KEY POINTS:
It's a curiosity that the only two players to have started as league juniors in Melbourne then gone on to graduate to the NRL with the Storm are both New Zealand-born.
The Rules-mad city has had little in the way of junior and feeder competitions in league but the Australian Rugby League is increasing its presence in schools and the Storm hope is that Victorian-bred players will be making the top side within five years.
Meanwhile Jake Webster and Jeremy Smith remain the only two graduates - Webster having now transferred to the Titans, while Smith has been battling for a first-grade spot since making his NRL debut in 2004.
Behind them are a crop of young up-and-comers who are either New Zealand-born or born to Kiwi parents living in Australia.
And coaching them is Stephen Kearney, former Warrior and Kiwi who carries much mana in Melbourne because of his service there as a player from 1999 to 2004 - the first year in the grandfinal-winning side and his last as captain.
Kearney played his last two seasons of NRL under Craig Bellamy, who was appointed in 2003, and he agrees it is a happy and comfortable relationship because of their old partnership.
He says Bellamy is a tireless worker. "He's very demanding. I knew that Craig put in a lot of time into the job. He's taught me a hell of a lot already."
Kearney was the youngest-ever Kiwis captain, just 21, during his first year in the Aussie premiership, 1993. After 260 games, three clubs and 45 tests, he headed to Super League with Hull, returning to the Storm in 2006 as Bellamy's assistant.
He has a three-year contract, he and his wife and two children are enjoying Melbourne again - and he'd like to stay and see the club's plans come to fruition.
"It's always pleasing to see boys getting the opportunity and fulfilling a role. You give them the skills and awareness to do a job, and it's nice to see that put into practice. Coaching can be tough at times, but I'm enjoying it."
He mentions his pleasure at Ryan Hoffman's selection in State of Origin. Hoffman was a young player he gave advice to when he was captain.
Bellamy has led the Storm to finals appearances every year since his appointment. But there is a definite hint of unfinished business as they go about their work after their 15-8 loss to Brisbane in last year's grandfinal, despite having led the table with 10 wins from 12.
It's a curiosity that the Storm's crowds remain poor - an average 11,948 against an all-up NRL average of 16,887. Many of their supporters are also Kiwis, uninterested in AFL.
Kearney says: "Victorians love sport and the State of Origin game here last year was a big success. Winning and being successful will have a lot to do with our attendance.
"We're looking forward to the under-20s competition next year, and eventually we will get Victorian players coming through - that will help the interest."
There is no deliberate attempt to target New Zealand players for signing, Kearney said.
Recruitment manager Peter O'Sullivan scours Queensland and New South Wales, too, and has a very good eye for good footballers.
At 34, Kearney says he is not missing playing - "not at all". He was fortunate not to have suffered serious injuries during his career, though his aches and pains make him feel for those who have suffered major knocks, he said.
What he notices about the NRL after a year in England is the change in fitness and stamina levels of players and the increase in the impact in collision. "The players are getting bigger, stronger and faster. It takes a toll on younger bodies. It's hard to get through those first few years without injury."
He wonders whether that will shorten careers. "But I guess Ruben and Pricey are doing all right," he said of the Warriors props.
The Storm were preparing for Sunday's game at Mt Smart as they did for the match in Melbourne in round three, when the Warriors were running hot after two wins.
And Kearney said: "The Warriors have been on the end of some harsh calls. In most of their losses they haven't been that far away - that's usually a sign of a team about to turn things round. Any side with Ruben Wiki is dangerous," he adds of his old Kiwis teammate.
Melbourne's Kiwis
Sika Manu, 20, 2006 Junior Kiwis backrower/centre, 1.83m, 108kg, signed as a 16-year-old.
Sam Tagatese, 20, Hutt Valley secondrower and 2005 Junior Kiwi, 1.92m, 98kg, has played under-19s for Queensland but rejected an approach from the Junior Kangaroos.
Adam Blair, 21, 1.86m, 106kg prop and another former Junior Kiwi who played three tests for the Kiwis in 2006. He signed at the Storm in 2003 and played for their feeder side in Brisbane until last season.
Ryan Shortland, 21, a 1.86m, 94kg centre born in Masterton. His parents shifted to Sydney then Port Macquarie, where he stood out in juniors. Has played for North Sydney and Storm feeder club Brisbane Norths.
Paletasala Ale, 22, nickname 'Pale Ale,' 1.98m, 108kg backrower who went from the Marist club in Auckland to the Mt Albert Lions Bartercard side under Brian McClennan. The Warriors were showing interest but missed him.
Jeff Lima, 24, 1.82m, 118kg prop, former Balmain Tigers junior who played in France in 2005 and signed with the Storm mid-2006. Made his debut against the Warriors in his one game in 2006. 12 games 2007.
Jeremy Smith, 27, from Christchurch, a 1.84m, 100kg backrower raised in Australia, he was player-of-the-year for Brisbane Norths in 2004 and made his NRL debut. He is cementing a hold on the spot that was David Kidwell's, 32 games so far.
Matt Rua, 29, 1.87m, 100kg, 100-game Storm player 1999-2002, 11 tests for the Kiwis 1999-2001. Had three years off, returned to Bartercard Cup with Waitakere and then signed again for the Storm where he has been playing for Brisbane Norths. Sunday's game is his return to NRL.
