“Obviously we didn’t expect it, we went in there thinking it was a review and then that happened. It’s a good memory.”
It’s not the first time MacDonald has seen Wainhouse’s show.
“I remember when the comedy festival was on in Melbourne, a few of us went to that,” he said. “I was up in the front and he made fun of me for my little moustache. He said I had mascara on or something. It was pretty good.”
Melbourne Storm’s Cameron Munster, Trent Loiero and Ryan Papenhuyzen celebrate a try.Credit: Getty Images
The Storm have built a reputation as one of the world’s most consistent sporting teams based on an unrelenting work ethic, meticulous attention to detail and a next-man-up philosophy. Those who have survived a Melbourne pre-season have spoken about the value it has brought to their game, as well as the physical and mental toll it exacts.
However, Wainhouse’s gig is also a pointer to the coaching staff’s understanding of when to knuckle down to serious business, and when a laugh is required.
Given most of the squad isn’t originally from Melbourne, there are a number of social activities staged that allow the players and their families to familiarise themselves. It is at one such gathering that MacDonald and fellow forward Joe Chan became best mates.
“We were doing ice baths and I got invited to kava night with a couple of the boys,” Chan recalled. “I asked [MacDonald] if he wanted to come with us and he was the only fair one there with us – nothing racial – but he was the only white guy there.
“He was into it. He was shy, we were joking around, he was looking for a roommate, I was looking for someone to live with as well, and it went from there.”
Wainhouse lightened the mood in the middle of a long and arduous season. However, normal service soon resumed. After losing to Cronulla in their next match, Bellamy did not see the funny side.
“That was a lot more dull, the next video review,” MacDonald quipped. “Maybe the [comedian] wasn’t a good idea.”
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