Storm wary of Tigers' improved NRL defence

Veteran Melbourne centre Will Chambers says he's impressed by the improved defence of Wests Tigers.

Melbourne Storm centre Will Chambers

Melbourne Storm centre Will Chambers says he's impressed by the defence of the Wests Tigers. (AAP)

Melbourne Storm are wary of the unheralded Wests Tigers beating them at their own game in their round two NRL clash at AAMI Park on Saturday night.

The NRL champions host the Tigers, who have their tails up after knocking off pre-season premiership favourites the Sydney Roosters in the opening round.

The Storm are back at full strength with superstar Billy Slater returning from shoulder soreness to play his 300th NRL match while the Tigers have likely lost fullback Tuimoala Lolohea through injury.

Melbourne's veteran centre Will Chambers liked what he saw in the Tigers game - earning a 10-8 victory over the star-studded Roosters on the back of a grinding defensive performance.

The Storm boast the tightest defence in the game with Chambers saying he sees similarities in the West Tigers, describing them as "tough and gritty".

"The way the Tigers turned up and kept defending and defending and broke the Roosters late is pretty impressive," Chambers said.

"It's something that we try to base our game on - a defensive sort of game.

"I like the way they play - they didn't score many points but they didn't let the Rooster score many either."

The Test centre said it was an area his team had focused on this week, after conceding three tries in their opening win over the Bulldogs.

"We base our game around defence to score 36 points is good but we let 18 points in and that's not up to standard so we've worked on it this week," Chambers said.

The Storm have special incentive for a win with Slater's milestone game, while Kenny Bromwich also notches 100.

Chambers said the way that Slater had returned from two shoulder reconstructions to regain his mantle as the world's best fullback was inspiring.

"To see what he's been through in the last couple of years and play 300 games is something special," his long-time teammate said.

"He's always played above his weight and it's a great privilege and honour to be able to run out with him."

STATS THAT MATTER

* Home sick? Wests Tigers only won one game out of 11 away from home last season.

* 300 and 100 - Melbourne are celebrating milestone games for Billy Slater and Kenny Bromwich.

* While the Storm talk up their defence, they've taken their attack to a new level, averaging 26.8 points per game last year.


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Source: AAP



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