Storm NRL coach says schedule is tough

Melbourne Storm NRL coach Craig Bellamy says his side face a very tough schedule with two away games next week in NSW.

Craig Bellamy.

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy says his side faces a very tough schedule in the next week. (AAP)

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy wants the NRL to lift its game and says asking his side to play two away matches next week is "not good scheduling".

The Roosters host the Storm on Saturday August 30, five days after Monday night's Storm-Panthers clash in Penrith.

"For preparation for the game, you'd prefer to stay up there," Bellamy told reporters on Friday.

"There's financial constraints I suppose. Anyway that's what we've decided to do.

"We'll come back on the plane on Tuesday and head up again on Friday.

"The five-day turnarounds on away games are certainly not ideal. We've had two of those basically in five weeks.

"That's not really good scheduling and hopefully that won't happen again.

"It's tough enough just doing a five-day turnaround on away games once, but to have it done twice in five weeks is pretty tough."

With three rounds remaining, the Storm have a 12-9 win-loss record including four victories in their past five games.

Bellamy cracked a smile at a reference to the glorious Melbourne sunshine.

"It's like semi-final time. September weather," the 2012 premiership coach said.

"Everyone gets a bit of a spring in their step at this time of the year.

"We're no certainties for September yet."

Bellamy says Penrith (14-7) haven't been bogged down by the loss of injured halfback Peter Wallace.

"A lot of their key-position players have really stepped up in the last two or three weeks since Peter Wallace has been out. They're doing a tremendous job," he said.

"We know how tough it's going to be on Monday night."

Bellamy praised the efforts of Penrith's halves Jamie Soward and Will Smith and fullback Matt Moylan.

"It's a tough position for young Smith to come in there and make his NRL debut as a half when your captain is out. But he has done a great job," Bellamy said.

"Jamie has really stepped up and grabbed that responsibility with both hands. Most people think he's probably playing as good a footy as he's played.

"They're a pretty impressive team when you see James Segeyaro and young Matt Moylan. He has a great ability to read the game."


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