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And with maestro Craig Bellamy pulling the strings for possibly the final time and managing to keep most of his roster intact, the omens are good for the Storm.
Melbourne got rid of some dead wood, have some great kids coming through their system and have added Tigers colossus Stefano Utoikamanu to their forward rotation.
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Utoikamanu was a kid with promise at the Tigers – watch him develop into an elite front-rower under Bellamy.
Stefano Utoikamanu The Mole Instagram
The line-up at the Storm is so strong that there may well not be a spot for budding superstar Sua Fa’alogo in the 17-man line-up for round one.
Bellamy boasts the best spine in the NRL with pocket rocket Ryan Papenhuyzen at fullback, dynamic duo Cam Munster and Jahrome Hughes in the halves and the game’s top hooker, Harry Grant, wearing the No.9 jumper.
He has built a team around the four stars and everyone plays their part to perfection.
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The wing pairing of Will Warbrick and Xavier Coates score tries for fun, while in the centres Nick Meaney is highly underrated and Jack Howarth was one of the big improvers in the league in 2024.
The forwards are basically honest toilers with the exception of Eli Katoa, who with a sprinkling of Bellamy’s magic dust, became one of the most dangerous wide runners in the league last season and should only get better.
Grant is a freak out of dummy-half and rival coaches know what he is going to do each week – but seem powerless to stop him, such is his class.
Harry Grant is the game’s leading hooker. Getty
2025 gains
Stefano Utoikamanu (Wests Tigers), Moses Leo (NZ rugby)
2025 losses
Reimis Smith (Catalans Dragons), Young Tonumaipea (retired), Aaron Pene (Leigh Leopards), Chris Lewis (retired), Tepai Moeroa (released)
Best buy:
Utoikamanu is the only ‘name’ signing the club has made and having battled with the wooden spooners in recent seasons, he will love playing in a winning pack.
It’s a big season for:
The flashy Sua Fa’alogo – who may well not be in the team for round one but will get his chance at some stage – and needs to grab it and become a regular first grader.
He’s good enough, that’s for sure.
Sualauvi Faalogo is one of the Storm’s brightest young stars. Getty
Biggest question mark:
Depth in the forwards is a bit of a concern, although the fact that none of the Storm pack is likely to play Origin will be a huge advantage.
Predicted finish: 1st
Predicted 17 for round one:
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Will 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. Eli Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Joe Chan 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Alec MacDonald
Betting odds to win comp: $3.85
