Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy has credited assistant coach Jason Ryles for turning the Storm forward pack into one of the most damaging in the game.

While the Storm always had a solid engine room, their bookends have gone to another level in 2016.

“He’s been tremendous,” Bellamy said.

“When we brought him here we knew he was a really good guy and a really good fit for our Club because he played here. Everyone really liked him as a player and as a person.

“He’s been really good for the guys, he’s got that personality where he can be tough when it is time to be tough but he can also be a real friend to the players.

“He does build close relationships pretty easily, he’s got a great sense of humor but as I said he’s got a great work ethic. He played at the highest level as well so there are a lot of good experiences that he’s had which has passed onto our players.”

“He’s been a really strong part of our coaching staff this year and a really important part of our team and our Club.”