TEAMS: NSWRL U17 UNE Harold Matthews Cup - 2024 Round 8
4 mins ago | LeagueUnlimited Media
The Melbourne Storm will go around once again with their big three of Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater descending further into their 30s.
It was almost this very fact that had many in the NRL writing the Storm off to qualify for the finals before last season began.
Not even Billy Slater's absence in the back half of the season could derail Melbourne as they were one win away from another grand final appearance.
With their 2016 campaign due to start with a revitalised Slater, a dynamic Cameron Munster and another season of experience for young forwards Jordan McLean and Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Melbourne are quietly in a better position to start the season than last year and are primed for a second consecutive top four appearance.
Melbourne will open their season from home and play four of their first six games at AAMI Park. A strong start to the season will be essential for when the Storm enter the origin period. Much to the dismay of Storm fans their team will play five of their first 11 games on Monday nights.
WHY THEY'LL WIN IT
It may well be the last season for Craig Bellamy as coach of the Storm and for Cronk in Melbourne. After coming close to the title last season they'll be motivated to add another championship to their era. The turnarounds between games are much improved for the Storm which should please Bellamy and Smith. Only once will in the first 20 rounds will they have a five day turnaround.
WHY THEY WON'T
During the past couple of seasons when the Storm lose a game it's often because they've been bested by the opposing team's forward pack. With title contending teams such as the North Queensland Cowboys, Brisbane Broncos, South Sydney Rabbitohs and New Zealand Warriors all boasting incredibly tough packs, Jesse Bromwich may not be able to do enough for the Storm to overcome this weakness.
KEY PLAYERS
Cooper Cronk
The Storm were able to make it to a preliminary final last year despite the midseason loss of Billy Slater. Cronk was able to run a potent attack without his best backline player. This is a contract season for Cronk and potentially his last in the NRL, he'll need to be fit and firing for Melbourne.
Cameron Smith
It has been a remarkable career for Cameron ‘Vino' Smith and once again the Storm will rely on his leadership, savvy and goal kicking. The amount of NRL minutes Smith has endured across his illustrious time with Melbourne, Queensland and Australia will mean extra caution is be required when Craig Bellamy decides to get Smith backing up from origin or playing injured.
ROOKIE TO WATCH
Curtis Scott
A New South Wales product, Scott played for the U18 New South Wales and the U18 Australian Schoolboys sides in 2015 which led to him signing a three year contract with the Storm. In previous seasons the left wing position has been a turnstile for players and Cheyse Blair will get the first opportunity there, but underwhelming performances may see Scott get a debut.
PLAYER MOVEMENT IN
Cheyse Blair (Sea Eagles)
Matt White (Titans)
Jeremy Hawkins, Mark Nicholls (Raiders)
PLAYER MOVEMENT OUT
Matt Duffie (Rugby Union)
Mahe Fonua (ESL - Hull FC)
Ryan Hinchcliffe (ESL - Huddersfield)
Kurt Mann, Shaun Nona (Dragons)
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Warriors)
Hymel Hunt (Rabbitohs)
Tom Learoyd-Lahrs (Retirement)
Dayne Weston (UK - Leigh)
BEST 17
1. Billy Slater
2. Marika Koroibete
3. Will Chambers
4. Cameron Munster
5. Cheyse Blair
6. Blake Green
7. Cooper Cronk
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Cameron Smith
10. Jordan McLean
11. Kevin Proctor
12. Tohu Harris
13. Dale Finucane
14. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
15. Tim Glasby
16. Kenneth Bromwich
17. Mark Nicholls