Craig Bellamy knows a good rugby league player when he sees one and the decision to take a punt on Shawn Blore this year has certainly paid off.
The 24-year-old had endured a tough stretch at the Wests Tigers, dealing with multiple injury concerns before being told he was unwanted for this season.
Blore was facing an uncertain future in the NRL until the Storm coach swooped in, resulting in the back-rower fulfilling his undeniable potential.
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Speaking to 9News Sydney in the lead-up to this weekend’s grand final, Blore opened up on receiving a career lifeline and his desire to taste premiership success.
“There was a point last year, it was feeling a bit real that I didn’t think I was gonna get a gig anywhere,” he said.
“I was off-contract and going through another ACL. I remember the new recruitment manager came in and told my manager ‘Shawn is probably not wanted for next season’ and at that point I was thinking it’s probably done.
“Bellza just came out of nowhere and saved me. I just told him I work hard and try to do my best, whatever I do I try to give 100 per cent and I won’t give up on you.
“You don’t really realise it at the time, but I was pretty content with just playing NRL.
“Now that I’m here, I want more and I want to win a premiership.”
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Blore has played 23 games this year for the Storm, making seven linebreaks and averaging 75 run metres per game on the edge.
A product of the Penrith junior system, Blore’s football journey will come full-circle this weekend and the emotions were running high when he was embraced by cousin Spencer Leniu after the prelim final win over the Roosters last Friday night.
“I spent the better part of 15 years at Penrith, playing through all the ranks,” Blore said.
“I couldn’t really hold it in, I was getting pretty emotional. He [Leniu] just reminded me of where I’ve come from and all the injuries I’ve overcome.
“It was really special to me and I’m getting emotional now thinking about it. I respect Spencer a lot and appreciate those words from him.”
Blore has been named to start in the decider at Accor Stadium, with young gun Lazarus Vaalepu the only change for Melbourne due to Nelson Asofa-Solomona‘s suspension.