Melbourne did not have to look far to find the man to take the reigns of their forward pack.
Whilst coaching Wollongong in the Illawarra competition, where he spent the past two years, former Storm player Jason Ryles took a phone call regarding an opportunity.
It was to come down and join Craig Bellamy’s coaching staff as an assistant coach, primarily in charge of the team’s forwards.
Storm’s pack had been emerging in recent years but under Ryles they arrived in 2016.
Melbourne were sixth in the NRL for metres gained in the last two years but finished this season ranked second.
Youngsters such as Christian Welch and Nelson Asofa-Solomoa have taken significant steps forward in their development while Kenny Bromwich has enjoyed a breakout season.
Bellamy credits his former prop with the success of the Storm pack so far this season.
“He’s been tremendous,” Bellamy said.
“When we brought him here we knew he was a really good guy and a really good fit for our Club because he played here. Everyone really liked him as a player and as a person.
“He’s been really good for the guys, he’s got that personality where he can be tough when it is time to be tough but he can also be a real friend to the players.
“He does build close relationships pretty easily, he’s got a great sense of humor but as I said he’s got a great work ethic. He played at the highest level as well so there are a lot of good experiences that he’s had which has passed onto our players.”
“He’s been a really strong part of our coaching staff this year and a really important part of our team and our Club.”
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Outside backs coach Adam O’Brien is another assistant who has be vital to the side’s success in 2016.
O’Brien has been in charge of the side’s outside backs and attack since 2014.
On the back of a wealth of experience, stretching back to when he first in 2007, O’Brien could well be considered for a head coaching role in the near future.
“He has been around longer than Rylesy so I probably see him at the front of the line, he does a great job with our playmakers,” Bellamy said.
“They are both wonderful young coaches that are learning all the time but they have also got some great experiences as well.”
“I value both of them because they’ve got great work ethics and they really fit what we are about here as a club and as a team.”
