NRL boss Andrew Abdo has equal parts fear and admiration of Craig Bellamy, paying tribute to the Melbourne coach as he presented the minor premiers with the JJ Giltinan Shield.
League headquarters broke with tradition on Wednesday by awarding the 75-year-old trophy at the Storm's final training run at AAMI Park before their last-round clash with the Broncos in Brisbane on Thursday night.
Abdo said it served two purposes, firstly by allowing the Storm to savour the moment at their home ground in front of their staff rather than at Suncorp Stadium.
It also meant he could avoid the potential of fronting a trademark fiery Bellamy following a loss.
Melbourne have won the silverware six times between 2011 and 2024, with Bellamy the constant in each success.
"The one benefit about doing this in training and not a match is that it eliminates the risk of the Storm losing and me having to face Craig after the Storm lost," Abdo said.
"I have a great relationship and a lot of respect for Craig - he's been one of the most successful coaches in NRL history and he's got a tremendous record.
"What's so impressive about Craig is not just his ability and his knowledge of football, but the way he moulds individuals and creates a culture that is very supportive.
"He brings new players through, but also in a way that sustains the ebbs and flows of form, and that's a real credit to Craig, and his success speaks for itself."
Bellamy said he was thrilled with securing the minor premiership, but he has his eyes on a bigger prize.
"It's a really proud moment to be the best team for 27 rounds,'' the coach said on Wednesday.
"It's a real tough competition, so we're really proud of what we've achieved. Hopefully the next month will be a good time for us as well.
"I'm real proud of what the boys have done this year, but there's another comp starting next week."
With Bellamy at the helm for 22 seasons, Melbourne have made the finals 21 times - only missing out in 2010 when they were stripped of competition points for salary-cap cheating.
"The last 12 of those, they were in the top four, so this club is all about excellence on and off the field, and it's a real privilege for me to be able to celebrate that with the team and the captain and the coach," Abdo said.
He said with the NRL set to expand, the Storm provided a blueprint for new clubs, particularly in non-traditional rugby league locations.
"When the Storm was first formed, it was a brave, bold move to enter into a state that had predominantly been AFL,'' Abdo said.
"The Storm created a winning culture, and importantly created a blueprint for success, not just on the field, but also commercially and in connection with fans and corporates.
"There's a lot that can be taken for new teams entering the competition as we enter into a potential phase of expansion."
Melbourne tackle Brisbane on Thursday night, with the Broncos blowing their chance to play finals with their horror loss to the Dolphins last round.
Having rested 11 players against North Queensland, the Storm are back to full strength apart from fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen (leg), while prop Christian Welch is in doubt.
Melbourne will host a qualifying final, most likely on Saturday week, against the fourth-placed finisher.
