Storm 2023 preview: Was last year an omen or just one down season?

The Melbourne Storm are looking to bounce back from a sobering first-round exit in the NRL playoffs last season at the same time as the club braces to be without little flying fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen for some time.

Several huge re-signings, especially Cameron Munster, has buoyed the club backrooms.

But, on the field performances have been dragged down by injuries and a raft of missing cattle towards the end of last year cost the Storm a streak of making preliminary finals or even playing in the big dance that had stretched all the way back to 2015. With Craig Bellamy potentially in the last preseason of his coaching career, the Melbourne dynasty may be waning.

There’s still a depth of international and Origin reps steaming to see Bellamy out—if he does call time—with a bang, but only time will tell if 2022 was a stumble for the Storm or a warning of something worse.

Last year’s finish: 5th, 15 wins and nine losses

Last ten NRL campaigns: 5th (Qualifying), 1st (Prelim), 2nd (Premiers), 1st (Prelim), 2nd (Runners-up), 1st (Premiers), 1st (Runners-up), 4th (Prelim), 6th (Qualifying), 3rd (Semi)

Predicted Round 1 lineup

1. Tyran Wishart
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. Trent Loiero
13. Josh King
14. Tyson Smoothy
15. Tui Kamikamica
16. Eliesa Katoa
17. Tepai Moeroa

Coach: Craig Bellamy

Biggest losses: Brandon Smith, Jesse, Kenny Bromwich Biggest gains: Tariq Sims

How 2023 is looking for Melbourne

It’s funny to say that Melbourne is starting to look a little ragged with so many superstars in their ranks, not least of all Origin dynamos like Cameron Munster, Harry Grant, and Christian Welch, but there’s something starting to look a little off-kilter down south.

Firstly, Ryan Papenhuyzen being ruled out to start the season is a big blow. Tyran Wishart, who will slot into the halves or at fullback, is no pushover, but he’s definitely no Pappy either. And that draws the eyes to the biggest issue Melbourne may buckle under once push comes to shove (or the injuries start to pile up): plenty of stars left. Not many came the other way.

For the first time in years, Melbourne may not be able to draw on the ‘next man up’ anymore.

In years past Craig Bellamy’s side has never missed a beat despite losing big names to other clubs, injury, or retirement, but that mystical power seems to be waning in 2023. This is particularly true in the pack, where names like Trent Loiero and Alec MacDonald are popping up. If things take a turn for the worst and once Origin rolls around, Melbourne could be in a spot of bother.

All that said, the Storm has risen to each and every challenge this century, constantly challenging for the title and even winning two in the last six, with two more grand finals on top of that. You can never truly rule them out.

Predicted 2023 finish: 5th

First five: Eels (A), Bulldogs (H), Titans (A), Tigers (H), Rabbitohs (A)

TopSport odds: Premiers $6.50, Make Top 4: $1.75, Make Final 8: $1.16, Miss The Top 8: $5

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