As part of a series profiling the expected Round 1 sides for all 17 NRL clubs in 2024, it’s time to see if Craig Bellamy can conjure up another title in Victoria before retiring.
Craig Bellamy needs Ryan Papenhuyzen back on the park and back to his best if the Storm are any hope of upsetting Penrith’s building dynasty in what could be his last year as coach.
The Storm were solid last season but lacked the attacking spark to ever seriously challenge the Panthers as the premiership benchmark.
Papenhuyzen is on the comeback trail yet again after suffering a broken leg late last season and returned to the US in December to again work with conditioning guru Bill Knowles.
He delivered great news on Tuesday that he is not only confident he will be right for Round 1 but is looking to get a trial under his belt.
Ryan Papenhuyzen after suffering his ankle injury against Brisbane. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
“I think I might be playing a trial game,” Papenhuyzen told Nine News. “I think I was a bit overrawed with emotion, disappointment – (thinking) not again, who have I let down? I think visually seeing my foot that way probably didn’t help.
“It’s probably not natural, but I’ve got this overwhelming confidence that I can (get back to my best). I don’t know if that’s because of all the mental work I’ve done while I’ve been out, but I don’t see why not.”
They need him firing on all cylinders sooner rather than later as the 2020 Clive Churchill Medallist has the X-factor in attack that the Storm lacked last season.
The Storm have a settled and top-quality spine in the other slots with Cameron Munster, Jahrome Hughes and Harry Grant elite in their respective positions.
Who’s new?
There is actually only one new recruit in Melbourne this year due to their star-studded roster leaving little wriggle room in the salary cap.
They have added Tigers forward Shawn Blore a year ahead of schedule as part of the Justin Olam trade.
However, they have a rising star in Sualauvi Fa’alogo who showed in his one NRL match late last season that he can give the Storm a new attacking threat out wide. He will probably not make the Round 1 line-up but could be thrown into the big time again early in the season as a bench utility or in the starting side if injuries strike in the outside backs.
Who’s gone?
They’ve lost some experience in their pix with Tariq Sims jetting off to Catalans and Tom Eisenhuth linking with the Dragons. Justin Olam is trying to re-establish himself as one of the NRL’s best centres with the Wests Tigers.
Jayden Nikorima, George Jennings and Jordan Grant have also left but were infrequent members of the NRL side last season.
Key spots to unlock
Centre is in an unusual state of flux at the Storm.
PNG star Justin Olam lost his spot late last season and has joined Wests Tigers. Nick Meaney is set to switch to the centres in 2024 to accommodate Papenhuyzen at fullback. Reimis Smith, Marion Seve and Young Tonumaipea are also in the mix.
Their depth in the pack has taken another step backwards so Bellamy can’t does too many injuries in the forwards.
At full strength they can muscle up with the best packs in the NRL but they are super thin if their first-choice big boppers are unavailable.
Round 1 predicted team
1 Ryan Papenhuyzen
2 Xavier Coates
3 Reimis Smith
4 Nick Meaney
5 Will Warbrick
6 Cameron Munster
7 Jahrome Hughes
8 Tui Kamikamica
9 Harry Grant
10 Christian Welch
11 Trent Loiero
12 Eliesa Katoa
13 Josh King
Interchange
14 Tyran Wishart
15 Nelson Asofa-Solomona
16 Tepai Moeroa
17 Aaron Pene
Other squad members: Bronson Garlick, Chris Lewis, Alec MacDonald, Marion Seve, Shawn Blore, Jonah Pezet, Joe Chan, Jack Howarth, Dean Ieremia, Young Tonumaipea.
Maxtruck
Roar Rookie
My "now or never" comment referred more to Howarth potentially wanting out to play 1st grade given his peers as juniors and Qld Cup have.
Easy target
Roar Rookie
I agree with most of what you've said, but have to point out Howarth was only paid that much last year, not for the last 2 years (he signed the contract 2 years ago, but it only started last season). Howarth's growth was stunted alittle by covid stopping the comp, particularly when storm generally like to pit players through an extended apprenticeship in the lower division. Do or die might be an exaggeration but storm fans would like to see some progress in his play or an indication he will worth the hype
Opposed Session
Roar Rookie
Howarth has been paid $500k for past 2 seasons. Nanai was just about to debut in NRL when Howarth debuted late in 2021. Nanai has since played for state and country so hard to make an argument that he outplayed Nanai in Q Cup. His stats are so similar with Piakura also in Q Cup, despite the fact Piakura has struggled for 2 years with concussion issues and played 10 or so less games than Howarth. Howarth has played close to 50% games as a centre where he has failed to finish many games as a centre and yet played the next game. From what I can work out he’s only finished 14 games of Q cup these coming as a back rower. He’s a talent I believe but currently getting paid on potential not delivery.
Opposed Session
Roar Rookie
I agree, first 25-30 and last 25-30 with a 30-40 minute break between stints is far more effective for NAS. Felt they missed a trick with their rotations in 2023.
Opposed Session
Roar Rookie
If they get the Blore / Olam swap to happen for 2024 and recruit 2 middle forwards with either punch in attack or whack in defence they are back to where they need to be. Off the back of go forward their spine is elite. With young Sua play more so than not at #14.
Nat
Roar Guru
You'd think 55 -60 would be enough. Certainly train enough to get that damaging first stint. Last season I noticed a considerable drop when he went off not only in go forward but his intimidation. I reckon allowing him to play off the bench is wasting his potential.
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
OS, 3 main roster spots still open apparenty. I'd be very surpised if there isn't a plan for them!
Maxtruck
Roar Rookie
Jeremiah Nanai is 20 and has played origin, Brendan Piakura is 21 and has played a grand final. Coming through Qld Cup Howarth was all over both of them, He is a bit loose though, like Flegler was when younger
Dionysus
Roar Rookie
One more bad injury and he is out. He will know that and it is bound to wear on his mind. On the other hand, he will know that it is now or never. I have my fingers crossed for the lad. He has been terribly unlucky.
Dionysus
Roar Rookie
and that is the point isn't it. Lost a ton of talent, had a terrible run of injuries, played badly for much of the year and still finished up third. That said, I am worried about their forward pack but I trust that Bellamy has an answer ....... somewhere.
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
Everyone thought Melbourne would decline once they lost Inglis plus supporting acts, then Cronk plus supporting acts, then Slater plus supporting acts. It's only now that they lost Smith plus most of the rest of the forward pack that they've looked mortal. And they still finished 3rd last year!
Tom G
Roar Rookie
Whatever happened to Olam’s departure?? I vaguely recall hearing that the Tigers deal collapsed but was sure someone else would pick him up. Even though he’s been down on form, he’s too good to be running around in reserves. A new club might have reignited him
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
NAS is high impact short duration. He actually doesn't cope with getting tackled often. Penrith smash him and he gives it up . It's very good to watch.
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
Max, He's just turned 21 and it's "now or never"? Storm have not rushed him which I think is wise but I expect we'll see a lot more of him in 2024.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
I've always thought Cameron Smith was the key figure at the Storm and seeing their finals record when he hasn't played or retired lends weight to my theory. No doubt the current players plan on dispelling that theory.
Opposed Session
Roar Rookie
Welch has trimmed down to play longer minutes as well. So hoping NAS can maximise his input by being on longer.
Phil
Roar Rookie
Melbourne are lacking in forward fire power. Tui and Welch are good honest front rowers but not in the class of JFH, AFB, Haas or Leota. Big Nelson is a handful for any defence but he's the only one there who is. They need some back-up stock in case any of the others are out but that stock is in short supply at the moment. Munster played wounded after SOO last season and it showed. He should have let that knee recover properly. As for Paps, I hope he gets back to his best as the comp is better for having him light up games. For a couple of years now we have heard about Jack Howarth and saw him in one game. It's time for him to show why Melbourne rate him so highly. As for 2024, I'm tipping a leaner year for the southerners, in the top 8 but lower down.
Opposed Session
Roar Rookie
NM, Agree with a lot of your points, yes they need to have faith in Chan and Co. Storm probably saw the best of Jesse B and letting him go would almost certainly mean Kenny would follow. I say let go because usually you tie up those you want before they become available to negotiate. But hey they do have Howarth on half a mil for a couple of years so no doubt they wanted to see their value elsewhere and all in an age that might not see the next expansion team. Katoa is a gun and I can’t see why warriors didn’t keep him. Chan has a lot of upside if he can fix his defence. Quick and lots of intent! Be interesting transition for 2024 and beyond when Bellamy steps back and Ryles takes over. Their system holds them in good position so hopefully they can get a couple recruits.
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
BG, he certainly lights up the game and I reckon he'll be fine, hope so anyway! :laughing:
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
BG, can miss though. If he's working with a good player along side him he stays in his lane a bit better and can also go for a "speccy" now and again! I don't think he's big enough even if made of granite :laughing: