If the 2016 NRL Grand Final had been a minute, or perhaps even a tackle longer, the Storm may very well have another title to add to their trophy cabinet.
They set the benchmark again in 2016 and were crowned Minor Premiers after a big win in front of a massive crowd over their closest rivals the Sharks.
Wins over the Cowboys and Raiders saw them fly into a decider where only a hell bent Sharks side could stop them from winning a title they really did deserve.
They unearthed stars, re-signed their legendary halfback, and, despite a few big losses, managed to head into 2017 with a side capable of winning yet another title.
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Weakness: New Combinations
As they enter the 2017 season, the Storm have a host of new combinations across the park that, despite their adaptability, will take time to gel.
Cameron Munster’s move into the halves brings about a new halves combination, while Kevin Proctor’s move to the Gold Coast means Cronk has lost a dangerous combination.
Marika Koroibete has left the club, while Curtis Scott looks set for a centre spot, meaning another all new combination.
Munster’s move into the halves completely changes the make up in attack, and despite his obvious talents, even Darren Lockyer took time to settle into his new role in the halves. It will take time.
Strength: Superstars Across The Park
Billy Slater’s return reunited the famed big three of Smith, Cronk and Slater. The Storm last year went within seconds of a title win sans their superstar number one.
Jesse Bromwich is now the best big man in the world after yet another dominant season in 2016. Cameron Munster is a genuine superstar of the game and still has plenty of improvement left in him. Vunivalu came out of nowhere to set try-scoring records in his debut season.
Will Chambers is one of the best centres in the game. Dane Finucane announced himself in a big, big way in 2016. Curtis Scott has some massive wraps on him also. Tohu Harris may be the most underrated back rower in the game.
To think of the amount of star power this team has lost over the past few seasons, including Proctor, Koroibete and Green just this year, the talent still on show is a testament to the club’s abilities.
Best Player: Cameron Smith
I cannot believe Cameron Smith is 33 year-old. He seems to have been around for 20 years, yet has hardly aged at all.
Despite being 33, Smith is one of the elite players in our game, and is still the main in the Victorian capital, in a side containing Bromwich, Cronk and Munster.
There isn’t a player in the game who does more than goes unnoticed than Smith. I couldn’t believe he only had 15 try assists last season across 26 NRL rounds. I would have wagered he had 20 plus.
Such is his involvement, he just seems to be there or there-abouts when good things happen. Not to mention the incredible work rate and leadership he provides.
Pressure On: Billy Slater
It is hard to imagine one of the greatest fullbacks of the modern era would ever be under any sort of pressure, but strangely that is true in 2017.
Cameron Munster is a superstar and, despite his young age, is one of the best fullbacks in the game already.
Slater’s return will mean Munster shifts into the halves. Slater, who barely laced a boot across the past few seasons, will have plenty of eyes on him from the get go, and any drop in form will have people calling for Munster to return to the custodial role.
You would be crazy to move Slater from his preferred position, given what Slater has achieved in his career. That said, fans have short memories, and Munster is a special player who helped take his side within a few tackles of a premiership.
Prediction: 2nd
It’s hard to imagine, but the return of Billy Slater makes the Storm even more dangerous entering the new season. Despite his run of injuries, he is still Billy Slater, arguably the best fullback in recent memory.
Cameron Munster moves into the halves and reminds me a lot of Michael Morgan and Anthony Milford, both of whom have fared pretty well since their moves into the halves.
Curtis Scott is a special talent and I really hope he is able to put his horror injury behind him and continue to develop, as there are few more exciting youngsters in the game.
Despite the loss of Proctor, that Storm pack is still scary. Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Kenny Bromwich and Felise Kaufusi are all set for larger roles this season, whilst Harris, Bromwich, Finucane and McLean will be ready to dominate up the middle one again.
I can’t see any Storm side under Craig Bellamy struggling for wins, and despite the losses of Green, Proctor and Koroibete, this side still has all the ingredients to go deep into September yet again.