The Storm have won six of their past seven clashes but ahead of their Friday night meeting in Canberra Bellamy believes the Raiders are a different proposition this season.

Canberra's defence in their opening 21-0 win over Gold Coast looked much improved on the back of their smaller but more mobile pack.

It was the first time since 2013 that they've held a team to nil.

"I talk to Rick (Raiders coach Ricky Stuart) quite regularly and one of the areas that they wanted to be better at than last year was defence and they certainly did that," Bellamy said on Thursday.

"The wet conditions were tough for both sides but to keep an NRL team to zero is a pretty good trick these days so they defended really well."

Stuart said it was no secret he was pleased with the strength of their defence in the opening round.

"It's only one game but you've got to start somewhere and I'm not hiding from the fact I was very happy with our defence," Stuart said.

"We're playing against a very different football team, but if we're as disciplined towards our processes of defence ... then I'll be happy."

Bellamy said he would be looking for his big bodies - Jesse Bromwich and Nelson Asofa-Solomona - to use their size advantage to help the Storm dominate their opponents, who have shed 122kg Shannon Boyd and 123kg Junior Paulo.

"Boyd and Paulo are two of the other biggest players in the comp so they've obviously decided to change the style that they've been playing in the last couple of years," Bellamy said.

"All we can go on is their trial form - they won both their trials and they were very impressive last week so it looks like it's working for them."

The Raiders have a key inclusion with star winger Jordan Rapana returning from a shoulder reconstruction a stunning two months ahead of schedule.

Stuart said he was looking forward to seeing Rapana renew his connection with Joey Leilua, which is their only change to the team which trumped the Titans.

"They've (Rapana and Leilua) got their own little bit of communication, those two boys, and I wouldn't want to get in the middle of that because it'd do your head in," Stuart said.

"Having that type of combination back is very good, but what pleases me is I've got a little bit of depth there."

STATS THAT MATTER

* Canberra have won just 11 of 41 games against Melbourne - their worst win percentage against any club.

* In 2013 the Storm equalled their largest win when they defeated the Raiders 68-4 - which also ranks as the Raiders' biggest loss.

* The Raiders are the only side Storm winger Josh Addo-Carr is yet to have a linebreak against.

(Stats: Fox Sports)

Australian Associated Press