On a role: Munster hails Storm's unsung heroes as belief soars

Given the continued success they have enjoyed during the past decade, it's hard to imagine belief ever being an issue at the Melbourne Storm.

Premiers in 2017 and 2020, runners-up in 2016 and 2018, five minor premierships in the past nine years - the purple army has been relentless in its quest for perfection.

But as he stands on the verge of a fifth grand final appearance, superstar Cameron Munster is adamant there's a very different feel around AAMI Park this season and it's the team's unsung heroes who can take much of the credit.

“We have full belief, and 'Bellyache' [Craig Bellamy] has full belief in the blokes that are doing the job and going into that role,” Munster told NRL.com.

“We probably didn’t have that belief in the last couple of years. 

“In saying that, our leaders probably didn’t step up a whole heap, including myself, over the last couple of years, when we’ve had an opportunity to go deep in the finals.

“We probably just choked – or not choked, but fallen over the last hurdle, in certain positions and moments. 

“As much as you'd love to have the moments back, sometimes it’s just not a smooth road for you. 

“For us, we’ve got a good opportunity, we’ve got a great group of blokes that are believing and trusting in the process, in their systems.  

“When you’ve got guys like that, that have belief and confidence, you can definitely go deep into a season and be very confident in what your abilities are.” 

It’s been a rollercoaster season for the 211-game playmaker.

He began the year battling a groin injury, making his return in Round 5 against the Broncos.

He aggravated that injury again six games later against Parramatta at Magic Round, sending shockwaves through the Storm and Maroons camps as he writhed on the game in agony.

The 30-year-old will require surgery at season's end on the groin that cost him the entire Origin series and seven more NRL matches, the Storm going 6-1 in his absence to ensure they'd be well and truly in the premiership hunt when he returned in Round 21.

Munster has now strung together nine games on the trot, looking more and more like his exuberant self with each passing week.

Against the Roosters in the preliminary final he bagged two tries, ran for 185 metres, made three line breaks and busted six tackles in a command performance.

The renowned big-game specialist knows his input on Sunday will be critical but he was quick to highlight the work of others around him. 

“We moved Trent Loiero from back row into the middle and he’s probably played his career-best footy, been one of the best locks in the competition,” Munster continued. 

“You’ve got guys like Josh King in the middle for us. He’s got another year, another taste of finals footy.  

“We’ve got guys like that in our team that are probably another year experienced, a little bit more battle-hardened, and it’s given them confidence to know that they can go out there and fulfil their role. 

"They’re young, they’re really hungry, and you want that in your team.

“Hopefully our spine as well [can perform] – Hughesy has developed and delivered all year.” 

The plan is simple for Munster on Sunday – do the work, look after himself, and let the belief in the team take over. 

“Jahrome is really steering the ship a whole heap this year, and really taking control, and I’m just going out there and playing and running the ball,” he said. 
“I’m going to go through homework, video, and see what I can do.”