After his costly error the previous week, Josh Addo-Carr says a big weight was lifted from his shoulders when he scored the opening try of Melbourne's emphatic victory over the Eels on Saturday night.
Addo-Carr was looking for an early touch to help make up for his fumble against the Raiders which led to Canberra's match-winning try in the qualifying final and the Storm winger didn't have to wait long for the opportunity.
The NSW flyer got his first touch out wide in the fifth minute when he ran over half the field to score a spectacular solo four-pointer as the Storm went on to record a confidence-boosting 32-0 triumph at home.
It was just the tonic for Addo-Carr, who said he was keen to make up for the error that helped gift the Raiders the come-from-behind win in the first week of the finals.
"It was a tough pill to swallow last week," Addo-Carr said.
"It could have happened to anyone, but unfortunately it happened to me. It was the first time something like that happened to me, but the boys forgave me.
"It was good to move on and get the win and a great weight has been lifted off my shoulders."
Addo-Carr said he was surprised the Eels' defence afforded him so much space early on in Saturday night’s contest.
The Foxx lights up AAMI Park
"You don’t see much open space these days because everyone defends better," Addo-Carr said.
"I was going to pass to Kenny [teammate Kenny Bromwich], but I am not much of an offloader. I am more of a runner so I backed myself.
"It was a good way to start the game for myself and especially for the team."
The Storm now turn their attention to a grand final rematch against the Roosters on Saturday night at the SCG with a spot in the premiership decider up for grabs.
The two powerhouse clubs have split their two matches this season, with the Storm's two-point victory over the Tricolours in round 15 making up for their narrow one-point loss at home earlier in the year.
Addo-Carr knows his team must build on their performance against the Eels and produce an even more rounded effort against the Roosters if they want to make it through to the grand final.
"It's going to be a great challenge for us as the Roosters are a great side," he said.
Match Highlights: Storm v Eels
"They have got great players across the park and it's up in Sydney too."
Amazingly, the Storm have never played a match at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground.
"I have trained there," Addo-Carr noted.
"But I love going back home [to Sydney] as Redfern is around the corner from the SCG so I might get in early and ask the lads [for extra tickets]."
