Storm coach Craig Bellamy has admitted he “did not actually have a plan” for younger gun Jonah Pezet within the facet’s hard-fought win over Parramatta.
The halfback, who was but to play within the high grade this yr after getting back from an ACL damage that sidelined him for a lot of the 2024 marketing campaign, sat on the bench for almost all of Melbourne’s 16-10 victory on Thursday night.
Tyran Wishart was moved into the halfback function with Jahrome Hughes sidelined due to a shoulder injury, however the 22-year-old was named on the interchange and there have been loads of query marks over what sort of function he would play if known as upon.
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In the long run, Pezet managed simply 13 minutes on the sphere however had a few good touches, together with a hand within the lead-up to Xavier Coates’ match-winning attempt.
When quizzed in regards to the plans for the budding star in his press convention, Bellamy was open about the truth that Pezet was there as extra of an insurance coverage coverage.
Jonah Pezet sits on the Storm bench 9
“We did not actually have a plan, to be fairly trustworthy,” the veteran coach stated.
“We thought at some stage with Want, if somebody within the backs bought harm or somebody within the ruck, simply to place Want into the ruck and convey Jonah on – however it did not occur.
“Jonah’s actual energy is his organisation and kicking sport. When he went on, he did a extremely good job and he made his tackles and kicked effectively.
“We did not have a plan, we did not count on him to play half a sport or play 5 minutes. On the finish of the day, it was simply what occurred within the sport and go from there.”
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Pezet has been one of the talked-about kids lately, however has been compelled to bide his time behind the halves pairing of Hughes and Cameron Munster.
Nevertheless, with Hughes not anticipated again till the finals, many anticipated to see Pezet get a possibility in his most popular No.7 jumper for the Storm.
Bellamy admitted that whereas it may nonetheless occur, Wishart deserved his alternative.
“He may, however I assumed Want did a extremely good job tonight,” Bellamy stated.
“We’ll simply use him how we see match and what we expect is greatest for the workforce. He mightn’t be in our 17 for every week or two, who is aware of. We’re simply gonna choose who we expect is the very best 17 this weekend in opposition to no matter opposition.
“We simply needed to place him on the bench and have some back-up there.”
Melbourne will tackle the Broncos subsequent weekend in a blockbuster at AAMI Park.
