'Mortar between the bricks': How the Storm keep Moore legacy front and centre

Victories over the Warriors will always mean that little bit more to the Storm, but it has nothing to with a rivalry or maintaining their current NRL record winning streak over the Kiwi side.

Instead it's all about Michael Moore – Melbourne's inaugural football manager who died in Auckland following a game against the Warriors in 2000 – and who the annual clashes between the two sides are played in honour of.

Twenty-four years on his legacy remains as important as ever to the Storm, who took the unusual step of moving their old boys' day to be part of last Saturday's Warriors home game in order to recognise the 20-year anniversary of Moore's passing (the pandemic and schedule had prevented them from doing it earlier).

It included the club's traditional walk to Moore's memorial plaque located at the entry to the Waitemata Harbour and, at the organisation of former Storm players Tawera Nikau and Matt Rua, a Māori blessing ceremony attended by members of the Moore family and a collection of Storm representatives past and present.

"We will never lose our appreciation for what he did for the club, and when Craig [Bellamy] and I go the next group of leaders will continue it too. It can't be forgotten," current day Storm football manager Frank Ponissi told NRL.com.

"Every time that we come over to play the Warriors we always take the squad down to view the plaque; it's just our way of keeping the Michael Moore legacy going.

"We go down there informally and we educate the players who haven't been there before about Michael."

After overcoming the Warriors 38-24 on Saturday night, Melbourne retained the Michael Moore Trophy for the 16th game in a row. 

It continues what is by far the longest active winning streak an NRL club has over an opponent, and coach Craig Bellamy believes the knowledge of who they are playing for each time they meet the Warriors has plenty to do with their dominant record.

"It's something that we will forever celebrate. It's a pride thing going out and playing well when we play the Warriors," Bellamy said.

I didn't know Mick too well... I just know from all the old boys who were there at the start how important he was to the club, [how important] his personality and how we did things was.

Craig Bellamy

"All the [old] boys just hold him in such high esteem.

"Apparently he was the mortar between the bricks that stuck everyone together."

Melbourne's ongoing efforts to keep the Moore family name at the forefront of what they do – which includes their Clubman of the Year award carrying Michael's name – is evident when you speak to the current playing group, most of whom were toddlers or yet to even be born at the time of the tragedy. 

"We are pretty lucky that we've had 'Belza' (Bellamy) at the helm for a pretty long time and we're very in touch with our history at the club," skipper Harry Grant said.

"So I think it meant a lot to the players [to win on Saturday], as it does every time we play the Warriors."

Ponissi meanwhile praised the Warriors for facilitating the hosting of a rival team's reunion at Go Media Stadium in Round 15, as well as their ongoing support in recognising Moore's contribution to the Storm and wider game.

"Every year the Warriors are so helpful and cooperative," he said. 

"Michael's passing happened in Auckland, but there's no other connection between them and Michael, yet they show it so much respect."