Storm may rest NRL players for Tigers

29 Aug 2012, 10:42 am   -   Source: AAP
Storm coach Craig Bellamy (C) may rest players for their final round NRL clash with Wests Tigers. (AAP)

Storm coach Craig Bellamy (C) may rest players for their final round NRL clash with Wests Tigers. (AAP)

Melbourne may consider resting some players in their final round NRL clash with the Wests Tigers as they prepare for the finals.

Secure in their top-two NRL competition ladder berth, Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy will consider resting some players in their final round clash with Wests Tigers.

The Storm scored two tries in the final two minutes to snatch a dramatic 20-18 win over Cronulla in their Monday night match at AAMI Park.

The victory meant they can't finish lower than second and will host a preliminary final in week three should they win their opening finals match.

Bellamy said he had to balance building momentum with resting players for the Leichhardt Oval match.

He also wants to give some players who missed the Cronulla game, such as Justin O'Neill, Rory Kostjasyn, Maurice Blair and prop Richie Fa'aoso a taste of NRL action before the finals get underway.

"Obviously next week is a short turn-around from a Monday night game so we'll have a look at what's the best thing for the team," said Bellamy.

"There might be a couple of individuals who might need a rest.

"There's a couple of guys who have been playing reserve grade who haven't played a lot of NRL so it might be a chance to give them a run."

That's good news for the ninth-placed Tigers, who are on level points with eighth-placed Brisbane and two behind Canberra.

Bellamy admitted that with five minutes remaining he had given up on his side finding the points to beat the Sharks after their dismal ball control ruined many an attacking raid.

But he said he had players who knew how to win, which was vital in the finals.

"We've got guys here who have the reputation that they keep trying to the end, it doesn't matter what the result is.

"We've got some class players who can turn a game if they get the right situation."

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