Every year Craig Bellamy loses key players and every year the so-called ‘experts’ – including this little Mole – question whether the Storm’s time is up.
But Bellamy keeps coming up with ‘no-frills’ players to fill the gaps and I’ve learned my lesson – the Storm will still be right up there despite some major departures.
The one-two punch at hooker – Brandon Smith and Harry Grant – gives the Storm attacking options that NO team in the NRL can match.
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2021 finishing position: Minor premiers
Gains: Nick Meaney (Bulldogs), Xavier Coates (Broncos), Josh King (Knights), William Warbrick (NZ rugby sevens), Jayden Nikorima (Redcliffe).
Losses: Nicho Hynes (Sharks), Dale Finucane (Sharks), Aaron Booth (Titans), Max King (Bulldogs), Josh Addo-Carr (Bulldogs), Brenko Lee (Broncos), Aaron Pene (Warriors), Judda Turahui (released), Ryley Jacks (released), Dan Atkinson (released), Tyson Smoothy (released).
Best 17: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen, 2. Xavier Coates, 3. Reimis Smith, 4. Justin Olam, 5. George Jennings, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Christian Welch, 11. Kenny Bromwich, 12. Felise Kaufusi, 13. Brandon Smith, 14. Nick Meaney, 15. Chris Lewis, 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona, 17. Tom Eisenhuth.
Greatest strength: Craig Bellamy and the work ethic he has instilled into the Storm. No club works harder in their quest for excellence and Bellamy will ensure, despite some key personnel losses, that the Storm is right up there again in 2022.
Biggest question mark: Can the Storm keep on being the benchmark despite continually losing great players year after year? The punters keep writing them off – and somehow Bellamy keeps proving them wrong.
https://omny.fm/shows/six-tackles-with-gus-1/2022-nrl-season-preview-part-2/embed
Stream the NRL Premiership 2022 live and free on 9Now.
Man under pressure: Plenty of eyes will be on Brandon Smith after the ‘white powder’ incident and his decision to join the Roosters in 2023. He needs a big year to silence the doubters.
Biggest loss: Nicho Hynes was one of the revelations of 2021 and his flair and creativity in attack will be missed, putting extra pressure on superstar seven Jahrome Hughes.
Predicted 2022 finishing position: 3rd
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