2 weeks ago
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A video review session at the Melbourne Storm is normally no laughing matter.
Craig Bellamy has a reputation as the most meticulous coach in the game, so when he casts a critical eye over performances, there is nowhere to hide. Even the most seasoned stars have been eviscerated in front of their peers in the most brutal appraisal imaginable.
So you can imagine the players’ surprise when, after their 64-0 win over Wests Tigers in round 10, they filed in for their weekly critique to be addressed by a comedian instead of their often ill-tempered coach.
Figuring there was little to be gained by revisiting such a dominant victory, Chris Wainhouse, a regular funnyman on the Melbourne circuit, addressed the players. Describing himself on his socials as “Melbourne’s greatest tone-deaf social media influencer”, Wainhouse dispensed with tackle technique, game strategy and statistical analysis to instead entertain the troops with an impromptu set.
“He was pretty funny, too,” said Storm forward Alec MacDonald. “I’m sure it wasn’t [Bellamy’s] idea; someone would have had to convince him.
Comedian Chris Wainhouse.
“It’s important to have a bit of joy and laughter; it all helps with connection. Sometimes we take footy too seriously and the forgotten secret is team chemistry.”
Wainhouse, who is booked to tour with TV star Jim Jefferies, put on a show that left the players in stitches. Rather than single out the players – “I wish he did, it would have made for some good laughs,” mused MacDonald – the comic entertained the Storm with his own style of observational humour.
“He did his own content, it was pretty good,” MacDonald said.
“Obviously we didn’t expect it, we went in there thinking it was a review and then that happened. It’s a good memory.”
It’s not the first time MacDonald has seen Wainhouse’s show.
“I remember when the comedy festival was on in Melbourne, a few of us went to that,” he said. “I was up in the front and he made fun of me for my little moustache. He said I had mascara on or something. It was pretty good.”
Melbourne Storm’s Cameron Munster, Trent Loiero and Ryan Papenhuyzen celebrate a try.Credit: Getty Images
The Storm have built a reputation as one of the world’s most consistent sporting teams based on an unrelenting work ethic, meticulous attention to detail and a next-man-up philosophy. Those who have survived a Melbourne pre-season have spoken about the value it has brought to their game, as well as the physical and mental toll it exacts.
However, Wainhouse’s gig is also a pointer to the coaching staff’s understanding of when to knuckle down to serious business, and when a laugh is required.
Given most of the squad isn’t originally from Melbourne, there are a number of social activities staged that allow the players and their families to familiarise themselves. It is at one such gathering that MacDonald and fellow forward Joe Chan became best mates.
“We were doing ice baths and I got invited to kava night with a couple of the boys,” Chan recalled. “I asked [MacDonald] if he wanted to come with us and he was the only fair one there with us – nothing racial – but he was the only white guy there.
“He was into it. He was shy, we were joking around, he was looking for a roommate, I was looking for someone to live with as well, and it went from there.”
Wainhouse lightened the mood in the middle of a long and arduous season. However, normal service soon resumed. After losing to Cronulla in their next match, Bellamy did not see the funny side.
“That was a lot more dull, the next video review,” MacDonald quipped. “Maybe the [comedian] wasn’t a good idea.”
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