They may have delivered the worst experience of his NRL playing career, but Melbourne forward Adam Blair insists facing Manly holds no special significance.
The competition's leading two teams face off tomorrow night at Brookvale Oval, where the Sea Eagles haven't lost this season.
The game could be a previewof another grand final between the sides, after successive clashes in the 2007 and 2008 deciders. While Melbourne claimed the first one, Manly delivered a 40-0 thrashing in 2008 - one of the worst defeats in the Storm's history and the largest grand final margin.
Melbourne were forced to play that match without their skipper Cameron Smith, who was suspended for a grapple tackle, and tomorrow could again be without one of their key players in injured star Cooper Cronk.
The robust halfback, who has missed only seven games in the past five seasons, has a final chance to book a seat on the plane to Sydney with a fitness test on his ankle this morning.
Both clubs have this week downplayed the rivalry, but Blair admitted that result from 2008 was one he couldn't erase. "I think that was the worst I've felt," said Blair.
But with only six Storm players remaining from that era, the Wests Tigers-bound forward said it wasn't something the team dwelled on.
He anticipated the battle of the forwards to be one of the most brutal of the season, particularly coming on the home turf of the Sea Eagles.
"All over, I think they've got a strong team, some big boys in their pack, so it's going to be a tough job for us."
Blair delivered an impressive second half in his side's win over the Dragons last Friday night.
The game was a reflection of his inconsistent season, but he said he felt on track for a big finish at the club where he started his NRL career in 2006.
