THERE has never been this big a gap between Melbourne and St George Illawarra before any of their previous clashes. The Storm are first and the Dragons are last. There is a rivalry between the two clubs that goes back to their meeting in the 1999 grand final, but are the Dragons even remotely capable of making tomorrow's game at Olympic Park a contest?

The biggest thing that stands in their way is not their disappointing form, or the injuries, or the fact they are having to use so many rookies - it's the attitude of Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy, who, even in a situation like this, will not be taking anything for granted.

He will have been even more intense in the week leading up to a game such as this, because he will have not only identified the risk involved but used all of his coaching powers to try to cover it. And when it comes to doing his job, there is no one more thorough than Bellamy.

The Storm, coming off a 58-12 flogging of North Queensland and lining up against the wooden-spoon favourites … it's easy to identify the dangers associated. Any coach can do that. The trick is to be able to guard so well against the threat of complacency that the threat doesn't become reality.

Melbourne dominated the competition last season, but lost the grand final against Brisbane. The Storm played at a level below their best in the big game and had contentious decisions by the match officials go against them, but they still almost won. The loss was a heartbreaker, but it could be the key behind them winning this year's premiership.

Whenever he senses a drop in intensity or concentration from his players, Bellamy only has to point out that what the Storm did last year - as good as it was, for the most part - still wasn't good enough for them to take the title. So they have to do more. Players want to win, so they will surely go along for that ride.

St George Illawarra fans, when they go looking for something to tell them their team has got a chance against Melbourne, will probably point to their 11-4 win over the Broncos three weeks ago. Brisbane had all of their stars and the Dragons fielded a bit-part side, but it still wasn't nearly as difficult a task as the one they face tomorrow.

The Broncos may be the premiers, but they have had problems with consistency this season and still haven't won two games in a row. Plus, the Dragons were at home for that game and have a record of beating Brisbane against the odds over the years. It was one of those examples of how history repeats itself.

St George Illawarra now have to make one of the toughest away trips - Melbourne have lost only once at home since the start of last season - and they can't point to a history of upset wins over the Storm, who have won 13 of their 18 clashes, with one drawn.

Melbourne are without halfback Cooper Cronk, who was hurt playing against the Cowboys, but while that is a blow to the Storm they should be able to find a way around it. Hooker Cameron Smith does a fair bit of playmaking as it is - he'll just have to do a bit more.

The Dragons will be desperate for a win, but history is set to repeat itself again.