Such is the expectation surrounding the Melbourne Storm that despite making their 12th consecutive NRL finals showing in 2022, some viewed last season as a disappointment.
Expected by many fans to add to their run of seven straight preliminary finals appearance following an explosive start to the year, the side eventually succumbed to an injury-riddled season to finish fifth on the ladder.
The nature in which they were knocked out by the Canberra Raiders on home turf will have left a burning desire to many at the club to turn things around in 2023, none more so than coach Craig Bellamy.
This season, the side will arguably be starting on the back foot and will have to defy the doubters with the departure from the club of four representative-level forwards and uncertainty around Ryan Papenhuyzen's fitness.
However, with Bellamy signed on to coach his 21st season in the NRL in 2023, and with a first-choice halves pairing the envy of the league, it will be a brave person who writes them off.
Match: Eels v Storm
Round 1 -
home Team
Eels
12th Position
away Team
Storm
6th Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Predicted Round 1 team
- Nick Meaney
- Will Warbrick
- Reimis Smith
- Grant Anderson
- Xavier Coates
- Cameron Munster
- Jahrome Hughes
- Nelson Asofa-Solomona
- Harry Grant
- Christian Welch
- Eliesa Katoa
- Trent Loiero
- Josh King
- Tyran Wishart
- Tom Eisenhuth
- Alec MacDonald
- Aaron Pene
Other: Ryan Papenhuyzen (injured), Justin Olam (injured), Tariq Sims (injured), George Jennings (injured), Jonah Pezet, Dean Ieremia (injured), Tui Kamikamica (injured), Jack Howarth, Jayden Nikorima, Joe Chan, Jordan Grant, Marion Seve, Tepai Moeroa, Cole Geyer (development), Sualauvi Faalogo (development), Tristan Powell (development)
The best NRL tries from the Storm in 2022
Squad watch
- Squad spots filled: 30/30
Much has been made about the loss of experience in the Storm forward pack with skipper Jesse Bromwich, his brother Kenny and Tongan representative Felise Kaufusi all moving north to the Dolphins.
Brandon Smith, who alternated between hooker and lock when coming off the bench, has also departed the club to join with the Roosters, leaving the side's forward pack almost unrecognisable.
However, to counter the drain of experience, the side have secured Tariq Sims from the Dragons, while an exciting young signing is Eliesa Katoa from the Warriors, who could be anything under the coaching of Bellamy.
Joe Chan from Catalans is the son of former Storm player Alex Chan, with the second rower joining on a two-year contract. Prop Aaron Pene is also returning to the club after spending the 2022 season with the Warriors.
The squad is filled with all top 30 spots taken, but it is interesting to see what they do about their depth at dummy half, with only Harry Grant and Jayden Nikorima listed as hookers in the Storm squad.
Tyran Wishart proved last year that he is adept at filling in the role and is a useful utility, as his first-choice position is halfback.
Health watch
The Storm's backline stocks are already being tested, with confirmation that Dean Ieremia will miss the season with an ACL injury, and centre Justin Olam won't be back until Round 5 at the earliest after suffering a forearm fracture in the opening minutes of Melbourne's Pre-season Challenge clash against the Roosters.
They'll also be without star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen until at least Round 6 and possibly longer depending on how he progresses with a strength program for his right leg.
Experienced forward Tui Kamikamica will miss up to six weeks as well with a tendon injury in his foot.
A calf injury has kept former NSW Origin forward Tariq Sims out of the trials. He is building towards a return to full training and should be available in the early rounds of the season.
Winger George Jennings should be back by Round 4 after a medical illness delayed the winger’s final stages of recovery from his ACL operation, while centre Marion Seve remains unable to train with the main group due to cartilage issue.
Christian Welch: 'Tracking well for Round 1'
Most contentious position
Unlike other seasons we're used to at the Storm, this year could see plenty of competition for spots and surprise selections by Bellamy.
The Storm have plenty of options to help cover the loss of Kenny Bromwich and Felise Kaufusi in the second row and also have strong contenders for prop, but the question is which of them will start.
Christian Welch's return is almost like a new signing with the Maroons representative to resume his spot up front.
Their depth was pushed to their limits during the injury-hit 2022 season, which gave otherwise fringe players the chance to experience some consistent NRL.
The bench utility spot is also an interesting position, with Jayden Nikorima and Tyran Wishart the most likely contenders.
Biggest strength
Despite some challenges to overcome, there are plenty of positives in the Storm squad that should have fans hopeful of yet another finals appearance this year.
Craig Bellamy is locked into the club until 2027, but this could be his final season with the clipboard in hand before he fully transitions into the coaching director role at the club.
However, one of the biggest strengths of the side is the spine, especially when Papenhuyzen is fit.
The signature of last year’s Dally M winning five-eighth of the year Cameron Munster was finally secured before he headed to the Rugby League World Cup in a huge boost for the side.
Munster played one of his best ever seasons last year and partnered with halfback Jahrome Hughes and hooker Harry Grant, the Storm can win plenty of games thanks to their skill.
If the spine can stay on the paddock, there is plenty of firepower to cause inroads in the competition.
Biggest question mark
The Storm will go into the 2023 season one of the most intriguing with key departures leaving plenty of pundits writing off their chances of staying a force in the NRL.
While the side will no doubt have a fire in the belly to do better and once again prove people wrong, there is no doubt that they do have losses to overcome.
How are they going to cope without familiar senior players no longer around? Can their key players all stay on the field? Will Melbourne's style of play evolve again under Bellamy.
Although there are a stable of young guns coming through the ranks, including the likes of highly regarded second rower Jack Howarth, big game experience and the ability to push on when the going gets tough can be priceless.
The dynamism which was offered by Brandon Smith will be another factor to address, while there is also a question mark on the players returning from long-term injury and if they will recover their best form.
In potentially his final season, it could be Bellamy's biggest challenge yet.
Pre-season Challenge information
- February 12: Melbourne Storm v Sydney Roosters at GMHBA Stadium, Geelong
- February 19: Melbourne Storm v Warriors at Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch
