That was the key ingredient missing from Port Saints in their opening-round 2-1 loss to Macleay Valley on Saturday.

But coach Darrell Pascoe will hope his side is better for the run when they Coffs Harbour-based side Northern Storm head south on the highway for the trip to Findlay Park this Saturday.

"The back end of the first half we got a bit tired last week which was totally expected," he said.

Players such as Zane Haywood and goalkeeper Anthony Scarbellow were strong, while defensively Pascoe was impressed with how his men largely thwarted the highly-fancied Rangers attack.

"I thought our backs were really good; Sam Hazelton-Kelly was outstanding. MVR threw a lot at us and they scrambled really well."

The Storm opened their account with a 2-1 win over Taree Wildcats last Saturday.

Meanwhile, Port United will again be on the road when they head to Polwarth Drive and a 5pm Saturday clash with Coffs Coast Tigers.

United have arguably the toughest draw of any team in the competition with their first five games all on the road.

They don't play at Dixie Park until August 1 and only have two games at home at the more friendly time of 3pm Saturday all season.

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