Bellamy warns Storm of Tiger NRL threat

Craig Bellamy says Melbourne's NRL clash with Wests Tigers will be a much tighter contest than the Storm's last round romp over Parramatta.

Ryan Papenhuyzen

Melbourne's Ryan Papenhuyzen (r) had a breakout NRL game at fullback against Parramatta. (AAP)

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy is warning exciting fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen and his Storm teammates to expect a much tougher match against West Tigers than their last round NRL romp.

The Storm thrashed Parramatta 64-10 but take on the Tigers, who also have their tails up after a 26-point win over Penrith.

Bellamy said Tigers veteran hooker Robbie Farah was having a "hell of a season" while the remainder of their spine also posed a huge threat in their Thursday night match at AAMI Park.

Just three points separated the teams over two games last season, with the Tigers coming up trumps both times.

"It's clear in my mind; they knocked us off twice in three weeks and the one down here was really disappointing as it was Billy Slater's 300th, so we all know they are good side," Bellamy said on Wednesday.

"I think it will be quite different because what happened last week isn't going to happen again for us ... there's going to be a few more tougher periods so we need to make sure we dig in and get the job done."

After five bench appearances Papenhuyzen will wear the No.1 jersey for the first time this season with Jahrome Hughes sidelined after a head knock.

Papenhuyzen replaced Hughes and blitzed the Eels as he scored a try, had two try assists, ran for 137 metres and had three line breaks.

"That half an hour that Paps played, you aren't going to see too many better fullback performances than that," Bellamy said.

"He's obviously excited; that's his (preferred) position but one thing is that it's not going to happen like it did the other night.

"He will have to start again and he's aware of that."

Bellamy said the 20-year-old, who made his NRL debut in round four, reminded him of a young Slater.

"Certainly his speed does," Bellamy said.

"He reminds me a bit of Billy early in his career, when he was a lot smaller than when he finished his career and he was quick, so there's a couple of similar traits there."


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Source: AAP



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