![\"Harry](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/21e9d92e4c00893133d748884563ce221a88e9e9.jpeg\")
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Harry Grant\u2019s Melbourne Storm are the first team into the 2025 NRL grand final.Credit: Getty Images<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve still got a bit of improvement in our combination, but the whole four of them, the thing that stood out for me is how well they played individually,\u201d Bellamy said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s not being uncomplimentary. I just thought they did their jobs really well without probably linking together too well overall, and that will certainly come.<\/p>\n
\u201c\u2018Hughesy\u2019 has been out for a bit, and \u2018Paps\u2019 has been out for a bit, so our combinations will hopefully improve during the week.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bellamy was relieved that Melbourne appeared to be peaking at the right time. For much of the season, he appeared frustrated with their ability to put together an 80-minute performance.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe thing I was happiest with most was our form,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought we were a lot more consistent than we have been, probably the last month or five weeks, and that\u2019s probably the reason we won the game, to be quite honest.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a sense of relief that we\u2019ve found nearly a consistent 80 minutes, which we probably haven\u2019t produced in the last five or six weeks. That\u2019s a bit of a relief.\u201d<\/p>\n
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After qualifying for the 11th grand final of his illustrious career, Bellamy admitted it was a bonus to have a 48-hour head-start to prepare for the decider, given that the other preliminary final was scheduled for Sunday afternoon.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, I think it is an advantage, but with all due respect, we didn\u2019t make that decision \u2026 the NRL made the decision, not us,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Win one of 10 double passes to the 2025 NRL grand final. Click here for details<\/a> and to enter the competition, exclusive to Sydney Morning Herald subscribers.<\/p>\n