The 33-year-old looked like he had a point to prove, after being demoted to reserve grade the week before, and was full of intensity from the start.
He recorded 10 carries for 81 metres (both season highs) as well as 36 tackles with no misses. But it's the kind of effort that should be standard for a player of Blair's standing, and needs to become the norm.
Satae brings a strong physical presence (1.91m, 114kg) and is the big body many feel the Warriors are often lacking in their forwards equation. But he's yet to establish himself in first grade, with just one appearance this year and 14 since 2017. The 26-year-old showed glimpses of his potential with strong performances in wins over the Roosters and Broncos last year, as well as the 12-6 loss to the Storm in round 19. But it's reaching now or never time for the Glenora Bears junior, who needs to convince Warriors hierarchy of his value once thoughts turn to next season.
Paasi's return will be critical, as he has been the most consistent front rower at the club this year. He has topped 100 running metres on four occasions in 2019, and is also a non stop worker on defence, who has managed some critical stops. Paasi also crossed for crucial tries in each of his last two appearances, in the victories over the Dragons and Panthers.
Jazz Tevaga (ankle) wasn't considered for selection while Nathaniel Roache is also out of the equation with the lingering effects of a back injury sustained in the NRL Magic Round win in Brisbane.
The Storm are leading the competition with a 9-2 record, ranked ahead of South Sydney on points differential.
The Warriors haven't beaten Melbourne since 2015, with the Storm enjoying a run of seven consecutive victories including this year's slightly fortunate 13-12 success on Anzac Day.
Overall Melbourne holds a 25-16 advantage in head to head clashes between the two clubs (two draws), though the ledger is just 11-9 its way in battles at Mt Smart Stadium.
Warriors v Melbourne Storm
5.00pm, Saturday, June 8, 2019
Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland
Warriors
1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (C)
2 David Fusitu'a
3 Peta Hiku
4 Patrick Herbert
5 Ken Maumalo
6 Kodi Nikorima
7 Blake Green
8 Agnastius Paasi
9 Issac Luke
10 Leeson Ah Mau
11 Isaiah Papali'i
12 Tohu Harris
13 Adam Blair
Interchange:
14 Lachlan Burr
15 Bunty Afoa
16 Chris Satae
17 Karl Lawton
18 Gerard Beale
20 Leivaha Pulu
21 Jackson Frei
22 Chanel Harris-Tavita
