Our 2022 Storm NRL squad will come together for the first time at AAMI Park next week when the last group of players return for pre-season training.
It will be our first full training session at home in 145 days.
Here’s a look at who can wear the purple jersey in the new season.
Of course, most of our players are capable of playing more than one position, but we’ve listed them in their usual starting slot.
Fullbacks
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Nick Meaney
Paps has now played 57 NRL games and as well as being the first choice No.1, he is also our first choice goalkicker. Nick comes to Melbourne after logging 65 matches for Newcastle and Canterbury including 22 last year with eight of those on the wing.
Wingers
Xavier Coates, George Jennings, Dean Ieremia, Will Warbrick
There’s definitely one starting position to be won following Josh Addo-Carr’s departure. State of Origin winger Xavier Coates and NZ Sevens player Will Warbrick are the new faces joining last year’s regular George Jennings (18 games and 11 tries in 2021) and Dean Ieremia (10 games, six tries in his rookie year)
Centres
Justin Olam, Reimis Smith, Jack Howarth
Reimis and Justin were close to being ever-presents last season, each playing 25 games which were career-highs for both players. Jack Howarth, a former Australian Schoolboys representative, is a strong runner of the ball who is gunning for an NRL debut this season.
Halves
Jahrome Hughes, Cameron Munster, Cooper Johns, Jonah Pezet
Jahrome and Cameron are one of the NRL’s best pairings and will be the first-choice halves with back-up from Cooper (seven career games) and 19-year-old Jonah who has been chosen in the NSW Emerging Blues squad.
Hookers
Harry Grant, Brandon Smith, Jayden Nikorima
Brandon, the Dally M Hooker of the Year, and Harry, Queensland’s No.9, are the best hooker combination in the game but unfortunately both will be missing for round one due to suspension. Jayden has joined the Storm from Redcliffe and played seven games for the Roosters in 2016. He is also at home in the halves.
Edge forwards
Kenny Bromwich, Felise Kaufusi, Tom Eisenhuth, Chris Lewis, Trent Loiero
Good mates Kenny and Felise will have their last season together and will be keen to make it one to remember. Kenny is closing in on 200 games for Melbourne with eight left to play before hitting the milestone. Tom (17 games) and Chris (20 games) both gained plenty of playing time last year and showed their versatility with stints in the backs when those stocks were running low. Trent is a young forward on the rise at age 20 and with six matches behind him from his rookie year.
Middle forwards
Jesse Bromwich, Christian Welch, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Tui Kamikamica, Josh King, Jordan Grant, Tepai Moeroa
The loss of co-captain Dale Finucane has opened up a spot in Storm’s starting pack. The new face for 2022 is Josh King who tallied 78 matches at Newcastle. Tepai will get the benefit of his first full Storm pre-season after switching from rugby midway through 2021. Jordan’s pre-season has unfortunately been slowed by a hamstring tear.
Utility
Tyran Wishart
After moving to Storm from the Dragons, Tyran showcased his impressive versatility by training in a number of spots, ranging from wing through to hooker, in the Noosa camp.
Development list
Bronson Garlick – edge forward
Cole Geyer – hooker
Marion Seve – wing/centre
