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 prime 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 referred to as upon.
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In the long run, Pezet managed simply 13 minutes on the sector 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 sincere,” the veteran coach mentioned.
“We thought at some stage with Want, if somebody within the backs acquired 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 power is his organisation and kicking recreation. When he went on, he did a extremely good job and he made his tackles and kicked properly.
“We did not have a plan, we did not anticipate him to play half a recreation or play 5 minutes. On the finish of the day, it was simply what occurred within the recreation and go from there.”
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Pezet has been probably the most talked-about children lately, however has been pressured 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 chance in his most popular No.7 jumper for the Storm.
Bellamy admitted that whereas it might nonetheless occur, Wishart deserved his alternative.
“He might, however I believed Want did a extremely good job tonight,” Bellamy mentioned.
“We are going to simply use him how we see match and what we predict is finest for the crew. He mightn’t be in our 17 for every week or two, who is aware of. We’re simply gonna choose who we predict is the perfect 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.
