Storm 2025 preview: Out and out favourites

We’re calling it for 2025: The Melbourne Storm will top the ladder again and end the Penrith Panthers’ dynasty. Yes, big call, but Craig Bellamy’s men have the star power and experience to do it.

There’s no question the Storm have the best spine in the NRL, with Ryan Papenhuyzen, Cameron Munster, Jahrome Hughes (the reigning Dally M medalist, remember), and Harry Grant all out-and-out elite players in their respective positions. With them leading the team, there’s no doubt they’re among the top contenders.

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The edge that the 2024 runners-up have over the champs, the Panthers, is roster consistency; not much is changing.

For Penrith, 2025 is bringing a year without Jarome Luai playing next to Nathan Cleary. For the Storm, this new campaign means a fit and firing Munster and a Papenhuyzen who has got NRL matches under his belt again after his monster time on the sideline. Hughes is in career best form and Grant is unquestionably the best hooker in the world. Then add a prop pickup in Stefano Utoikamanu to replace the outgoing Christian Welch and things are looking very good for the NRL’s southern powerhouse.

There are a few tough spots though, including the fact the pack has to rely on players like Trent Loiero and Shawn Blore in key roles. There’s nothing particularly wrong with these big fellas, but they’re not among the very best in the competition there. Similarly, the bench could be stronger.

That’s never proven to be a big stopper for Bellamy though, who milks every ounce of talent from his players.

It’s also very easy to look good when the new-age “big four” in Pappy, Munster, Hughes, and Grant are serving chances on platters.

When October rolls around, it will be a big surprise if the Storm aren’t one of the two final teams preparing to play the competition’s biggest game. Even better for Bellamy – who may well finally be one a curtain call, for all we know – he has the 2024 pain to draw on for the team. Melbourne will be terrifying this time around.

Round 1 side: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero Bench: 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Lazarus Vaalepu

Coach: Craig Bellamy (23rd year)

Biggest loss: Christian Welch (retired) Biggest gain: Stefano Utoikamanu

First five: Eels (H), BYE, Panthers (H), Dragons (A), Sea Eagles (A)

Last year’s finish: 1st

Predicted 2025 finish: 1st

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TopSport odds: Premiers: $3.85, Top 4: $1.40, Final 8: $1.08, Most Losses: $251