Oracle of Delphi
Arnold
Craig HillNRL Club Analysis for Season '08 - Melbourne
February 21st 2008 05:48
Melbourne Storm
Attack – 9/10
Defence – 8/10
My prediction – 3rd
Defence – 8/10
My prediction – 3rd
After blitzing all before them on the way to claiming the ’07 premiership, the Melbourne Storm will again start as overwhelming favourites for the NRL’s 2008 crown. Under the tutelage of coach Craig Bellamy, who is undoubtedly the most astute coach in the league, many experts believe that back-to-back titles is a mere formality for the Melbourne side.
But the two time premiers will not have things all their own way, with all teams sure to lift and attempt to knock the at times untouchable Storm off their lofty perch. There will be even more pressure on Bellamy and his boys in the games Centenary season, with an increased Origin involvement, and a host of new, inexperienced talent set to test the professionalism and spirit of the club.
Melbourne have been the best team by far over the past two seasons, but I think their recent success may just hurt them cum finals time this season.
Strengths-
Coach Bellamy possesses arguably the most talented and speedy backline in the competition, with rookies Greg Inglis and Israel Folau set to kick on from last year’s stellar season. The departure of Matt King opens the door for the introduction of yet another boom Storm rookie, Will Chambers, and fullback Billy Slater will be out to make amends for an injury interrupted 2007 season. With cool halves Inglis and Cronk steering the ship, the Storm could well be in for another record season.
Weaknesses-
The Storm have lost a host of experience over the off season, and only time will tell if their gamble on youth will pay dividends. The loss of Crossman, Shortland, Newton and Aubusson leaves a big hole in the defending premiers forward depth, and coach Bellamy may find it extremely difficult finding a suitable hooking replacement should captain Cameron Smith go down injured.
The Storm’s backline still looks particularly lethal despite the departure of representative centre King, with talented rookie Will Chambers set to assume the number 3 jersey. Melbourne’s depth is sure to be tested cum representative time, and there will be no shortage of teams queuing up to break the premiers’ enviable home record.
Best Team-
1- Billy Slater
2- Anthony Quinn
3- Will Chambers
4- Israel Folau
5- Steve Turner
6- Greg Inglis
7- Cooper Cronk
8- Brett White
9- Cameron Smith
10- Antonio Kaufusi
11- Ryan Hoffman
12- Jeremy Smith
13- Dallas Johnson
14- Michael Crocker
15- Matt Geyer
16- Jeremy Smith
17– Jeff Lima
Trial Matches-
16/02/08 v Manly Sea-Eagles @ Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford
29/02/08 World Club Challenge - v Leeds Rhinos @ Elland Road, Leeds
01/03/08 v Brisbane Broncos @ Dolphin Park, Redcliffe
2008 Gains and Losses –
Gains –
Ben McDougall (Northern Rivers), Kevin Proctor (Tweed Heads), Lucas Miller (Newcastle), Sinbad Kali (Central Coast), Joseph Tamone (Super 14, QLD), Aiden Guerra (Brisbane Norths)
Losses –
Matt King (Warrington), James Aubusson (Sydney Roosters), Clint Newton and Garret Crossman (Hull), Ben Cross (Newcastle), Ryan Shortland (NZ Warriors), Anthony Perkins (NQ Cowboys)
*Please join me tomorrow for my Analysis of the Newcastle Knights 2008 season.
Cheers,
StephenP
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