Eight Melbourne Storm stars will make their first appearance in the purple jersey for 2022 in the club’s first match in Ballarat this Sunday.
Named in a strong starting pack to face the Newcastle Knights in the pre-season trial at Mars Stadium are the Bromwich brothers, Jesse and Kenny, Christian Welch and Felise Kaufusi, as well as backline members Jahrome Hughes, Reimis Smith, Justin Olam and Cooper Johns.
Tyran Wishart will start at hooker in another indication that he is being strongly considered for the No.9 jersey for the round one clash against Wests Tigers, with Harry Grant and Brandon Smith sidelined with suspension.
Nick Meaney will continue at fullback as Ryan Papenhuyzen continues his rehab of an ankle injury sustained at the Geelong camp.
Among those included on the 14-man interchange list are regular starters Brandon Smith, Cameron Munster, Harry Grant and Nelson Asofa-Solomona.
Alec MacDonald, who has been upgraded to a train and trial contract for this season, has won a bench role after impressing against the NZ Warriors at Casey Fields.
Kickoff on Sunday is at 5.45pm with a curtain-raiser clash featuring the Victorian Thunderbolts SG Ball squad against Cronulla starting at 3pm.
Tickets are available here.
Big thanks to Visit Victoria for supporting the match.
Storm line-up
| Number | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | Nick Meaney |
| 2 | George Jennings |
| 3 | Reimis Smith |
| 4 | Justin Olam |
| 5 | Xavier Coates |
| 6 | Cooper Johns |
| 7 | Jahrome Hughes |
| 8 | Jesse Bromwich |
| 9 | Tyran Wishart |
| 10 | Christian Welch |
| 11 | Felise Kaufusi |
| 12 | Kenny Bromwich |
| 13 | Josh King |
Interchange
| 14 | Sua Fa’alogo |
| 15 | Will Warbrick |
| 16 | Alec MacDonald |
| 17 | Chris Lewis |
| 18 | Jayden Nikorima |
| 19 | Dean Ieremia |
| 20 | Bronson Garlick |
| 21 | Trent Loiero |
| 22 | Brandon Smith |
| 23 | Nelson Asofa-Solomona |
| 24 | Cameron Munster |
| 25 | Jack Howarth |
| 26 | Harry Grant |
| 27 | Grant Anderson |
