Home Ground: AAMI Park, Melbourne

Coach: Craig Bellamy

Melbourne came up empty-handed in the grand final for the second year in a row as the Storm were unable to get their hands on silverware for the first time since their 2020 triumph. Craig Bellamy's team demonstrated consistent performance throughout the season, securing second place on the ladder and navigating their finals fixtures with remarkable ease. However, their persistent inability to clinch the premiership is becoming a significant concern for the esteemed club, with the profound impact of two heartbreaking losses in championship deciders now deeply felt.

During a significant summer of change at Melbourne, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Nelson Asofa-Solomona were granted early releases from their contracts, and Jonah Pezet also departed the club. Papenhuyzen made a surprising request to leave the club following their second consecutive grand final defeat. The Storm honored his request and released him from the final year of his agreement. Bellamy may not have been too upset seeing the hot head NAS depart, but Paps was an intrical part of the Storm's attack despite a rough runs of injuries in recent seasons.

Sua Fa'alogo looms as the most obvious replacement at the back, although Cameron Munster could also be moved back there permanently in a major shake-up. Xavier Coates will return to the wing following his recovery from an injury that necessitated his withdrawal from the Ashes tour. William Warbrick is slated to start on the opposite wing.

A former New Zealander rugby Sevens player, Warbrick was out for most of last season due to concussion symptoms but made a strong return to form late in the year. Grant Anderson proved incredibly valuable across the backline last season, but has left to join Brisbane. Moses Leo is likely to be this option after he was struck down by a serious hamstring injury last season. Jack Howarth and Nick Meaney are slated to commence in the centres, with Howarth aiming to sustain his upward trajectory following his near selection for Queensland last season.

Munster and Jahrome Hughes are potential partners in the halves, assuming Munster is not reassigned to fullback. Tyran Wishart has served as a reliable replacement for both individuals over the past few years and is next in line following Jonah Pezet's decision to depart the Storm for opportunities at Parramatta before joining Brisbane in 2027. Craig Bellamy is poised to maintain a consistent forward pack rotation, which was enhanced by the acquisition of Stefano Utoikamanu last season. 

Shawn Blore's position in the starting lineup may be challenged, as Joe Chan is a strong candidate for a more consistent role on the edge. Alec MacDonald is a reliable asset for Bellamy from the interchange bench and will likely be accompanied by Ativalu Lisati. However, one of the two individuals may secure a starting position at lock for the season's commencement, as Trent Loiero received a two-game suspension for a high tackle during the grand final. Additionally, a permanent alteration will need to be made to the forward pack following Nelson Asofa-Solomona's release.

Bronson Garlick has joined NAS and Anderson in leaving the club after the hooker accepted an offer from Souths. Josiah Pahulu was signed from the Gold Coast midway through the season, but was unable to crack the 17. The forward is set to push his claims after an extended settling in period. Melbourne Storm confirmed the signing of three new players ahead of the 2026 NRL season, with Jack Hetherington, Trent Toelau and Manaia Waitere all joining the Club 

It may be a case of a rebuilding exercise for the Melbourne Storm and their esteemed leader Bellamy, although we know he is a hard taskmaster and has the ability to bring out the best in individual players - losing is never an option with this coach - just watch him rage in the box over the smallest forced error. If the Storm can establish some cohesion early on in the first 7 Rounds, then expect them to be hitting their straps late in the season, although they could be a little more frail then in previous years.

PREDICTED SEASON FINISH - 6TH