Jack Howarth has gone from Queensland Cup to Storm’s starting centre and on the cusp of an NRL grand final

The evolution of the Melbourne Storm in 2024 includes a breakout 21-year-old centre who can’t believe he’s one win away from an NRL grand final.

Jack Howarth has been a breakout star for the Storm in 2024. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

If anyone had told Jack Howarth at the start of the 2024 season that he’d be preparing for a home preliminary final in front of a packed crowd after 12 games in a row as Melbourne Storm’s starting centre, he would have called them “crazy”.

But that’s the reality the 21-year-old former schoolboys star is living this week, armed with a growing confidence after the power-packed Storm playing group told him they “believe” in him and after a series of one-on-one sessions with master coach Craig Bellamy designed to make him the “best player possible”.

Howarth signed a stunning five-year contract with the Storm in January, 2022, straight out of school, but there was no easy passage into what was already a winning line-up.

His debut didn’t come until a single game late in 2023, and while he worked hard in the off-season and came back “really fit” hoping for a round 1 berth after two years of Queensland Cup, it didn’t happen.

In and out of the side twice more for single games this season, coming off the bench, amid a shifting backline as Bellamy reshuffled his line-up to deal with injuries, Howarth got back in for the round 15 clash with the Warriors, got his first crack at starting centre two games later and has played every game since.

Jack Howarth has become Storm’s starting centre in the 2024 premiership push. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Despite having to bide his time before making his mark, Howarth said it was probably the right call, and he was now better placed to deliver on the belief and trust showed in him.

“I think the first two years, I understood they were doing really well. I understood that I’m not going to just walk in here, into the side,” Howarth said ahead of Friday’s AAMI Park clash with the Roosters that is officially a sellout.

“I think a little bit maybe last year, there was points where I thought I got injured, and I think I was on the cusp of playing, so that was pretty frustrating.

“I had people, a lot of the staff, just telling me to hang in there, keep playing consistent and then my time will come.

“I was just lucky enough when I did get my opportunity that I was ready, and obviously I was pleasing the coaches and the players, importantly.

“They said that I earned their trust. And that’s a big thing that you’ve got to do to get into the team, so when I got that, got told that all the players wanted to play with me, and that they believe and trust me, (it) gave me that confidence.

“I don’t know if I would be in the same position if I played earlier. I’m a big believer in everything happens for a reason.

“If you told me at the start of this year that I’d be getting picked week in, week out, then I’d be playing in the finals, I’d say you’re crazy.”

He has been a revelation out wide. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Howarth, who lived with Storm captain Harry Grant last year, said the ongoing encouragement from the skipper helped him work through the times when things weren’t going his way.

So too did the “raw” words from Storm development coach, and former premiership player, Todd Lowrie.

“He was telling me, he wouldn’t sugar coat things, he’d tell me if I was doing things right or doing things wrong and what would get me in the side,” Howarth said.

“And obviously when things won’t get me in the side, that Craig doesn’t like, he’s like, just don’t do that again.”

Bellamy also took a strong interest in building Howarth up, and their relationship has been crucial to the young star’s rise.

“He has a joke with me every now and then, but I think he just wants to develop me as a player,” he said,

“Obviously, he’s got that intimidating presence, so I don’t like to muck around with him too much, but he does a lot of one-on-one stuff with me.

“So I think our relationship was a bit like you can have a laugh and stuff, but he’s trying to get me to be the best player possible. I’d say it’s growing, and I think it’s good.”

Howarth can’t believe he’s preparing for a preliminary final. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

As for his relationship with his star Storm teammates, Howarth reveals how the welcoming environment at the club, where everyone is equal, is key to their ongoing success.

“The culture here is so welcoming. There’s no hierarchy,” he said.

“Despite what you’ve done, everyone’s on the same level, and everyone mucks around with each other. And it’s not like you’re scared to annoy someone because of what they’ve done because they will do it to you.

“It’s a good culture and environment that we have. Young people come in, I reckon by the first couple of weeks there they feel like they’ve been here for ages.

“That’s how welcoming our group is. It’s unreal.”