The Storm returned to the preliminary final in 2023. Can they go one step further in 2024?
Season Preview
While Melbourne returned to the preliminary final in 2023, it could be argued they overachieved. They had a heavy qualifying final loss to Brisbane (finally breaking their incredible winning streak against the Broncos) and Penrith in the preliminary final, and just squeezed past the Sydney Roosters in the semi-final. And their 16-8 regular season record wasn’t up to their usual high standards – though still good enough to finish third.
Craig Bellamy is returning for a 22nd season, and may only have a couple of years left, so the Storm will want to add another premiership before he leaves.
Melbourne have lost a number of players (Tariq Sims, Jayden Nikorima, George Jennings, Jordan Grant, Tom Eisenhuth, Justin Olam) and only gained Shawn Blore from the Wests Tigers.
The Storm have a nice start, with four of their first five games at home. But that balances out with just two home games in the last seven rounds.
They also play five fellow finalists twice (Penrith, Brisbane, NZ Warriors, Newcastle Knights, and Sydney Roosters). And their amazing Round 1 winning record could be under threat as they open the season against Penrith at AAMI Park.
One of the big issues is Ryan Papenhuyzen’s health. After nearly a year out following the 2023 elimination final injury, Papenhuyzen injured his ankle in the qualifying final loss to Brisbane. He’s said he’s ready to go for 2024 and wants to reclaim the fullback jersey, with Nick Meaney to switch to the centres. If a fit Papenhuyzen can form a consistent spine with Cameron Munster, Jahrome Hughes, and new captain Harry Grant, then the Storm will be in for a big year.
While they’ve lost some talent, as long as Bellamy’s in charge, the Storm will push for a top four spot. But can they go one better in 2024 and make another grand final?
Best Signing
Embed from Getty ImagesIt’s been a quiet off-season for Melbourne, with Shawn Blore the main signing as part of the Justin Olam trade. He played 33 games for the Tigers. Will he break into the Storm pack straight away, or will he have to bide his time in the Queensland Cup?
Key Player
Embed from Getty ImagesThe New Zealander Will Warbrick (and former NZ Rugby Sevens player) had a breakout 2023, with 17 tries in 25 games, including four against the Wests Tigers in Round 16 (though he was overshadowed by the excitement over’s Alex Twal drought breaking try).
Warbrick will want to back up his excellent debut season, and maintain his high try scoring strike rate.
Player to Watch
Embed from Getty ImagesWhile he only played one NRL game in 2023, Sualauvi Faalogo still made an impact: scoring two tries in the Storm’s Round 27 win over Brisbane.
He also played in both of Samoa’s Pacific Championship games (at fullback).
Though he may have to wait for regular first grade appearances (either during the busy Origin period or if the Storm choose to rest players before the finals), he’s an exciting prospect for the future.
Number Crunching
Premiers: 4 (1999, 2012, 2017, 2020)
Minor Premierships: 5 (2011, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2021)
10 years win/loss record: 171 wins, 65 losses (72.5%)
5 years win/loss record: 88 wins, 18 losses (75.9%)
2023 win/loss record: 16 wins, 8 losses (66.7%)
NRL Finals Appearances since 2014: 10 (2014-2023)
NRL Finals win/loss record since 2014: 14 wins, 10 losses (58.3%)
Biggest win since 2014: 60, vs New Zealand Warriors (70-10, 25/4/22, AAMI Park)
Biggest loss since 2014: 34, vs Penrith Panthers (4-38, 22/9/23, Accor Stadium)
