Melbourne Storm

The 33-year-old is focused on returning to his superstar form after making his comeback from two long injury-plagued years.

The 33-year-old is focused on returning to his superstar form after making his comeback from two long injury-plagued years.

"(Cronk's decision) is a totally separate issue to me," Slater said. "This won't determine what I'll do next year and I haven’t really thought about that.

"I've been lucky to be down here for 15 years now. I've brought up a young family down here.

"I'm just enjoying playing football again. I've had three games under my belt now and hopefully I'll get many more before I have to make that decision."

The Storm's "Big Three" all rank in the top 10 for most victories, and Smith acknowledged the significance his long-time companions Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk have had in helping to accomplish the resounding feat of winning 238 first-grade games.

Aspiring premiership contenders Penrith were motivated to earn a landmark victory in Melbourne but the Storm held them scoreless in the second half, continuously repelling the many attacks on their own tryline.

It's been hard enough having to fill the void of pre-season departures of Blake Green, Marika Koroibete and Kevin Proctor, but Melbourne have found a way.

In their absence several of the Storm's youngsters have stood up for the side to jump out of the gates to an impressive unbeaten 3-0 start.

The 22-year-old left AAMI Park with blood dripping from his mouth following a head clash with Brisbane winger Corey Oates midway through the second half.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy said Munster was likely to have a plate inserted.

Despite a new-look team, several debutants and suffering injuries to key players, the Storm remain undefeated in claiming gutsy wins in both their games on the road under torrential conditions.

Extending their incredible streak was an impressive feat on the road in front of a hostile home crowd and in tough wet-weather conditions. 

However, it is only Round 1 and captain Cameron Smith knows there's a long way to go for Melbourne to return to the Telstra Premiership decider. 

"I don't think I've ever played a Round 1 game and come away and thought 'it can't get any better than that'," Smith said. 

"I think there are some fundamental things we need to improve on – there's no doubt about that."

Now, as they enter their 20th season in the competition, the Storm are considered one of the powerhouse clubs in Australian sport and will head into the 2017 Telstra Premiership as title favourites alongside the Penrith Panthers. 

But Storm assistant Adam O'Brien says it "won't be the end of the world" if the veteran fullback misses the start of the NRL season.

Melbourne are hopeful off-contract Slater can finally overcome a second straight shoulder reconstruction this season.