HOW TO SOOTHE CLUB’S BELLYACHE

There’d be no farewell more fitting than an NRL title for Craig Bellamy in his swan song season as head coach. But Melbourne were heavily beaten by Penrith and Brisbane in last year’s finals series, exposing the gulf between the Storm and the eventual grand finalists. Having made no major roster moves in 2024, there are questions over Bellamy having the stocks to be a genuine title contender.

BACKS

Rugby convert Will Warbrick, who was close to rookie of the year in 2023, and Origin star Xavier Coates are a formidable wing pairing. The reliable Nick Meaney will join Reimis Smith in the centres. It’s a backline that gives the side a solid mix of power, skill and reliability. Dean Ieremia will keep Smith on his toes during 2024, as will Marion Seve.

SPINE

At full strength, fullback Ryan

Papenhuyzen, hooker Harry Grant, five-eighth Cameron Munster and halfback Jahrome Hughes is a spine combination that would be the envy of any NRL team. Munster needs to be at his crafty best in 2024, while Hughes’ game continues to mature. Grant has cemented his place as the best rake in the game. The sky’s the limit for Papenhuyzen (ankle fracture) if he can stay healthy. To fire on all cylinders, the star quartet needs more from their engine room.

FORWARDS

Once a strength, Melbourne’s forward pack will be under the pump to step up in 2024. Go-forward eluded Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Christian Welch and Tui Kamikamica in the finals series when the side needed it most. Lock Trent Loiero, backrower Eliesa Katoa and Joe Chan bring youth but have to find another gear. Shawn Blore (Tigers) has stacks of untapped potential but is behind four-game rookie Kane Bradley for a spot on an edge.

Sua Fa’alogo, arguably Samoa’s best in the Pacific Championships, oozes attacking prowess. The 20-year old is the definition of an impact player. Ryan Papenhuyzen has the No.1 jumper but Fa’alogo provides the Storm an edge in attack, and coach Craig Bellamy needs to find a place for both fullbacks in 2024.