2023 Preview: Melbourne Storm

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There's still life left in the Storm

Many have predicted the demise of the Melbourne Storm with every key departure, yet Craig Bellamy's men continue to laugh in the face of naysayers with defiant glee.

Coming into 2023 determined to atone for an underwhelming week one finals exit on home soil, the Victorian-based club will be determined to avoid another horror run with injuries and vie for a premiership in what may prove to be Bellamy's final year at the helm.

Remaining one of the most formidable rosters in the league with a spine rating as the envy of all others, Bellamy will enter his 21st season with the club boasting the greatest winning percentage of all current coaches in the league (69.5%) and overseeing the most grand final victories in the NRL era.

Losing a wealth of experience up front including long-serving front-rower Jesse Bromwich, former Dragons forward Tariq Sims headlines the new faces alongside unrealised talent Eliesa Katoa, while highly respected prop Christian Welch will return after being cruelly cut down by injury in the opening match of last season.

The Storm will feature in the first match of the 2023 season against the Eels at Bankwest Stadium.

Why they'll win it

Boasting a best 17 containing six premiership winners and more than a dozen representatives, the Storm will rate their chances of featuring deep into September should injuries prove more favourable than last season.
 
Holding a revered reputation for turning fringe first-graders into representative stars over the course of two decades, the addition of one-time Warriors wunderkind Eliesa Katoa shapes as a masterstroke, while Joe Chan, continuing in the footsteps of his father Alex, could be a long-term proposition after beginning his professional career with French-based Super League club Catalans.

Set to regain the services of Ryan Papenhuyzen, George Jennings, Reimis Smith and Christian Welch following extended stints on the sideline, the esteemed quartet will bring a wealth of experience to the side, particularly in strengthening the backline stocks which were cruelled during the closing stages of 2022.

Why they won't

While it would be foolish to suggest a club as esteemed as Melbourne will miss the finals entirely, the enormous loss of experience in the forward pack leaves a void that cannot be patched up with fringe players and discards.

Losing close to 1,000 games of on-field experience with the departures of Jesse Bromwich, Kenny Bromwich, Felise Kaufusi and Brandon Smith, the larger impact will be felt in the loss of culture throughout the organisation and in setting standards on the training paddock.

In addition, the Storm struggled against formidable opposition in 2022, winning five of their 14 matches against top eight opposition, to go from premiership hopefuls to also-rans in the most disappointing end to a season during Bellamy's tenure.

Key Player

Finishing 2022 as a pivotal member of the triumphant Queensland and Australian teams, Harry Grant will head into the new year facing the greatest challenge of his young career.

Working in tandem with Brandon Smith over the past two seasons as part of a potent dummy half combination, Grant will be tasked with the enormous responsibility of becoming an 80 minute starting player capable of defending resolutely and creating points in equal measure.

With the Storm backing the 25-year-old on a deal running until at least the end of 2025, Grant will be expected to deliver on his reputation as a star of the present.

Rookie to watch

Earning plaudits for his performance in the Under 19s State of Origin fixture last season, emerging playmaker Jonah Pezet will be sure to come into calculations for a first grade debut in 2023.

Joining the Storm from Newcastle as a teenager, the 20-year-old has spent time with the Victorian Thunderbolts and Brisbane Tigers, along with gaining a taste of first grade during the trials.

Contracted to the club for a further two years, expect the son of former South Queensland and Parramatta halfback Troy Pezet to gain his shot during the representative period.

2023 Storm squad

Player Movements

Gains: Joe Chan (Dragons - SL), Eliesa Katoa (Warriors), Aaron Pene (Warriors), Tariq Sims (Dragons)

Losses: Jesse Bromwich (Dolphins), Kenny Bromwich (Dolphins), Felise Kaufusi (Dolphins), Brandon Smith (Roosters), Cooper Johns (Sea Eagles), Tyson Smoothy (Broncos)

Best 17

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen
2. Nick Meaney
3. Reimis Smith
4. Justin Olam
5. Xavier Coates
6. Cameron Munster
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. Christian Welch
9. Harry Grant
10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
11. Tariq Sims
12. Eliesa Katoa
13. Josh King

14. Tyran Wishart
15. Tui Kamikamica
16. Aaron Pene
17. Trent Loiero

2023 Draw

Eyeing off a Round 1 victory for the 21st time in succession opposite Parramatta in the season opener at Bankwest Stadium, the Storm will be eyeing a fast start with clashes against lowly Canterbury-Bankstown, Gold Coast and Wests Tigers to follow over the opening month.

Receiving byes at optimal intervals during the course of the year, the Storm will be well-rested heading into Magic Round (Round 9) and have the luxury of only playing one match without their representative stars due to byes in Round 13 and 19.

Facing Penrith, Parramatta and Sydney multiple times during the year, the Storm will round out the home-and-away season with an away trip to Brisbane.