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MELBOURNE Storm coach Craig Bellamy says the $2 million prize pie on offer will not be enough for his galaxy of stars to play in the inaugural NRL Auckland Nines.
The NRL on Wednesday launched the preseason nine-a-side tournament with the rule that at least one top five player from every club's salary cap will play.
Each of the 16 clubs have also pledged to play at least 12 of the club's top 25 salary-capped players in the February competition.
"Make no mistake, the 16 teams will be there to win," NRL Head of Football Todd Greenberg boasted on Wednesday.
Bellamy has made no secret of his fear the season is getting longer every year.
The burnout factor is of concern to Storm with Origin representatives Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and Ryan Hoffman all expected to play in this year's World Cup.
"There's a few rules and regulations here we have to abide by and I guess everyone has to abide by," Bellamy said
"We will certainly do that, but I don't think you will see too many of our big guns playing in that.
"They've had a big season and they're going to the World Cup where you'd imagine Australia will be playing the last game there."
The overall winning side will pocket nearly $500,000 — more than what's on offer for winning the NRL grand final.
Like the vast majority of clubs, Storm, which has a new ownership group, struggles to turn a profit.
But Bellamy said it was his job to worry about the team and not the finances.
"Personally the amount of money involved doesn't concern me," he said.
"What concerns me is what happens after February next year and that's another tough NRL season with tough games every week.
"I've got that more in mind than the financial side, but I imagine our CEO would have the financial side in mind."
Fourth-placed Storm will use Saturday's AAMI Park clash against Gold Coast Titans as a final chance to build some momentum before the start of the finals series.
Bellamy said it was important to rebuild some confidence following last Saturday's disappointing loss to Manly.
"We were disappointed with our start again," he said.
"It's something we have spoken about and we have tried a few different things.
"This week we will try a few other things that hopefully might work.
"We need to turn our attitude around and make sure we are defending well."
Five-eighth Gareth Widdop again trained strongly yesterday and is all but certain to make his return through the Queensland Cup on Sunday.
"It will be interesting to see if he gets through that," Bellamy said.
"If he gets through that OK and there's no problem with his hip, it will be a nice present for us going into the semi-finals.
"He's let me know he's right to play and really keen to play."
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