Craig Bellamy’s long goodbye enters another year, with the veteran supercoach preparing to lead the Melbourne Storm into a 22nd campaign and potentially the third premiership of his illustrious career.
He certainly has the firepower to do it too, especially with Ryan Papenhuyzen finally coming back from another freak injury.
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That fourth (unstripped) premiership could even have come last year, but with Pappy sidelined and the indomitable Panthers marching to a third straight, the Storm had to bide their time. Now, heading into 2024, they look just as much a chance as they have been throughout the 2020s.
Last year’s finish: Third (prelims), 16 wins and eight losses
Last ten NRL campaigns: 3rd (prelim), 5th (qualifying), 1st (prelim), 2nd (premiers), 1st (prelim), 2nd (runners-up), 1st (premiers), 1st (runners-up), 4th (prelim), 6th (qualifying)
Predicted Round 1 lineup
- Ryan Papenhuyzen
- Will Warbrick
- Reimis Smith
- Nick Meaney
- Xavier Coates
- Cameron Munster
- Jahrome Hughes
- Nelson Asofa-Solomona
- Harry Grant
- Christian Welch
- Eliesa Katoa
- Kane Bradley
- Josh King
- Bronson Garlick
- Tui Kamikamica
- Trent Loiero
- Aaron Pene
Biggest losses: Tom Eisenhuth, Justin Olam Biggest gains: Shawn Blore
How 2024 is looking for Melbourne
The Storm is, alongside the Knights, Broncos, and reigning champions the Panthers, one of the four challengers for this season in the eyes of this The Sporting Base writer. Not only do they have Bellamy pulling the strings but their spine is absolutely stacked with Papenhuyzen back.
Running down the line, Papenhuyzen, Munster, Hughes, and Grant ranks as easily the best four-player playmaking combination in the comp. Other teams may have individuals that rate higher, like Ponga at fullback for the Knights or Cleary for the Panthers, but on paper, no team can beat Melbourne’s beating heart. The only worry, of course, is if they lose any of the pieces.
Outside the spine gets a little lighter for star power, but Bellamy has proven over the last two decades that it’s how he likes to build his teams. The spine four will lift the rest of the team.
There’s every chance the Storm play in October. They could even be the best chance to stop a Penrith fourth.
Predicted 2024 finish: 3rd
First five: Panthers (H), Warriors (H), Knights (A), BYE, Broncos (H)
TopSport odds: Premiers $10, Make Top 4: $2.60, Make Final 8: $1.45, Miss The Top 8: $2.65
Pass mark: Preliminary finals again.
