The Storm celebrate Dane Nielsen's try. NRL Rugby League, Round 4 Melbourne Storm v St George Illawarra Dragons at Etihad Stadium, Friday April 2nd 2010. Digital image by Colin Whelan © nrlphotos.com
The Melbourne Storm’s reputation as the greatest NRL outfit over the past decade suffered a massive blow last season when it was revealed the club had been rorting the salary cap for the past four years.
It proved to be the biggest sporting scandal in Australian sports history, with the Storm stripped of two NRL premierships and three minor premierships. The Storm were also whacked with a $500,000 fine and ended up playing for no competition points from round six onwards.
Playing for nothing but pride last season, the Storm were condemned to finish as wooden spooners for the first time in their history, despite the fact they still won 14 matches.
But with the lull of playing for no competition points behind them now, the Storm approach season 2011 with renowned optimism.
Having lost established premiership stars Greg Inglis, Brett White, Aiden Toleman, Jeff Lima, Brett Finch and Ryan Hoffman due to salary cap pressure, the Storm have a massive mountain to climb if they are to reclaim a place among the NRL’s elite.
The departure of Inglis in particular deprives the Storm of the critical X-factor which served Melbourne so well during their reign at the top.
A Clive Churchill Medal and Golden Boot Award winner, Inglis‘ time at the Storm saw him become the NRL‘s best player, and his presence will be sorely missed by Melbourne during the critical moments of season 2011.
While Inglis’ void could prove difficult to fill, the Storm already possess a youngster capable of reaching the great heights of the Origin and Test representative he is set to replace in the centres.
19-year-old Justin O’Neill scored eight tries in just six appearances for the Storm last season, cementing his status as a superstar in the making. Under the tutelage of coach Craig Bellamy, expect O’Neill to establish himself as one of the most exciting players in the NRL in 2011.
Indeed, the Storm have always had a stable of great young talent, and the 2011 edition is no different with Jesse Bromwich, Matthew Duffie, Luke Kelly, Rory Kostjasyn, Kevin Proctor and Gareth Widdop having already debuted last season in first grade.
What makes the Storm such a value bet for a premiership in 2011, however, surrounds the fact that the backbone to their past successes remains intact.
The spine made up of Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith remains the most formidable in the NRL, and with all of them still in the prime of their careers, the Storm possess a wonderful foundation to build a side capable of winning the premiership.
Indeed, the composure and attitude shown last season will also serve the Storm well in 2011. Playing for nothing throughout the majority of last season, the Storm still managed to attain enough victories which would have seen them comfortably make the finals.
Melbourne’s attitude in defence was also outstanding given the circumstances. Only reigning premiers, the St George Illawarra Dragons had a better defensive record than the Storm, with Craig Bellamy’s men conceding just 62 tries last season.
Such a defensive record, while playing for scraps, is to be commended, and more importantly, it still shows that the Storm have the mentality and belief required to triumph over adversity.
The Storm’s home record was also the equal best in the NRL, winning seven matches out of nine at their new home ground, AAMI Park, including the last six in succession.
Given that they will now play for competition points in 2011, one can only assume the Storm will improve greatly on a 2010 season which still saw them attain ten victories post salary cap scandal.
With the dawn of a new era in Melbourne’s history fast approaching, the Storm have every reason to believe they can regain their mantle as the NRL’s prime force, thus replicate a glorious era which saw them become the most dominant team of the past decade.
Why they’ll win:
– Storm spine of Slater, Smith and Cronk still intact
– Still set the benchmark for attitude and belief
Why they won’t:
– The void left by Inglis could hurt the Storm in big matches
– Depth will be tested if injuries strike
TAB Sportsbet odds:
Premiership winner – $13.00
Wooden Spoon – $21.00
Additions: Adam Woolnough, Beau Champion, Elijah Niko, Jaiman Lowe, Maurice Blair, Troy Thompson
Departures: Aiden Tolman (Canterbury-Bankstown), Jeff Lima (Wigan Warriors – Super League), Ryan Hoffman (Wigan Warriors – Super League), Brett Finch (Wigan Warriors – Super League), Brett White (Canberra), Greg Inglis (South Sydney).
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