4. Talking Points
Cam Smith: The story that just won't go away. Will Cameron Smith return to the Storm for yet another season? Will he do the unthinkable and join the Titans, or even the Broncos? Will he retire? The answer to these questions could realistically change the NRL season.
If he returns to the Storm then they remain amongst the title favourites (if they're not already). If he joins the Titans than they go from top eight hopefuls to genuine top four contenders. If he retires, then we say goodbye to arguably the best player of all time without the pageantry many expected.
Harry Grant is a wonderful replacement but no one can truly replace the greatest number nine our game has ever seen.
Is this the year?: Every single year we wonder, is this the year? Is this the year where the Melbourne Storm finally fall and miss the finals?
We've been predicting the fall since Cooper Cronk left. Then Slater. Now Smith. I've fallen into the trap previously in doubting Craig Bellamy's men but I won't be making that mistake again. If it does happen, it won't be this year.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Cameron Munster and Harry Grant are all genuine superstars while Josh Addo-Carr, Felise Kaufusi, Christian Welch, the Bromwich brothers and Dale Finucane are all rep regulars. Jahrome Hughes is coming off a career best year while Bellamy turned Brenko Lee into a rep star in one season.
The next star: Last year it was Lee who went from fringe reserve grader with a bog average side to genuine star and rep player under Craig Bellamy. I can't stress enough how good he is at signing untapped talent and turning them into stars.
Who will it be this year? Reimis Smith is a speedster with plenty of untapped potential. George Jennings has threatened to breakout on a few occasions. Isaac Lumelume has the size, pace and talent to be yet another Bellamy find. I'm really excited to see what Smith becomes in this Storm set up. My guess is we'll be talking about him very soon.
