As NRL clubs look hopefully towards next season - we pessimistically ponder the worst-case scenario for each of the 17 teams in 2023.
7. Melbourne Storm: Disruption in the spine
With the losses of Jesse and Kenneath Bromwich, Brandon Smith, Felise Kaufusi, Cooper Johns and Tyson Smoothy, Melbourne has lost 806 games of NRL experience in the last year.
But one thing they have been able to hold onto is one of the best spines in the NRL with Jahrome Hughes, Harry Grant and Cameron Munster all locked up for next year and beyond.
The Storm is also expecting a Round 1 return for electric fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen after his gruesome knee injury.
Even with a squad list depleted of familiar names from seasons past, Melbourne can still be a premiership threat - if they can keep their spine on the field for the majority of next season.
Injury hung around the Storm like a bad smell in 2022 and Craig Bellamy had to make all sorts of roster changes throughout the year.
The constant in and out of Munster, Grant or Hughes due to injury or Origin will make it hard for Melbourne to stay in touch with sides like Penrith or the Roosters.
Papenhuyzen's run of injuries these last two seasons has been grim, and who's to say after shattering his knee in 10 places that he will return the same player he was.
Before I read this, I thought “the worst that can happen” would be the same for each club: injury to one of its spine.
However – Dolphins, Dragons, West and Warriors – all about the club pulling together. Cows and Roosters – the same (to a lesser degree).
Perhaps this tells us that the influence of the coach – his ability to plan, organise, motivate and control his squad – is at least as important as that of any one player.