For the first time in many years, there seemed to be cracks in the Storm armour. Some even had them missing the eight.
Unfortunately for those waiting for a Storm collapse, 2015 was not the season it happened. They finished top four, despite not having the greatest of years.
Blake Green’s recruitment was heavily criticised, but as usual, Bellamy and the Storm were able to see something the rest of us couldn’t.
The over reliance on the big three has really been seen too, with Chambers, Bromwich and Munster especially standing up.
Season Highlight: Round 25 through to their Quarter Final
Over three weeks, the Storm beat the Cowboys, Broncos and the Roosters, the top three sides.
Their two point win over Minor Premiers the Roosters, away from home, was arguably their best win overall, but collectively, to beat all three top sides, proves how good the Storm were at times.
The Storm were at long odds to finish in the top four, with the Sharks on fire, and the most difficult run home over the past fortnight, but they were not to be denied.
Melbourne, who arguably play their best football when the world is against them, showed everyone, and came within 80 minutes of yet another Grand Final.
Season Lowlight: 32-12 loss to the Cowboys (Semi Final)
The Storm had a huge crowd behind them, and everything in their favour, yet passed up the perfect opportunity to return to Grand Final day.
The feeling is that the Storm played their Grand Final in beating the Roosters a fortnight earlier, and that the games mentioned previously took their toll.
It’s likely that no one was beating the Cowboys on the day, but fans of the Storm could have expected more.
Much like the Sharks, their season ended in dominant fashion at the hands of the eventual premiers. I hope the season prior is remembered more-so than the way they bowed out.
Star Player: Jesse Bromwich
The Kiwi front rower established himself as one of the top five props in the world in 2015.
He averaged over 150 metres a game during his 24 appearances, although his contribution went beyond simple stats.
Bromwich has matured incredibly under Bellamy, and has become a leader at the club. You can see, through the emotion he displays, that the Storm is in his heart.
The Storm have become far more than the “big three” over the years, and Bromwich is the main reason for this. Three tries and one try assist isn’t bad for a man charged with tucking the ball under his arm and making tough metres.
Most Disappointing Player: Kurt Mann
It feels a little wrong singling out Kurt Mann, but the Storm’s main problems came in the troublesome centre position.
Mann missed too many tackles, and didn’t offer enough in attack. Teams soon worked this out, and knew that the Storm would attack down Will Chambers side.
Craig Bellamy doesn’t often lose players he wishes to keep, and Mann’s move to the Dragons proves that.
With Munster and possibly Scott ready to fill in a centre position, the move looks to be best for player and club alike.
Future Star: Cameron Munster
Billy Slater’s injury broke up the legendary big three, and in my people’s minds, ended the Storm’s premiership chances.
Step forward 21 year-old Rockhampton product Cameron Munster, who filled in with such energy and brilliance, that the Storm HAVE to find a position for him next season.
He is Billy Slater’s heir apparent, and will play plenty of fullback in his future, but for now he may play in the halves, or even in the centres.
Despite being just 21, Munster produced performances well beyond his limited experience, and already looks like a future leader.
Best Signing For 2016: Curtis Scott
Many wouldn’t have heard of the 17 year-old former Shark, but reports indicate up to 11 NRL clubs were chasing his signature.
The captain of the Sharks national champion SG ball team, Scott scored four tries in his six Holden Cup appearances.
He has all the attributes and wraps in the world, and now he has one of the greatest minds in the game moulding him as he prepares for his NRL debut.
I’m not sure he’ll play first grade next season, but this kid is special, and he’ll light up whichever competition Craig Bellamy decides he should play in.
Outlook:
The Storm added squad players, but only really lost Hinchcliffe in terms of genuine first graders, so they’ll look similar in 2016.
Billy Slater, by all reports, should be fully fit and should have a big offseason under his belt.
Cameron Munster will likely slot into the centres, adding a genuine attacking weapon out wide. This is something they lacked in the likes of Mann this season.
Cameron Smith is another year older, but shows no signs of slowing down, so the Storm are in good shape going forward.
Season Grading: B
For mine, the Storm surpassed expectation in 2015 by finishing in the top four.
At times it didn’t look like they’d be there, yet always looked safe enough to finish firmly in the top eight.
It’s a strange situation. Even finishing fourth despite having a underwhelming season seems like it isn’t good enough for the Storm.
For mine, they are stronger now than they were thanks to the emergence of Munster. Blake Green played well above himself this season, and at times, outplayed his halves partner in Cronk.
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