The Mole's season review: Storm left 'frustrated' as size issue laid bare in grand final
Melbourne Storm: 2023 finish: 3rd | 2024 finish: Runner-up
Melbourne can consider themselves highly unlucky to be playing in the same era as one of the all-time great teams in rugby league history.
Craig Bellamy's men beat the Panthers to the minor premiership - a massive achievement when you now analyse all Penrith has done - but couldn't match them on the night that matters most.
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The Storm haven't taken the title since 2020 - however have always been right up there only to be frustrated by the history-making Panthers.
Cameron Munster and Harry Grant look on after the grand final loss. Getty
Even in the grand final they scored the first try through brilliant hooker Harry Grant before being worn down by the Penrith machine.
Bellamy demands excellence from his team and for most of 2024, they produced it.
Right from week one the title appeared a two-horse race - and so it turned out to be.
The absence of suspended giant Nelson Asofa-Solomona hurt the Storm badly in the grand final… he was a colossus up front throughout 2024 and without him, Melbourne struggled to hold the big Penrith pack.
Fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen was one of the feel-good stories of the year, coming back from a host of serious injuries to reproduce his best, scoring 13 tries from 20 games.
Throw in wingers Will Warbrick (15 from 24) and Xavier Coates (10 from 16) and the Storm had a back three to rival any team in the league.
Will Warbrick continues to improve. Getty
Nick Meaney had another solid season in the centres and found a new partner in promising Jack Howarth, who made great progress in his rookie season before struggling on the big stage in the grand final.
Cam Munster was his usual mix of brilliant and cheeky, coming back from a serious groin injury to shine in the finals.
Jahrome Hughes was the standout player of the season, deservedly winning the Dally M Medal… but was also off his game on grand final night.
In the forwards, Eli Katoa was dynamic in his second year with the club and Tigers recruit Shawn Blore proved a great signing.
The likes of Christian Welch, Alec MacDonald, Trent Loiero and Josh King - typical Bellamy players - also gave great value.
Bellamy got plenty out of two 'super sub' utilities - Tyran Wishart and Sua Fa'alogo - and both should see more top grade action in 2025 as the Storm again attempt to topple the Panther powerhouse.
Best player: Jahrome Hughes - enjoyed his best season, winning the Dally M Medal… but had a quiet night in the grand final as Penrith swamped him.
Jahrome Hughes during the grand final. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Needs to lift: Tui Kamikamica needed to rise to the occasion when big Nelson was suspended for the grand final - and was barely sighted.
Best signing: Stefano Utoikamanu should shine under Bellamy's watchful eye and a brutal off-season at the Storm will see him primed for a huge year in 2025.
2025 gains: Stefano Utoikamanu (Wests Tigers)
2025 losses: Aaron Pene (released), Reimis Smith (Super League)
