at and just enjoy the challenge of such a big game against a great opponent.”
Cleary has named experienced Daine Laurie to replace Test fullback Dylan Edwards, who suffered a groin injury against the Roosters.
Melbourne will be without Kiwi winger Will Warbrick, who is also nursing a groin strain. He will be replaced by Grant Anderson.
Meanwhile, Cleary welcomed last week’s news that former Penrith winger Taylan May has been cleared to resume playing in the NRL after domestic violence charges laid against him were dropped.
May had been stood down under the NRL’s no-fault policy since last May, and was terminated by Penrith, but is now free to join another club.
“Firstly, I’m really happy for him,” Cleary said. “It’s great that he gets to play again. That’s what he does. It’s been a pretty difficult period for him.”
Asked if he was disappointed that Penrith had lost May’s services, Cleary said that was in the past and the club had moved on.
“That was just a circumstance, a situation,” he said. “I’m glad that he gets to do what he loves.”
NRL is Live and Free on Channel 9 & 9Now
Michael Chammas and Andrew “Joey” Johns dissect the upcoming NRL round, plus the latest footy news, results and analysis. Sign up for the Sin Bin newsletter.
“That’s a challenge to evolve as a team and try and work that out. New guys have come in and have different strengths and weaknesses. So I guess we’re still trying to work that out.”
After querying his players’ mindset leading into last week’s shock 38-32 loss to Sydney Roosters – declaring “that game was lost before we got here, I think, for whatever reason” – Cleary had no desire to re-visit that disappointment on Tuesday.
The Storm will be eager to avenge their grand final loss to Penrith.Credit: Getty Images
But he is aware of the motivation last year’s grand final defeat will provide for Melbourne, having been on the receiving end in 2020 when the Storm ambushed his young team in the decider.
That heartbreak, and the desire to make amends, became the driving force that launched Penrith’s premiership dynasty the following season.
“Yeah, it’s a different motivation I suppose,” Cleary said.
“But everyone’s got their own hunger and their own motivation, so I can’t really talk for the Storm.
“We’ve just got to focus on our own self and what drives us right now. It’s just putting on a good performance this week.”
Concerning psychological advantages, these two perennial heavyweights appear likely to meet again at the business end of the season. Finals aren’t of any concern to Cleary just yet.
“I’m not really worried about the back end right now,” Cleary said.
Loading
“The back end will come if you’re good enough. This is a great test though, undoubtedly. A good chance to see where we’re at and just enjoy the challenge of such a big game against a great opponent.”
Cleary has named experienced Daine Laurie to replace Test fullback Dylan Edwards, who suffered a groin injury against the Roosters.
Melbourne will be without Kiwi winger Will Warbrick, who is also nursing a groin strain. He will be replaced by Grant Anderson.
Meanwhile, Cleary welcomed last week’s news that former Penrith winger Taylan May has been cleared to resume playing in the NRL after domestic violence charges laid against him were dropped.
May had been stood down under the NRL’s no-fault policy since last May, and was terminated by Penrith, but is now free to join another club.
“Firstly, I’m really happy for him,” Cleary said. “It’s great that he gets to play again. That’s what he does. It’s been a pretty difficult period for him.”
Asked if he was disappointed that Penrith had lost May’s services, Cleary said that was in the past and the club had moved on.
“That was just a circumstance, a situation,” he said. “I’m glad that he gets to do what he loves.”
NRL is Live and Free on Channel 9 & 9Now
Michael Chammas and Andrew “Joey” Johns dissect the upcoming NRL round, plus the latest footy news, results and analysis. Sign up for the Sin Bin newsletter.
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