Melbourne Storm 2015 Preview

The Melbourne Storm are ageing and they are becoming less feared as the years go by. Melbourne were up to their old tricks early last season, for the most part, but for the second year in a row, they bombed. They were knocked out when a merciless Bulldogs tore them to shreds at AAMI Park in the first week of the finals. Nothing seemed to be perfect for the Storm in 2014, it all felt a little bit off and as the season progressed cracks were showing. Late in matches, they appeared to be disorganised and this is not a quality we associate regularly with the Storm, but has the run finally ended?

The Melbourne Storm previews have always centred on the big three and their ability to perform. But finally, a shift is being seen. The Storm will be without Cameron Smith for the first few weeks of the 2015 season and as he approaches his retirement, injuries may begin to occur regularly. Billy Slater has just been through his first full pre-season since 2007, surely that much football will take a toll on his body soon and Cooper Cronk still hasn't found a partner in the halves putting all the pressure on his shoulders. The Big Three are slowly but surely slowing down and becoming predictable. And after a long list of departures with lots of experience, this season the onus needs to fall on the young, mobile forward pack, the new five eighth and a fresh approach from the coach. The Storm have another title within their sights, but only time will tell if they can claim it.

WHY THEY'LL WIN IT
Talent and combination. The Storm look to have put together a great, young forward pack that has the ability to do plenty of damage. When, now Warrior, Ryan Hoffman announced his departure there was a little concern over their big game experience but this has been bolstered by grand final experienced ex-Bulldog Dale Finucane and former Raider Tom Learoyd-Lahrs. Finucane comes in search of minutes, and they are minutes he will get, while Learoyd-Lahrs will be strong off the bench and inject experience when needed most. A big reason the Storm have not been able to capture a title over the past two seasons is their lack of a quality six. If Blake Green, a journeyman with 132 games across the NRL and Super League, can hold his own and cement his spot in the side, Melbourne will be dangerous. 

WHY THEY WON'T
Same mistakes of last season. They didn't have a regular five eighth who was good enough to go toe to toe with the giants of the NRL, at times lacked creativity and relied heavily on Smith, Slater, Cronk and Hoffman. They need to have this issue address or this season could be even longer for Melbourne. Also, if their outside backs succumb to long term injuries Melbourne might not have the depth to cover them this season. The Storm are in the middle of being vulnerable to dropping out of the 8 and competing on the first Sunday in October.

PLAYER TO WATCH
Blake Green
Green will join the Storm brining a wealth of knowledge and experience returning to the NRL after 89 appearances in the Super League with Wigan and Hull KR. The talented six found his feet overseas after he was unable to truly establish himself across stints with the Parramatta Eels (6 games in 2007), Cronulla Sharks (19 games, 2008-09) and the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs (18 games in 2010) in the NRL. The 28 year old is a lot more experienced and could bring much relief to Cooper Cronk with a fresh vision on the game and new outside back combinations. Craig Bellamy does know how to bring out the best in his players and if Blake stays fit, he and Cronk could be very lethal. Is the grass Green on the other side?

ROOKIE TO WATCH
Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Big Nelson is going to be a huge star in the NRL and he is already being likened to Sonny Bill Williams. If he gets a run in the purple jersey this year, expect him to do enough to stay there. The hulking 112kg second rower has a mean offloading game and footage on YouTube from his days in Rugby show highlights of him steamrolling opponent after opponent. Now in the famous Storm development system and the future for this kid, and Melbourne, look bright. Seriously, check this kid out here.

PLAYER MOVEMENTS
Gains - Tom Learoyd-Lahrs (Raiders), Shaun Nona (Northern Pride), Blake Green (Wigan Warriors), Dale Finucane (Bulldogs)
Losses - Ryan Hoffman (Warriors), Sisa Waqa, Rhys Kennedy (Raiders), Justin O'Neill (Cowboys), Bryan Norrie (Retired), George Rose (Dragons), Cody Walker (Rabbitohs), Mitch Garbutt (Broncos), Ben Roberts, Junior Moors (Castleford Tigers)

BEST LINE-UP
1. Billy Slater
2. Marika Koroibete
3. Will Chambers
4. Mahe Fonua
5. Matt Duffie
6. Blake Green
7. Cooper Cronk
8. Jordan McClean
9. Cam Smith (Captain)
10. Jesse Bromwich
11. Tohu Harris
12. Kevin Proctor
13. Dale Finucane
Interchange: 14. Tom Learoyd-Lahrs 15. Kenny Bromwich  16. Ryan Hinchcliffe 17. Tim Glasby