NRL 2024 Melbourne Storm roster rater: Bellamy’s embarrassment of riches at fullback
Next season may be Storm coach Craig Bellamy’s last one in charge at the club, and the wily veteran faces a challenge to get the most out of three star fullbacks
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Three fullbacks feature in the top-10 most important players in Brent Read’s exclusive analysis of the Melbourne Storm squad for 2024.
How Craig Bellamy uses Ryan Papenhuyzen, Nick Meaney and young sensation Sualauvi Faalogo will be key to the Storm’s premiership hopes.
It’s shaping as a massive season for Bellamy in what could be his last year as a head coach in the NRL. The veteran mentor has a rolling contract until the end of 2027 but what role he plays at the Storm beyond this season, remains unclear.
MELBOURNE’S ROSTER RANKED FROM 1-24
1 Cameron Munster
Age: 29
Games: 195 (22 in 2023)
Contract ends: 2027
The Storm’s main man, Munster is one of the best players in the competition. Capable of destroying teams on his day.
2 Harry Grant
Age: 25
Games: 78 (25 in 2023)
Contract ends: 2026 (PO)
The Queensland and Australian hooker is one of the game’s elite players. Part of arguably the game’s best spine.
3 Jahrome Hughes
Age: 29
Games: 127 (22 in 2023)
Contract ends: 2026
Classy halfback who is one of the elite playmakers in the NRL. Hughes can be a matchwinner on his day and provides the perfect foil for Munster.
4 Ryan Papenhuyzen
Age: 25
Games: 72 (3 in 2023)
Contract ends: 2025
One of the most dynamic players in the game, Papenhuyzen was stopped in his tracks by a shattered kneecap and then a broken ankle. His return will add another dimension to the Melbourne attack.
5 Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Age: 27
Games: 184 (20 in 2023)
Contract ends: 2027
Asofa-Solomona is a 115kg wrecking ball who remains one of the most devastating ball runners in the game. At his best, he is almost unstoppable.
6 Nick Meaney
Age: 26
Games: 113 (25 in 2023)
Contract ends: 2024
Meaney grabbed hold of the No.1 jersey last season and never let it go as he proved a safe pair of hands at the back. You would find it hard to find a more consistent player in the NRL. Destined for a move to the centres when Papenhuyzen returns.
7 Christian Welch
Age: 29
Games: 143 (25 in 2023)
Contract ends: 2026 (MO)
Welch returned from an Achilles injury last season and admitted he struggled at times to find his best form. Entering a crucial season as he looks to reclaim his Queensland jersey.
8 Sualauvi Faalogo
Age: 20
Games: One (One in 2023)
Contract ends: 2025
The 20-year-old Faalogo made a brilliant debut in the final round of the regular season and followed it up by starring for Samoa in the Pacific Championships. Will push for a regular spot next season.
9 Eliesa Katoa
Age: 23
Games: 67 (21 in 2023)
Contract ends: 2027
Katoa was one of the signings of the season after being recruited from the Warriors. Played 21 games and was consistently among the Storm’s best.
10 Xavier Coates
Age: 22
Games: 70 (21 in 2023)
Contract ends: 2026
Coates won the Cameron Smith medal as Melbourne’s player of the year after scoring 16 tries in 21 games last season. A genuine threat on the ground and in the air.
11 William Warbrick
Age: 25
Games: 25 (25 in 2023)
Contract ends: 2026
The former New Zealand sevens star made his debut in round one last season and went on to make 25 appearances, scoring 17 tries in the process. Athletic with a nose for the tryline.
12 Josh King
Age: 27
Games: 129 (26 in 2023)
Contract ends: 2025
One of the most consistent and reliable players in the NRL, King had the honour of captaining the Storm at the end of last season.
13 Trent Loiero
Age: 22
Games: 49 (26 in 2023)
Contract ends: 2025
There were high hopes for Loiero entering the 2023 season and while he was a fixture in the Storm second row, he was never really convinced. A huge season is coming up as he makes the move to the middle.
14 Bronson Garlick
Age: 27
Games: 22 (22 in 2023)
Contract ends: 2025
A late bloomer, Garlick joined the Storm last season and became a regular fixture in the side. Capable of playing a variety of positions.
15 Tyran Wishart
Age: 23
Games: 29 (14 in 2023)
Contract ends: 2025
The versatile Wishart has been a handy addition to the Storm, playing a variety of roles and handling all with aplomb. Managed 14 games last season.
16 Jonah Pezet
Age: 20
Games: Seven (Seven in 2023)
Contract ends: 2025
Classy young half who got his chance early last season and more than held his own. Tipped for big things down the track.
17 Tui Kamikamica
Age: 29
Games: 92 (21 in 2023)
Contract ends: 2025
The Fijian powerhouse managed 21 games for the Storm in 2023 but was found wanting when the finals came round. Another player who needs a big season.
18 Justin Olam
Age: 29
Games: 104 (17 in 2023)
Contract ends: 2026
Olam had well-documented form struggles in 2024 but he was recalled by coach Craig Bellamy for the finals, a sign of how respected he is at the club. On his day, a devastating defender.
19 Reimis Smith
Age: 26
Games: 105 (22 in 2023)
Contract ends: 2024
Smith made 22 appearances for the Storm last season as he switched between the centres and the wing. Fighting for his future at the club.
20 Marion Seve
Age: 28
Games: 46 (10 in 2023)
Contract ends: 2024
Seve managed 10 games for the Storm last season including all three games in the finals as he forced his way into calculations with his form in the Queensland Cup.
21 Joe Chan
Age: 21
Games: One (One in 2023)
Contract ends: 2025 (MO)
The son of former Storm player and New Zealand international Alex Chan, Joe Chan spent the season in the Queensland Cup with Brisbane Easts and won their rookie of the year award. The club has high hopes for him.
22 Jack Howarth
Age: 21
Games: One (One in 2023)
Contract ends: 2027
Big things have been expected of Howarth for some time but he is yet to show he belongs in the big time. He got a brief taste of the NRL last season and 2024 could be a breakthrough year.
23 Alec MacDonald
Age: 22
Games: 24 (12 in 2023)
Contract ends: 2025
MacDonald managed 12 games for the Storm last season as he continued his ascent. Handy footballer who is pushing for a consistent role.
24 Aaron Pene
Age: 28
Games: 32 (Eight in 2023)
Contract ends: 2024
Aggressive front rower who plays a role off the bench but yet to show he deserves a starting spot. Heading into a crucial year in his development.
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