The Melbourne Storm enter the 2026 NRL season as unstable as they have been in many years.
Craig Bellamy's side might have made two straight grand finals, but a pair of losses and squad turnover during the off-season will leave more questions than answers as they prepare for the new campaign.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Jonah Pezet have all departed, among others, while their signings leave a little to be desired in replacing those names.
The squad is still a strong one, although selection questions heading into the new year will certainly challenge Bellamy and his coaching staff.
Here are the key issues that could shape the discussion for the Victorian-based outfit as they surge towards Round 1, although with plenty of spots left to fill in their Top 30 (officially, at least), things could shuffle.
What position does Jack Howarth play?
Jack Howarth has certainly become a consistent centre for Melbourne, and there is more than a small theory that he would have played State of Origin in 2025 if not for injury problems.
Still, the talented youngster, who has in fact been linked to a switch to the Parramatta Eels for Melbourne to sign Zac Lomax, can play either in the centres or second-row.
Centre is where he has made his home so far at NRL level, but the season-ending concussion-related injury to Eliesa Katoa could well force Bellamy's hand.
While Melbourne has added Jack Hetherington to their forward pack for 2026, they are still short in the forwards, and with potential options at centre, Haworth could well be shuffled into the second-row alongside Shawn Blore for 2026.
Given Blore is also likely to depart the club at the end of 2026, the move could become all the more important.
