Melbourne Storm great and current assistant coach Ryan Hinchliffe says the league leaders are prepared for an onslaught through the middle from Saturday’s opponents, St George Illawarra.

The Dragons are coming off a big loss to the Penrith Panthers last Sunday but Hincliffe has told RSN 927 that the Storm are ready for a battle in the ruck.

“I think across the board they’re quite strong,” Hincliffe said on Wednesday.

“They’ve got Ben Hunt who is a Queensland (State of Origin) halfback.

“Zac Lomax who also played for NSW, two of their really strong players but I think the thing you’ll notice is that they are a really big team.

“A big powerful team. Shane Flanagan plays an aggressive style of footy as a coach.

“We’re going to make sure our boys get the shoulder pads strapped on and ready for some contact because they certainly play a very physical game.”

The Storm host the Dragons at AAMI Park this Saturday night at 5.30pm.