New star Canberra forward John Bateman is bringing a no-fear policy into the Raiders' clash with NRL nemesis Melbourne.
The Storm have a poor record against Canberra, the Green Machine winning only 11 of 43 games between the teams.
While Craig Bellamy's team has a good record over most sides in the NRL, there is something extra about their stranglehold over the Raiders.
After Bellamy took over at the Victorian club in 2003, the Storm won 14 straight matches against Canberra.
The Raiders' last victory over Melbourne came in the middle of their 2016 hot-streak en route to the finals.
But Englishman Bateman is determined to bury the Raiders' horrendous record when they host Melbourne at GIO Stadium this Friday night.
"I've watched the Storm play myself, obviously last year in the grand final. They're a good side with some world-class players," Bateman told reporters on Tuesday.
"There's not really a burden over my head of losing against them or having this record against them.
"I'm looking forward to going out there and just playing my own rugby league and I think everyone else will be doing the same."
Bateman started his NRL career by putting in a flawless 80-minute performance as the Raiders smashed Gold Coast 21-0 in round one.
It was the perfect first-up start, not only for the second-rower, but as Canberra search to find more balance between defence and attack.
"We spoke a lot in pre-season about making sure defence is spot on," Bateman said.
"Naturally we can all play rugby but it's about being more focused with our defence."
