Melbourne Storm 2023 NRL Preview & Predictions

<p>A new look forward pack and persisting injury problems to their superstar No.1 has left Melbourne Storm fans a little nervous ahead of the new season.</p> <p>After a disappointing and uncharacteristic first round finals exit last year, the Storm will no doubt be aiming to return to their lofty standards and at a minimum make the final four.</p> <p>In order to do this, they’ll have to try and hit the ground running without dynamo fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen who according to reports is set to miss the opening rounds of the competition as he continues to recover from a horror knee injury sustained last term.</p> <p>As a result, the Melbourne Storm’s predicted team will look a little different to what their fans might have hoped, but you can bet no matter who pulls on that purple jersey they’ll be ready to rip in from the first whistle.</p> <p>Read our Melbourne Storm season preview and see just who will suit up for Victoria’s finest come round 1.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Key Gains</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li><strong><em>Elise Katoa (New Zealand Warriors)</em></strong></li> <li><strong><em>Aaron Pene (New Zealand Warriors)</em></strong></li> <li><strong><em>Tariq Sims (St George Illawarra Dragons)</em></strong></li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Three new forwards have been brought in by the Storm to bolster their pack after the departures of a host of key big men.</p> <p>Elise Katoa and Aaron Pene have made the trip across the ditch, joining from the Warriors, while former Origin representative Tariq Sims has decided to spend the twilight of his career under the tutelage of Craig Bellamy.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Key Losses</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li><strong><em>Jesse Bromwich (The Dolphins)</em></strong></li> <li><strong><em>Kenneath Bromwich (The Dolphins)</em></strong></li> <li><strong><em>Felise Kaufusi (The Dolphins)</em></strong></li> <li><strong><em>Brandon Smith (Sydney Roosters) </em></strong></li> <li><strong><em>Tyson Smoothy (Brisbane Broncos)</em></strong></li> <li><strong><em>Cooper Johns (Manly Sea Eagles)</em></strong></li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Four representative-level forwards have left to take up offers elsewhere. Brothers Jesse and Kenny Bromwich along with Queensland stalwart Felise Kaufusi have all headed north to join Wayne Bennett’s Redcliffe revolution.</p> <p>Elsewhere, utility forward and human cannonball Brandon “Block of Cheese” Smith has packed his bags for the Chooks to become their full-time rake after finding himself stuck behind phenom Harry Grant at the Storm.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Player To Watch</h3>

<p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>Harry Grant</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Dynamic dummy half barely even begins to describe Harry Grant. The young Queenslander continues to go from strength to strength with every season he plays in the NRL.</p> <p>At the tender age of 21 he was given arguably the hardest job in Rugby League history: replacing the legendary Cameron Smith.</p> <p>Not only has Grant filled the void Smith left at club level but now he is also a mainstay at both Origin and Test level just like his predecessor.</p> <p>He was an integral part of the Kangaroos team who won the World Cup in England last November and was named in the team of the tournament.</p> <p>Now entering his fourth full season of NRL, Grant has both experience and ability and the Storm will be hoping both are on display this season.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Melbourne Storm Season Prediction</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>Predicted finish: <strong>4th</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>As strange as it sounds Melbourne would have no doubt been disappointed with last season's 5th placed finish, such are their lofty standards.</p> <p>The manner in which they were eliminated from the finals by 8th placed Canberra will have only added more fuel to their 2023 premiership ambitions.</p> <p>While they have lost a wealth of experience in the shape of Felise Kaufusi, Brandon Smith and the Bromwich brothers, Melbourne’s ability to replace departing stars is unparalleled.</p> <p>Even with their mullet-ed messiah Ryan Papenhuyzen set to miss the opening rounds of the season, the Storm still arguably have the best spine in the competition.</p> <p>Cameron Munster, Harry Grant and Jarome Hughes are all world class players and Nick Meaney proved last season he is capable of doing an admirable job deputising for Papenhuyzen.</p> <p>With Craig Bellamy remaining at the helm, it is unlikely Melbourne will finish consecutive seasons outside of the competition's top 4.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Melbourne Storm Predicted Team For Round 1</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ol> <li>Nick Meaney</li> <li>Dean Ieremia</li> <li>Reimis Smith</li> <li>Justin Olam</li> <li>Xavier Coates</li> <li>Cameron Munster</li> <li>Jahrome Hughes</li> <li>Nelson Asofa-Solomona</li> <li>Harry Grant</li> <li>Christian Welch</li> <li>Eliesa Katoa</li> <li>Tariq Sims</li> <li>Tui Kamikamica</li> <li>Tyran Wishart</li> <li>Trent Loiero</li> <li>Alec MacDonald</li> <li>Josh King</li> </ol>