If Craig Bellamy had any questions over what kind of team he would have in the post-Billy Slater era, then they were all answered on Saturday night.
Melbourne made it three from three to start their NRL season after shutting out a toothless Penrith side 32-2 in Bathurst.
The perennial title contenders first did it with defence, holding out a Penrith side that had 30 looks at the Storm line inside the opening half hour.
And they finished with nothing, despite having the trademark talk of Slater out the back organising his defensive line.
"Obviously that was a really important period of the game for us. We made it really hard for ourselves with the errors that we made," Bellamy said.
"I think when we scored that try we didn't touch the ball for another 10 minutes.
"I wouldn't say I'm glad it happened, but it just gives you a bit of an idea of what sort of a team you've got."
Star five-eighth Cameron Munster was arguably the Storm's best, scoring a try and playing a hand in two more on their way to a comprehensive victory.
The Kangaroos representative also came up with three one-on-one steals at crucial times, including one on NSW counterpart Nathan Cleary.
"He's got white fingers hasn't he? He's one hell of a player. You don't really see it a whole lot during the week in training," Bellamy said.
"He can have his on and off days and periods in training but he's the ultimate competitor. Just a real footy player and that's what you love about him."
Bellamy said that while he often prefers Munster to take take the high-percentage options, he has learnt to accept his creativity.
And he credited the 24-year-old for stepping up in the absence of Slater, who retired after last season, and Cronk, who switched to the Sydney Roosters last year.
"He's realised that, 'Cooper's not here now, I've got to take on more responsibility. Billy's not here now, I've got to take on more responsibility'," Bellamy said.
"And he has, he's been tremendous. He gives us a lot more in our meetings and he's a great guy to have in your team on and off the field."
