Every year the doubters predict the demise of the Storm – and Craig Bellamy invariably proves them wrong.
The Storm will be shooting for a remarkable 13th straight season in the finals in 2023 – but cracks are starting to appear in their armour.
The departure of the nucleus of the pack in recent season – Felise Kaufusi (Dolphins), Brandon Smith (Roosters), Jesse Bromwich (Dolphins) and Kenny Bromwich (Dolphins) – leaves the Storm looking distinctly vulnerable up front.
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It’s a challenge for Bellamy – but you would be foolish to write off the man widely accepted as the best coach in rugby league.
2022 finishing position: 5th
Gains: Eliesa Katoa (Warriors), Tariq Sims (Dragons), Joe Chan (Catalans), Aaron Pene (Warriors).
Losses: Felise Kaufusi (Dolphins), Brandon Smith (Roosters), Jesse Bromwich (Dolphins), Kenny Bromwich (Dolphins), David Nofoaluma (Wests Tigers – return from loan), Cooper Johns (Sea Eagles).
Best 17:
Ryan Papenhuyzen
Nick Meaney
Reimis Smith
Justin Olam
Xavier Coates
Cameron Munster
Jahrome Hughes
Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Harry Grant
Christian Welch
Eliesa Katoa
Trent Loiero
Tui Kamikamica
Bench:
Tyran Wishart
Tom Eisenhuth
Alec MacDonald
Josh King
Best buy: Eliesa Katoa showed great promise at the Warriors and should walk into the Storm pack following all the club’s off season departures. A sprinkle of the Bellamy magic dust should turn him into a real weapon.
Biggest loss: Brandon Smith is world class – and a player who can go 80 minutes alternating between lock and hooker. He will be missed big time.
Greatest strength: The halfback combination of Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes
Biggest question mark: The ability to remain a major force having lost so many experienced players over the summer. It’s happened before and they have maintained the rage – but sooner or later surely they will come back to the field.
Man under pressure: Cameron Munster is one of the game’s genuine superstars but he is also a bit of a ‘wild child’ off the field. He needs a huge year for the Storm to be a title threat.
Predicted 2023 finishing position: 7th
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