The Melbourne Storm is an Australian rugby league club.

Which is a member of the National Rugby League. The Storm, the state’s first fully professional rugby league team, entered the tournament in 1998.

This post explains Melbourne Storm news, NRL Melbourne Storm, players, and when they play next.

The Storm was a Super League venture, founded in 1997 during the Super League conflict; however, with the fall of the Super League, the team joined the newly constituted united league.

The clubs’ home games are at AAMI Park. Since its creation in 1999, the Storm has won four premierships, in 1999, 2012, 2017, and 2020; and has competed in multiple other grand finals.

However, the Storm strip of the 2007 and 2009 premierships due to salary cap violations.

The Storm also played in the NRL’s Under-20s tournament as the Melbourne Thunderbolts from 2008 until its dissolution in 2017; and in 2018 they joined the Hastings Deering Colts u20s QLD tournament as the Victorian Thunderbolts.

Additionally, through a collaborative venture with the University of the Sunshine Coast; the club has expanded into netball.

When Was Melbourne Storm NRL Established?

Melbourne Storm joined the newly established National Rugby League in 1998. Storm, Victoria’s first professional rugby league team; had an immediate impact, winning the club’s first premiership in only its second year.

During the club’s 23-year history, Melbourne has been in 11 grand finals. Missing the playoffs only three times.

The Club was based on family, responsibility, hard work, respect, and passion. On and off the field, the Melbourne Storm guides by these principles every year to continued success.

Who Owns The Melbourne Storm?

Brian Rist is the founder and CEO of The Smart Companies, which includes Storm Smart. Storm Smart is Florida’s top manufacturer and operator of storm protection equipment.

Melbourne Storm Players Lineup

Backs

Cameron Munster – 5-8th storm
Cooper johns – Halfback storm
George Jennings – winger storm
Dean Leremia – winger storm
Jahrome Hughes – halfback storm
Jack Howarth – center storm
Jonah pezet – halfback storm
Justin Olam – center storm
Nick Meaney – fullback storm
Tyran Wishart – halfback storm
Reimis smith – winger storm
Will Warbrick – winger storm
Ryan papenhuyzen – fullback storm
Xavier Coates – winger storm

Forwards

Alec MacDonald – lock storm
Brandon Smith – hooker storm
Bronson Garlick – hooker storm
Chris lewis – 2nd Row storm
Christian Welch – prop storm
Harry Grant – hooker storm
Jayden Nikorima – hooker storm
Felise Kaufusi – 2nd Row storm
Jesse Bromwich – prop storm
Josh king – prop storm

Coaches:

Craig Bellamy – coach storm
Sualauvi Faalogo – storm

When Do Melbourne Storm Play Next?

The Melbourne Storm players will play the next games against;

Monday, April 25 at 7:00 pm

Melbourne Storm vs NZ Warriors
AAMI Park

Sunday, May 1 at 2:00 pm

Newcastle Knights vs Melbourne Storm
McDonald Jones Stadium

Sunday, May 8 at 2:00 pm

Melbourne Storm vs St. George Dragons
AAMI Park

Saturday, May 14 at 7:45 pm

Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers
Suncorp Stadium

Melbourne Storm News Updates

Australian sport has never seen anything like the Melbourne Storm NRL club’s history; particularly in those that value competition equality. Plenty of powerhouses have come and gone, but none last as long as the Storm; has been fighting for crowns for the past 16 years and counting.

It will be known as one of the most amazing moments in Australian rugby league history. The team has survived; wage crises, rule modifications aimed to weaken its strengths, leadership changes and player retirements without missing a beat.

Few would contend for a title immediately following the retirement of all-time greats such as; Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, and Cooper Cronk.

The Storm reached a final the year after Cronk retired; won the minor premiership the year after Slater retired before winning the championship 12 months later.

Then broke all kinds of records on way to the minor premiership the season after Smith retire. The Storm demonstrates a willingness to put controversy aside. But it has seldom included off-field concerns like the one that occurred late last year.

When Cameron Munster and Brandon Smith penalize for bringing the game into disgrace. The bans were imposed when social media images surfaced showing the players.

And several other guys in a room with what looked to be a white material on a table. Storm stated at the time that the couple had made no confessions regarding the drug; and couldn’t recall much of the episode.

While this was not an unusual episode in rugby league; It was uncharted territory for the Storm. The Dolphins’ participation in 2023 is also sudden.

Melbourne’s capability to refill has been one of their strength. Enabling excellent non-playmakers to leave while getting a lot out of their no-frills replacements.

Despite the departures of Dale Finucane, Josh Addo-Carr, and Nicho Hynes during the off-season.

Melbourne began the season as the pre-season favorite.

The Dolphins, on the other hand, have made clear the Storm as the model to follow;

and appear to be attempting to acquire a piece of the legendary Storm culture.

Three starters, Felise Kaufusi, Jesse Bromwich, and Kenny Bromwich, have all signed with the Dolphins. While the new team has made a strong push for Storm halves duo Munster and Jahrome Hughes. With top hooker Brandon Smith about to join the Roosters.

The Storm is in danger of being wiped out by a new club with $9 million to spend and a desire to promote culture. The future of Craig Bellamy adds to the uncertainty. He has developed the Storm’s culture as possibly the best coach of all time. Undoubtedly the most significant individual on the team. He encourages players. He retains players. He is the Storm.

Melbourne Storm win both games this season despite missing important players. But they haven’t looked like same as last year. Teams do not reach their peak in the first two rounds.

Harry Grant and Munster both missed the first goal; while Brandon Smith was injured in the first minute.

In this week’s aways, Christian Welch, George Jennings, and Tui Kamikamica were included. Combinations take time, and players must have significant experience.

However, they challenge last year’s finalists this week. Melbourne raced out to a 14-0 lead and appeared to be on their way to a 30-point advantage before totally closing down.

The little details were the most troubling. An error by Justin Olam results in a missed opportunity. They failed to make 39 tackles. He has made 18 mistakes.

The Storm, of course, won thanks to a field goal by Ryan Papenhuyzen. Who scored for them. They can’t be stopped.

What Is Melbourne Storm’s Highest Score?

Melbourne Storm NRL’s highest score is 70 against St. George Illawarra(2000). Their largest winning margin is 64, which they have accomplished twice. First with a 64–0 win over West Tigers(2001).

Secondly with a 68–4 win over Canberra Raiders (2013).