If it was any other club, fans would be nervous at signing just one established player and losing six. But such is the aura around Craig Bellamy that most experts again have the Storm in the top eight - if not the top four. The squad has lost plenty of experience with Tariq Sims (Catalans), Jayden Nikorima (Catalans), George Jennings (unsigned), Jordan Grant (unsigned), Tom Eisenhuth (Dragons), and Justin Olam (Wests Tigers) all departing. The one new signing - back-rower Shawn Blore (Wests Tigers) - is certain to fire under Bellamy's watch but the squad's depth suddenly doesn't look as strong as it has been. But we have said this many times in the past - and Bellamy has had the last laugh, finding average players from parts unknown and turning them into top class NRL players. Let's not forget that this time 12 months ago, the Storm lost Brandon Smith, Felise Kaufusi and the Bromwich brothers and then barely saw star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen - yet still finished third. Watch how much more impact Blore has in the Storm pack in 2024 than he ever had at the Tigers. Despite the departures, the Storm still have NRL-tested players like Bronson Garlick, Trent Loiero, Jonah Pezet, Marion Seve, Tepai Moeroa, Tyran Wishart and Young Tonumaipea who didn't make my 17 that Bellamy can call on. His biggest selection is what to do with brilliant young utility back Sua Fa'alogo. The youngster will probably start as a super sub in No.14 but with question marks over Papenhuyzen's fitness he is certain to get time in his favoured fullback spot at some stage of a long season. The kid is something special and will be lighting it up for Storm fans for many years to come.
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