The Mole: Huge question hangs over Storm after limp performance without Cameron Munster
Can the Storm win the premiership without Cameron Munster?
The question has to be asked after Melbourne's meek performance against Manly on Thursday night.
Munster has been arguably the form player of the 2022 season - and while the Storm have plenty of other superstars in their team, they looked a shadow of themselves for 75 minutes against Manly at Brookvale.
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Only a late flurry of four tries in five minutes resulted in the final 36-30 scoreline - prior to that Manly totally dominated the Storm.
Craig Bellamy's experiment of playing Jayden Nikorima at five-eighth in Munster's place proved a disaster.
Brandon Smith of the Storm looks on during their round 16 NRL match against Manly. Getty
Nikorima made just one run in the match and missed seven tackles, several of which led to Manly tries.
No team has made the Storm look as poor as the Sea Eagles did last night - and it's no co-incidence that Munster was missing.
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It's not just Munster's brilliant attacking play that inspires the Storm.
He is a ruthless competitor who drives his team-mates to bring out the best in their own games.
Without him, they looked a rudderless ship and Bellamy will be praying his main man is fit and healthy for the finals.
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