Melbourne are happy to see their former NRL teammate Antonio Kaufusi flourish at North Queensland, just not this Saturday night.

Kaufusi joined the Cowboys this year after six seasons with the Storm, where he earned Queensland State of Origin and Test honours.

But it was during his only Origin appearance that the hulking forward damaged his knee, ending his 2007 season.

Further injuries meant he was unable to recapture that representative form before leaving Melbourne, however he has shown glimpses of his best since heading north on a three-year deal.

He is part of a formidable forward pack that includes former internationals Carl Webb and Luke O'Donnell as well as Shane Tronc and hard-hitting newcomer Manasa Manuokafoa.

While the star backs, most notably Johnathan Thurston, steered the Cowboys to an impressive 42-14 win over Wests Tigers last round, the victory was attributed to the pack's dominance.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy was pleased to see Kaufusi doing well for his new club.

"We're just glad he's started the season off very strongly, he's a very talented player," Bellamy said.

"He was here for six years with us and he put a lot of heart and soul into this club.

"He left here on very good terms so we're happy to see him play well and do well.

"Hopefully he'll have a off night on Saturday night but other than that we wish him all the best."

Bellamy was well aware of the North Queensland forwards' strengths, and also those of the in-form Thurston.

"They played really well at the weekend, to put 40 points on in round two is a really good effort and they only got beat by a field goal by the Broncos (in round one) as well so they're obviously in really good form," Bellamy said.

"They've got really big forwards so they get a fair possession of the ball, they keep coming at you and they're hard to stop.

"But certainly your main focus is going to be on Thurston and (Matt) Bowen."

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