Craig Bellamy has backed off-season recruit Nick Meaney to handle the pressure of making his debut for Melbourne in the untested position of five-eighth.
Typically a fullback during his time with Canterbury, Meaney has been forced to plug the hole vacated by the suspended Cameron Munster and injured back-up Cooper Johns for their NRL season opener.
The Storm travel to CommBank Stadium to face Wests Tigers on Saturday with Meaney among five Melbourne debutants - the others being Xavier Coates, Josh King, Jayden Nikorima and Tyran Wishart - in Bellamy's side.
Meaney's move to the halves is the most eye-catching selection but the coach had no concerns when asked how he had prepared the 24-year-old for the change of role.
"I just give him the No.6 jumper and off he goes," Bellamy smiled.
"He hasn't trained there much and we are all aware that our usual No.6 is not playing.
"He (Meaney) has got all the attributes of a five-eighth and he hasn't played in that position too often but he's certainly got the skills to be able to play there.
"The combination won't be great but he's worked there really well with our left edge and we are sure he'll do the job."
In a boost for Bellamy as he bloods Meaney as a playmaker, flying fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen is fit after an ankle injury.
Meaney's opposing player, meanwhile, is one Bellamy says his side will have to be wary of.
Tigers recruit Jackson Hastings makes his return to the NRL after being exiled to the Super League following a controversial exit from Manly in 2018.
Hastings, 26, has spoken about how he matured in England, reaching two grand finals, winning Test caps and being anointed Man of Steel.
"He's come back a more complete player than when he was first here," Bellamy said.
"He's older and more experienced. He was a fairly young guy to be going to England.
"He looks bigger and stronger in contact and certainly backs himself which he has always done.
"Obviously with the experience he has he's a better footy player than when he left."
