Melbourne Storm 2025 season preview
2024 recap
The Storm were magnificent in 2024, losing just five games in the regular season and sitting top of the ladder from round 12 all the way through ’til the end.
Unfortunately for them though, the Penrith juggernaut proved their undoing in the Grand Final, as the Panthers left them waiting for a first Premiership since 2020.
2024 position: 1st (Lost 14-6 to Penrith Panthers in the Grand Final)
Key signings
Moses Leo (Rugby union), Stefano Utoikamanu (Wests Tigers)
Key departures
Chris Lewis (Retired), Young Tonumaipea (Retired), Christian Welch (Retired)
Players to watch
Coach Craig Bellamy has a habit of getting the best out of ‘rough diamonds’, and Stefano Utoikamanu could be the latest. The hulking prop turned down more money to stay at Wests Tigers, which is always a plus point when you’re questioning a new signing’s ambitions. I’m expecting the 24 year-old to have a big impact this year for the Storm.
After a couple of injury-hit seasons, Ryan Papenhuyzen was back to fitness in 2024 and played a major role in getting the Storm to the Grand Final. On his day he’s still one of the best fullbacks in the NRL, and certainly one of the most exciting. He’ll need to keep performing though, with the impressive Sua Fa’alogo breathing down his neck for the number one jersey.
Young gun
Keagan Russell-Smith is one to watch for the Storm in 2025. He’s been touted as a long-term successor to Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes in the halves, and he made his first grade debut against the Eels in 2024. A regular starting spot looks a long shot this year, but a few more appearances can’t be ruled out, particularly when Munster heads off on Origin duty.
award in 2023 and made his first grade debut last year.
Our prediction – 1st
I can see the Storm claiming the minor Premiership again this year for two reasons. One – they’re absolutely relentless, and two – they’re incredibly settled. Even the current Penrith side are having to bed in a new five-eighth and find a suitable replacement for Sunia Turuva on the wing, but Melbourne’s team will look remarkably similar to 2024, and that stability is what most clubs in the competition can only dream of.
