Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy has praised the Sydney Roosters but says the Storm are quietly confident in the countdown to their huge final at Allianz Stadium tonight.

“They’ve been the benchmark team for three years in our competition,” Bellamy said.

“To win the minor premiership three years in a row is a great effort.

“Obviously their form especially in the last month has been outstanding.

“It’s a huge challenge for us but we’ve been in reasonably good form the last couple of weeks and hopefully we can keep that up.”

The Storm head into the match with a cloud over skipper Cameron Smith who has been battling a virus throughout the week.

There are also rumours that Roosters halfback Mitchell Pearce may return from a hamstring injury tonight in place of youngster Jackson Hastings.