RUGBY LEAGUE
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Wests fullback Brad Scott says the Melbourne Storm-like quality of the Devils' 36-0 victory over Dapto last week was no coincidence.
New coach Jason Ryles played the final 46 games of his NRL career under Craig Bellamy in the southern capital and the clinical nature of Wests' victory over Dapto had all the hallmarks of the famous Melbourne machine.
Scott revealed this week that he and veteran hooker Matt Clarke spent a week in Melbourne training with the likes of Cooper Cronk, Billy Slater and Cameron Smith in the lead-up to the 2014 season as Ryles looked to instil the Storm's famous culture in his new squad.
"It was living the dream for me personally. I loved every minute of it," Scott said.
"Me and Matt Clarke got to go down there for a week and just got thrown straight in with the first-grade squad.
"It was definitely an eye-opener just to see how good the professionalism in a club can be.
"Rylesey's hoping we can bring a bit of that experience back to the club."
Scott's full Melbourne experience even included a pasting from the man known as 'Bellyache'.
"I got a spray off him [Bellamy] so he doesn't hold back," Scott said.
The 2013 NSW Country representative said the Melbourne experience showed a clear correlation between one of the NRL's best-run outfits and what Ryles is looking to bring to Parrish Park.
"It's pretty basic but really clinical at the same time," Scott said.
"Everyone's got their role to do and everyone knows what their role is.
"When everyone completes their role we're a complete footy team."
It certainly went to script in Wests' first outing, in which they held a strong Dapto outfit to zero and completed all but one of their sets in the first half.
"The basis of our team this year is defence," Scott said.
"It always is, but the way Rylesey goes about his defensive training is a lot more professional and we really rip into each other at training.
"I think it showed on the field."
Scott, who will miss Thursday night's game against Corrimal after a rib injury against Dapto, said his side will need to lift again against a rejuvenated Corrimal side keen to make a statement in their first outing this season.
"This year the comp is that tight that every week is a tough game," Scott said.
"We'll have a good look at Corrimal this week and chat about where we want to improve and where we want to target them.
"You've got to take it week by week - and we don't underestimate anybody."