League: Storm quartet pose challenge for Kiwis

Storm centre Greg Inglis is a key figure in the Australian team. Photo / Getty Images

It ranks as one of the most daunting challenges in rugby league - succeeding where the National Rugby League hierarchy has failed by knocking the Melbourne Storm's fab four out of synch.

Although the Kangaroos side to play New Zealand in Friday's Anzac test here at AAMI Park features multiple threats, curbing the influence of the Storm's attacking axis is essential if the Kiwis are to enhance their reputation as world champions.

Billy Slater, Greg Inglis, Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith may be starting a test together for the first time, but the quartet have developed a telepathic understanding at the triumphant - then tarnished - Melbourne franchise.

Smith, Cronk and Slater forged their relationship at junior level in their native Queensland a decade ago. Inglis was the latest addition when he made his first grade debut in 2005 but since then the centre has fitted seamlessly into a combination that has racked up 592 first grade appearances.

Although halfback Cronk is the odd man out - this will be just his third test, and he is yet to play State of Origin - the Kangaroos are unlikely to be debilitated by Jonathan Thurston's shoulder injury.

Smith, the dominant hooker, and Cronk are without peer operating in tandem around the ruck, while fullback Slater is renowned for his uncanny ability to complete one of that duo's half breaks.

Even the Storm's salary cap scandal, which culminated in the NRL stripping the club of two premierships, has so far failed to impact on the quartet's competitive mindset, even if they are no longer playing for competition points.

The New Zealand Warriors were the first team to bear the brunt of Melbourne's frustration when they were obliterated 40-6 on Anzac Day. Inevitably Smith, man of the match Cronk and Slater were catalysts for an emotional triumph at Etihad Stadium.

Inglis returned from an ankle injury in the next round and scored against North Queensland as the Cowboys were overrun 34-6. Again, the Storm's spine was back in alignment.

Lance Hohaia is one of four Warriors in the Kiwis' squad contemplating an ominous return to Melbourne, and the fullback acknowledged the enormity of the task in keeping the Storm stars subdued.

"All you can do is try and limit the amount of ball they get in your half. So that comes down to finishing our sets well, making sure we've got a good roll forward and a precise kicking game," Hohaia said.

"We're not going to be able to stop everything they do but if we can limit their opportunities and limit the amount of ball they have in good field position it could work out well for us."

While Hohaia, debutant hooker Aaron Heremaia, prop Sam Rapira and second rower Ben Matulino experienced the Storm's ruthlessness at close quarters, Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney and vice-captain Adam Blair should also provide useful insights.

Kearney played alongside all but Inglis during a 139-game career at the Storm and returned to the club as assistant coach in 2006.

He was giving nothing away when asked if his association with the four would be useful.

"I don't look at it like I'm coaching against them," he said.

"I certainly have an idea what they're capable of but I'm more focused on what we need to do."

Second rower Blair, a regular beneficiary of Cronk's service on the right edge at the Storm, was similarly reluctant to detail where his clubmates might be mortal.

"I can take a little bit of knowledge on how those guys play for the Storm but in the end it's pretty simple -- we just have to get forward with our front rowers and hopefully make dents in their big boys."

To that end the Kiwis will field their biggest pack possible with confirmation second rowers Sika Manu Zeb Taia would both feature in the 17-man squad.

Heremaia and Taia will both make their test debuts but the wait continues for unlucky Broncos utility Alex Glenn.

He will stay on as 18th man - a role he also filled in last year's Anzac test in Brisbane.

NZPA SYD cb mg