Storm coach Craig Bellamy has admitted he “didn’t really have a plan” for young gun Jonah Pezet in the side’s hard-fought win over Parramatta.
The halfback, who was yet to play in the top grade this year after coming back from an ACL injury that sidelined him for much of the 2024 campaign, sat on the bench for the majority of Melbourne’s 16-10 victory on Thursday night.
Tyran Wishart was moved into the halfback role with Jahrome Hughes sidelined due to a shoulder injury, but the 22-year-old was named on the interchange and there were plenty of question marks over what type of role he would play if called upon.
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In the end, Pezet managed just 13 minutes on the field but had a couple of nice touches, including a hand in the lead-up to Xavier Coates’ match-winning try.
When quizzed about the plans for the budding star in his press conference, Bellamy was open about the fact that Pezet was there as more of an insurance policy.
Jonah Pezet sits on the Storm bench Nine
“We didn’t really have a plan, to be quite honest,” the veteran coach said.
“We thought at some stage with Wish, if someone in the backs got hurt or someone in the ruck, just to put Wish into the ruck and bring Jonah on – but it didn’t happen.
“Jonah’s real strength is his organisation and kicking game. When he went on, he did a really good job and he made his tackles and kicked well.
“We didn’t have a plan, we didn’t expect him to play half a game or play five minutes. At the end of the day, it was just what happened in the game and go from there.”
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Pezet has been one of the most talked-about youngsters in recent years, but has been forced to bide his time behind the halves pairing of Hughes and Cameron Munster.
However, with Hughes not expected back until the finals, many expected to see Pezet get an opportunity in his preferred No.7 jumper for the Storm.
Bellamy admitted that while it could still happen, Wishart deserved his opportunity.
“He could, but I thought Wish did a really good job tonight,” Bellamy said.
“We will just use him how we see fit and what we think is best for the team. He mightn’t be in our 17 for a week or two, who knows. We’re just gonna pick who we think is the best 17 this weekend against whatever opposition.
“We just wanted to put him on the bench and have some back-up there.”
Melbourne will take on the Broncos next weekend in a blockbuster at AAMI Park.
