Billy Slater has warned those writing off the Melbourne Storm to proceed with caution despite an off-season of upheaval.
It’s set to be somewhat of a new-look Storm side in 2022 after the exits of star trio Nicho Hynes, Josh Addo-Carr and Dale Finucane.
However, despite the roster turnover, Slater says his old club will still be a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming season.
READ MORE: Ben Simmons opens up on ‘dark times’ after messy 76ers exit
READ MORE: Russian Olympian’s tears in return to competition after doping controversy
READ MORE: F1 star hired bodyguards after Abu Dhabi fiasco
“It’s obvious that the Melbourne Storm have lost a few players over the summer in Nicho Hynes, Finucane, Josh Addo-Carr and the like, but they’ve still got some quality personnel in there,” Slater told Nine’s Today.
“You look at their spine in Harry (Grant) and (Cameron) Munster, Jahrome Hughes, Ryan Papenhuyzen.
“Anyone that’s willing to write the Storm off will have to do so with a bit of caution.”
Grant looms as a major key to the Storm’s future, particularly with star hooker Brandon Smith in his last season with the club after signing with the Roosters from 2023 onwards.
The 23-year-old is one of many players to have worked under legendary Storm head coach Craig Bellamy.
While Bellamy has become renowned for being a fiery customer over his 19-year coaching career, Grant revealed a different side to the master tactician.
“He’s definitely mellowed a bit in his older age. He’s got a couple of grandkids that mellow him out,” he said with a laugh.
“He’s been really good, he’s really focused and he’s got his eyes set on something. He does a great job of helping a lot of us younger guys, just encouraging us to be better.
“I know a lot of people try and be better every day and that’s something a lot of us players are striving to do.”
Grant and the Storm will kick off their 2022 campaign with a Round 1 clash against the Wests Tigers on March 12.