BY CURTIS WOODWARD

Look at the heavyweight teams of the NRL and you will see that all of them went to Melbourne at one point or another and copped a hiding from the Storm.

It’s all part of becoming a better team. Getting taught a footballing lesson by Craig Bellamy and his machine is all part of growing up.

Just ask title contenders Penrith Panthers who were outgunned by the Storm last weekend.

But young Panthers half Nathan Cleary says it’s all about learning.

“It was one of those games that I think the scoreboard didn’t reflect the game but there is definitely a lot we can take out of it,” Cleary said.

“Melbourne is the benchmark and down in Melbourne they’re really hard to beat.

“It’s just about the opportunities. When Melbourne give you those opportunities you need to take them. We didn’t do so on the weekend and we came away with a loss.

“Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk, Billy Slater have been doing it for ages now and they’re obviously so clinical in what they do and are definitely some people to look up to – they’re just freaks.

“It was a big learning curve for me and I took a lot out of that game.”

Cleary was especially hard on himself.

“I take all the responsibility. It’s my job to guide the team around the park and get us across the try line. I didn’t do that on the weekend and hopefully I can bounce back.”

That task is a home fixture against Sam Burgess and the South Sydney Rabbitohs. The job has now become even more difficult with three stars axed after breaching team protocol in Melbourne.

Captain Matt Moylan, Waqa Blake and Peta Hiku will all miss the round six clash after a drinking session after the loss to the Storm.

Moylan and Hiku are Internationals while Blake has been earmarked for higher honours this year.

It makes Cleary’s assignment against New South Wales Blues opposite Adam Reynolds vital in the outcome to the match.

While Cleary is not ready for State of Origin yet, a points decision over the incumbent State of Origin pivot would be a nice little tick on his CV. Especially now that his captain and two of the team’s stars have let him down.

@woodward_curtis