NRL 2023: Melbourne Storm’s all-time greatest team revealed

Melbourne have dominated the NRL for the past 25 years, achieving sustained success their rivals dream of. Fatima Kdouh and Brent Read reveal the Storm’s all-time greatest team.

In their 25th anniversary, we reveal Melbourne Storm’s greatest ever team 1-17.

In just 25 years, Melbourne Storm has achieved the kind of sustained success their NRL rivals can only dream of.

That’s why picking a best-ever Storm team has proven to be such a difficult task. You only need to look at the players who missed the cut to see why this club has been so successful.

From the electrifying Josh Addo-Carr, to brilliant playmaker Scott Hill, and the hard-nosed back-rower Kenny Bromwich, there were plenty of tough calls made and class players who didn’t make the team.

What we have is a side of breathtaking backs like Billy Slater, Israel Folau, Greg Inglis and the general Cooper Cronk calling the shots.

The great Cam Smith weaves his magic from dummy-half, feeding a powerhouse pack containing the likes of Tawera Nikau, Glenn Lazarus and Stephen Kearney – what a team!

In their 25th anniversary, we reveal Melbourne Storm’s greatest ever team 1-17.

GREATEST EVER MELBOURNE STORM TEAM

1. Billy Slater

Games: 319

Premierships: 2012, 2017

Slater is the best fullback of the modern day game. Slater’s ability to create attacking opportunities, his vision and speed helped him revolutionise the fullback’s role. He’s won two Clive Churchill medals, three Dally M fullback of year awards and was the Dally M medallist in 2011.

The best fullback of the modern game, Billy Slater is an easy pick as Melbourne’s greatest ever No.1. Picture: Getty Images.

2. Marcus Bai

Games: 144

Premierships: 1999

Bai’s sheer strength and power made the flyer an unstoppable try scoring machine. The PNG international played a formative role in helping to put the Storm on the rugby league map, not just in the NRL, but also in AFL-made Victoria.

3. Greg Inglis

Games: 117

Inglis was handed his NRL debut at 18 and it was obvious the teenager was destined for greatness. Inglis’ ability to own the big moments made him one of the most dangerous strike weapons on the field. Inglis excelled in any backline position he played, including in the halves at five-eighth.

Greg Inglis dominated in any position he played at Melbourne. Played at five-eighth in the 2008 grand final and at centre in the 2009 decider. Picture: Phil Hillyard.

4. Will Chambers

Games: 215

Premierships: 2012 and 2017

Chambers set the standard as one of the best defensive centres in the game. But the outside back was as impressive on the other side of the ball, with his hard to contain runs always a problem for the opposition. Chambers played 13 games for Queensland.

5. Israel Folau

Games: 52 games

Folau’s Storm career only lasted two seasons but the talented winger made an immediate impact on Melbourne, and the NRL. Folau’s speed, power and athleticism saw him produce one of the best ever rookie seasons in 2007, where he scored 21 tries.

6. Cameron Munster

Games: 188-present

Premiership: 2017 and 2020

Wily and unpredictable, Munster has earned a reputation for toying with opposition defences with his elite ball playing skills. His instincts and feel for the game make him one of those most naturally gifted footballers of the modern game. At just 28, Munster will be a driving force in Melbourne’s future premiership campaigns.

At 28 Cameron Munster has already played a key role in two Storm premierships, and still has time to win more. Picture: Getty Images.

7. Cooper Cronk

Games: 323

Premierships: 2012 and 2017

Cronk’s dedication to the craft, and his footy brain, more than made up for any natural talent he might have lacked. His ability to control a game and organise attack was unmatched. It made him a two-time Dally M medallist and a linchpin in Melbourne’s domination over the NRL.

8. Jesse Bromwich

Games: 295-present

Premierships: 2012, 2017 and 2020

Bromwich has played in more games for the Storm than any other prop forward, leading from the front to help Melbourne to three titles during that time. Some of the game’s greatest forwards have donned the purple jersey and Bromwich’s success as the former leader of the pack has helped continue that legacy.

9. Cameron Smith

Games: 430

Premierships: 2012, 2017, 2020

A no-brainer selection at hooker, Smith is the greatest player in Storm history. Some would argue he is the best the game has seen. Over 19 years, Smith played more than 400 games for the club and captained the club to three premierships.

An easy choice as the Storm’s best ever hooker, Cameron Smith is arguably one of the greatest rugby league players of all time. Picture: Getty Images.

10. Glenn Lazarus

Games: 44

Premierships: 1999

Lazarus was one of the star recruits when the Storm began in 1998. He was named as Melbourne’s inaugural captain and led the club to their 1999 premiership win, celebrating by famously performing a cartwheel after full-time. A serial winner.

11. Ryan Hoffman

Games: 265

Premierships: 2012

Hoffman made his first grade debut at the Storm in 2003 and went on to play more than 260 games for the club over three stints. He gave everything he had for the club every time he pulled on the jersey, playing a part in the 2012 premiership.

12. Stephen Kearney

Games: 139

Premierships: 1999

Kearney joined the Storm in their second season and immediately helped the cub to a premiership. He went on to spend six years at the club, captaining the Storm and playing more than 130 games. He returned after retirement to join the coaching staff, where he played a part in more success.

13. Tawera Nikau

Games: 53

Premierships: 1999

Nikau only spent two years at the Storm but he left a lasting impression, having been credited as the man who inspired their second half comeback in the 1999 grand final win. He was named as one of their inaugural captains.

Stephen Kearney (left) & Tawera Nikau (right) celebrate their win after their preliminary final win against Parramatta in 1999 to secure a spot in the grand final. Picture: Marl Evans.

14. Matt Geyer

Games: 262

Premierships: 1999

Geyer was another player who joined the club for their inaugural season and played at five-eighth in their 1999 premiership success. Across 11 seasons, he played more than 260 games and departed a legend. One of the great clubmen.

15. Dallas Johnson

Games: 157

Johnson was only small by modern standards but he packed a punch and worked the house down, setting a standard that is talked about to this day. Johnson was the archetypal Storm player. Hard working, fearless and consistent.

16. Robbie Kearns

Games: 169

Kearns arrived at Melbourne for their inaugural season in 1998, having played previously for Cronulla and the Western Reds. He sadly missed the 1999 grand final through injury but it didn’t dim his legacy and he remains synonymous with the club all these years later, through his work off the field.

17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona

Games: 176

Premierships: 2017, 2020

Recruited out of New Zealand rugby union, big Nelson has become one of the most fearsome and intimidating players in the modern game. Asofa-Solomona was a key figure in the 2017 and 2020 premierships. At 27, he is far from finished.

A giant of a man, Nelson Asofa-Solomona has become one of the most feared players in the NRL and a key figure in his two premiership wins for Storm. Picture: Getty Images.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

Kenny Bromwich

Felise Kaufusi

Scott Hill

David Kidwell

Josh Addo-Carr

Kevin Proctor

Michael Crocker

Adam Blair

Suliasi Vunivalu

Originally published as NRL 2023: Melbourne Storm’s all-time greatest team revealed