Melbourne Storm will be in the running for finals come September

MATTHEW JOHNS SCOUTING REPORT: It’s no secret where the keys to success for Melbourne lie: four of the most influential players in the NRL will control the Storm’s fortunes.

YOU just know they’ll be in the running when September comes around. It’s no secret where the keys to success lie: four of the most influential players in the NRL will control Melbourne’s fortunes.

Jesse Bromwich is the prototype of the modern front-rower: very big, very good footwork and, if needed, can play 80 minutes.

Cooper Cronk is the best organiser in rugby league today who continues to improve as a player even though he’s heading into his 11th season. It’s a testimony to his professionalism.

The Storm look their typically tough self.

Cameron Smith is one of the greatest big-game players of all time, and the equal of Wally Lewis as far as influence in State of Origin.

And of course there is Billy Slater. They tell me Billy could be headed for the best season of his career.

He sat and watched young Cameron Munster have a phenomenal back half of the season in his fullback jersey last year and he has heard plenty of people suggest Bellamy would be best served keeping Munster at fullback and slipping Billy on the wing.

It has stoked Slater’s competitive fire and his pre-season preparation has been the best the Storm coaching staff have seen from the Queensland legend.

I’ll ask that perpetual question: Can the Storm win the title if they lose a Cronk, Slater or Smith?

Last year they came close without Billy, but the bottom line is they couldn’t do it.

The Storm have lost some very good players.

Cooper Cronk and Kevin Proctor continue to show form for Melbourne.

Matt Duffie has left for rugby after being superb in his return from injury last year.

Kurt Mann, who is getting better and better, will suit up for the Dragons, while Ryan Hinchcliffe’s loss will really be felt.

The Storm have built their club culture and success on individuals like Hinchcliffe. They will miss his mental toughness, experience and personality.

Look out for young forward Dean Britt, the son of Dogs legend Darren, to make his mark this year and expect big improvement from the talented Jordan McLean, who’s a giant of a man.

Cameron Smith will lead the Storm once again.

BEST 13

1 Billy Slater 2 Marika Koroibete 3 Will Chambers 4 Cameron Munster 5 Jeremy Hawkins 6 Blake Green 7 Cooper Cronk 8 Jesse Bromwich 9 Cameron Smith 10 Dale Finucane 11 Kevin Proctor 12 Tohu Harris 13 Jordan McLean. Interchange: 14 Kenny Bromwich 15 Tim Glasby 16 Matthew White 17 Nelson Asofa-Solomona.

INS

Matthew White (Gold Coast Titans), Mark Nicholls (Canberra Raiders), Scott Drinkwater (Sydney Roosters), Curtis Scott (Cronulla Sharks), Cheyse Blair (Manly Sea Eagles), Jeremy Hawkins (Canberra Raiders)

OUTS

Kurt Mann (St George Illawarra Dragons), Ryan Hinchcliffe (Huddersfield Giants), Mahe Fonua (Hull FC), Dayne Weston (Leigh Centurions), Matt Duffie (rugby union), Tom Learoyd-Lahrs (retiring), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Warriors), Hymel Hunt (released), Travis Robinson (released), Shaun Nona (released), Honeti Tuha (Parramatta Eels)

DRAW

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