Storm fullback Billy Slater celebrates a try during last night’s rout of the Warriors. Photo / Getty Images
MELBOURNE - Relaxation in Fiji swiftly turned to a business trip to Melbourne for Tawera Nikau, a foundation member of the supposedly crumbling Storm.
The former Kiwis international - and current national selector - was among past Storm stars who answered an SOS from the National Rugby League's (NRL) club's
beleaguered management on Saturday.
They were asked to attend last night's round seven match against the New Zealand Warriors to provide another tangible show of support for a squad reeling from the aftershocks of Melbourne's salary cap rort.
The punishment for flouting the NRL's salary cap by A$1.7 million ($2.22 million) over five years was unprecedented - and arguably the most painful blow was the realisation they cannot earn premiership points for winning their remaining matches.
While Nikau acknowledged the Storm's breach was both "serious and disturbing" it did not prevent the 43-year old joining a throng of club legends in the dressing room before the match - and then on the sideline as Melbourne ran on to Etihad Stadium.
"It's great to come over here and the support the guys after what they've been through," said Nikau.
Glenn Lazarus, who hoisted the Storm's only remaining premiership trophy aloft in 1999, took the lead role in motivating the side before they dismantled the Warriors 40-6.
"He told them how proud we were on the Melbourne culture, the club and how we wanted to show our solidarity.
"The effort we showed to get here shows how ex-players still feel they're part of the club."
Nikau, who played 53 games for the Storm from its foundation season in 1998 to the grand final success a year later, was pleasantly surprised by the Storm's performance against the Warriors.
"They seemed sombre in the sheds, but the way they played was outstanding," he said.
"I hope they can sustain it. It's going to be a long year for them."
- NZPA
