Unlike previous seasons Melbourne find themselves amid a crowded pack vying for a top-eight finish; currently sitting in eighth place with an 8-7 record, the Storm are one of seven teams locked on 20 premiership points.
It is a logjam that runs from the fourth-placed Rabbitohs down to the 10th-placed Wests Tigers and is shaping to one of the tightest finishes to a home-and-away season in recent memory.
With a chance to record three straight wins the Storm let a crucial game slip prior to the bye, going down to the Dragons 12-24.
This Saturday night the Victorian side will look to return to the winner's list against third-placed Canterbury at AAMI Park.
Their last meeting came in Round 4 and resulted in a convincing 40-12 Doggies victory.
It was a result that kick-started a seven-game winning streak for Canterbury whilst the Storm lost three of their next four.
“They are a big, physical team,” observes Storm utility Tohu Harris of this Saturday's opponent.
“They are a quality team all around the park, their halves combinations are the NSW halves.
“We just have to turn up for the whole 80 minutes.”
Although the bye provides the players a chance to give the body a much-needed rest, Harris could be forgiven for ruing its timing.
In his three games prior to the bye the 22-year-old was averaging 153 metres and 28 tackles a game.
This included two starting roles against the Titans and Eels that saw Harris record performances of 188 and 170 metres respectively.
Despite the break possibly allowing his hot form to cool off, it was mind straight back on the job when the Kiwi international returned to AAMI Park.
“Just try and do all the little things right,” said Harris.
“All the processes we go through here at the Storm and just try and be as consistent as I can.”
Melbourne host Canterbury at 7.30pm this Saturday night at AAMI Park.
