The only thing better than a win in the Telstra Premiership is one when it comes in celebration of a milestone.
While he might have only played six minutes in his NRL debut, for Marion Seve, the hardships he went through to earn that playing time mean more than most.
Diagnosed with cancer in 2012, Seve has overcome the odds to force his way into the Storm side with his story proving an inspiration in the lead-up to the Storm's 22-10 victory over Canberra on Friday night.
"[Coach] Craig [Bellamy] mentioned during the week when he announced he would be playing and again before we ran out that it's quite inspiring his story," Cameron Smith said.
"Through the tough times he's had to go through as a young man at a stage when a lot of guys look to establish themselves as first-graders he was going through difficult periods in his life.
"I just think it shows his resilience as a person, to fight back and get his first-grade debut was outstanding.
"His mum and brother were down here for the game tonight and they looked like the happiest people on Earth and we're extremely happy for them and proud of the work he's put in."
Melbourne have now won seven of their last eight games against the Raiders, with a hat-trick to Suliasi Vunivalu, the fifth of his career, giving the Storm the platform to go on with the job.
"I was really happy with our right edge, especially with the ball," Smith said.
"I have been really pleased with his form in the first two rounds, but it's no surprise given I saw the work he put in during the pre-season so he's playing with a lot of confidence at the moment."
For the second time in as many weeks the Storm watched as second-half lulls nearly cost them the lead they had worked for.
In round one Melbourne led by 16 against Brisbane before a Broncos fightback cut the margin to just four.
Again in round two after a clinical opening 30 minutes, errors and penalties helped the Raiders fight back into the contest before a try to Nelson Asofa-Solomona in the 60th minute gave the away side the breathing room they needed.
"I was really happy with how we started the game, it was a bit of a focus for us over the pre-season to make sure we get away to a good start," Smith said
"But it got away from us in stages in the second half and that had a bit to do with what we were doing but certainly the Raiders were coming hard and applying a lot of pressure in defence and with the footy.
"It's been a trend in the first two games where we have started well but we just haven't been able to go on with our starts.
"We need to build on the work we do early."
Smith said the challenge didn't get any easier in round three when they will travel to Bathurst to take on the Penrith Panthers.
"Off the back of round one they would have been disappointed with that result so no doubt they'll be looking to turn things around this weekend and in round three against us," he said.
"We need to have a look at what we have done well in the first two rounds but there are scenarios we still have improvement in."
