Skipper Cameron Smith has lashed out at critics of Melbourne's playing style ahead of Saturday's NRL preliminary final with North Queensland, labelling such attacks as "laughable".
The Storm's go-slow 'wrestling' tactics have again come under scrutiny following their qualifying final win over Sydney Roosters two weeks ago.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson said he was surprised with what the Storm were allowed to get away with by the referees, and his Brisbane counterpart Wayne Bennett chimed in saying Melbourne's approach to rugby league was boring.
But Smith was on the front foot on Friday as his team eyes a sixth grand final appearance in 10 seasons, saying Melbourne make no apologies for the way they play.
"There is a lot of confidence within our squad at the moment and we have found a pretty good formula with our game plan and the way we are playing," Smith said.
"A lot of people have labelled it quite boring but I can assure you winning football matches isn't boring. We are just confident on what we have built over the past four to six weeks.
"We have played some pretty good football teams in that time including these guys (the Cowboys) and we have had some good results and we are not going to go away from that too much.
"We are not going to go away and play a different game plan to make other people happy."
Smith said it was criticism he had heard many times before.
"It doesn't surprise me at all and the key word is renewed," Smith said.
"It comes up every time around the same time of the year so for us we haven't focused on it at all. To me it is quite laughable.
"We haven't changed our style of football all year but apparently it is an issue come finals time.
"I know the referees have a hard job to do but they have refereed the same way all season and that is all we can ask for in the finals.
"There is no doubt there have tried to be a few seeds planted in a few people's (the referees') minds. But the NRL has addressed it and they have no issue with the way we play.
"We always work hard on our defence and we are not going to change that tomorrow night."
Cowboys coach Paul Green wasn't interesting in continuing the debate on Friday but said the Storm were the best side in the NRL at slowing the game down.
"It is something I have said all along, I haven't really bought into the wrestling stuff," Green said.
"Everyone tries to control the ruck and tries to slow the play-the-ball down as much as the refs will let them, that way you get your defensive line organised.
"Melbourne are probably better at it than most teams.
"As long as the refs continue to referee the way they have been I will be happy."
Marika Koroibete is set to be a late withdrawal for the Storm due to a leg injury. Young Tonumaipea will take his place on the wing.
KEY STATS:
* Coming into this match these two teams have the best completion rates in the competition, with the Storm completing an average of just over 79 per cent and the Cowboys just under 79.
* Melbourne's defence has been strong all season, conceding the second fewest points (14.6 per game). However they will be tested this week against a Cowboys side which has scored more tries (110) than any team this season.
* The Cowboys make the most run metres of any team in 2015, averaging 1589 per game, while they also concede the fewest (1329 per game).
* Craig Bellamy will coach his 29th finals match this week, moving him ahead of both Jack Gibson and Brian Smith as the third most capped finals coach in the Compulsory Grand Final Era (1954-onwards) behind Wayne Bennett, who will take charge of his 58th final against the Roosters and Tim Sheens (32).
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