‘It wasn’t ideal’: Storm confident of 2023 bounce back after securing major win in draw

After being bundled out of the finals in the first week, the Storm is hopeful of a deeper run after securing a big win in last week’s draw.

The Storm could return to the MCG where they beat the Dragons 70-10 in 2000.

The Melbourne Storm is still waiting for confirmation on where two blockbuster home fixtures will be played in 2023 in what shapes to be a far more favourable draw compared with a horror stretch this season that took its toll in the finals.

Following their bye in round 13, the Storm travelled to Sydney six times, flew out to New Zealand to play the Warriors and also took on the Broncos in Brisbane, with just four of their final 12 regular season matches played in Melbourne.

The Storm lost four of those games in Sydney and never recovered from back-to-back epic battles against heavyweights the Roosters and Eels in the final two rounds before they were eliminated by the Raiders the following week.

Storm players were shattered after the Raiders loss. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

In that same stretch, premiers Penrith had one game in the ACT and two more in Queensland, although one of those was in the final round when they rested virtually their entire team for the trip to Townsville.

The Storm showed in 2020 just how important stability can be when they made camp during bubble life in Queensland and went on to win the premiership.

It’s why chief executive Justin Rodski campaigned hard with the NRL for a more balanced draw next season, with the Storm to play six matches in Melbourne following their round 13 bye, with another week off in round 19.

Rodski was asked whether the hectic schedule led to his side’s early elimination from the finals while speaking on SEN radio on Thursday morning.

Justin Rodski fought hard for a fair draw. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

“It might have, but we certainly didn’t use that as an excuse because we didn’t play well enough,” he said.

“We did have a number of key players out with injury, and we just didn’t hit the right form at the right time of the season.

“It wasn’t ideal and clearly we would have preferred a much more balanced fixture.

“It was one of our highest priority requests to the NRL that we had a much more balanced fixture across the season to ensure that we weren’t travelling too much in one block across the year.

“We did think that it had an impact.”

The Storm has lost a stack of experience in the forwards, with the Bromwich brothers, Felise Kaufusi and Brandon Smith all joining rival clubs in 2023, but there is cautious optimism given a number of injured stars are set to return.

Christian Welch and George Jennings both suffered season-ending injuries in round 1, while superstar fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen was restricted to just 12 appearances where he scored a whopping 14 tries.

Having them back on the paddock along with new recruits Tariq Sims and Eliesa Katoa will have the Storm primed for a return to the top four and will make marquee match-ups in Melbourne a must for their fans.

The club is aiming for 40,000 members next year, and that could help fill one of Melbourne’s best stadiums, with the Storm to be forced out of AAMI Park for two of their biggest games.

Christian Welch played just one match in 2022. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

The round 18 clash against Penrith and the match against Parramatta in round 22 remain up in the air, with AAMI Park out of action because of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Storm know where they’d like the games to be played, but an answer might not be provided until well into next year.

“Our priority at the moment would be to play those games under the roof at Marvel Stadium,” Rodski said.

“Both of those fixtures within that lockout period are impacted by the AFL’s loading fixture period, so unfortunately at this stage we’re unable to confirm if Marvel Stadium will be the venue.

“Whether or not we’re going to have confirmation earlier than six weeks out remains to be seen, and we’re still waiting on the AFL draw to come out to determine that.”

If it’s not at Marvel, then the Storm could play at Geelong’s GMHBA Stadium or Ikon Park, while a 22-year first is also on the cards.

“Other options include the MCG,” Rodski said.

“Melbourne Storm played at the MCG twice in 2000 and we haven’t played there since. It would be an incredible occasion to have the Melbourne Storm play at the MCG in our 25th anniversary year.”

Originally published as ‘It wasn’t ideal’: Storm confident of 2023 bounce back after securing major win in draw