2022 Melbourne Storm season
The 2022 Melbourne Storm season is the 25th in the club's history, they are competing in the 2022 NRL season. The team is coached by Craig Bellamy, coaching the club for his 20th consecutive season and for the second straight season, Melbourne will have co-captains with Jesse Bromwich (second season), and Christian Welch (first season) sharing the duties,[1] following the departure of Dale Finucane.
| 2022 Melbourne Storm season | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NRL Rank | 2nd (as at Round 8) | |||
| 2022 record | Wins: 7; Draws: 0; Losses: 1 | |||
| Points scored | For: 293; Against: 104 | |||
| Team information | ||||
| CEO | Justin Rodski | |||
| Coach | Craig Bellamy | |||
| Captain |
| |||
| Stadium | AAMI Park - 30,050 (11 games) Suncorp Stadium - 52,500 (1 game) | |||
| Top scorers | ||||
| Tries | Ryan Papenhuyzen (10) Xavier Coates (10) | |||
| Goals | Ryan Papenhuyzen (37) | |||
| Points | Ryan Papenhuyzen (115) | |||
| ||||
Season summary
- Preseason – New recruits from the 2021–22 season took part in Melbourne Storm IDQ camp for pre season before New Years. Josh King was awarded the IDQ Iron bar with special recognition to William Warbrick.[2][3]
- 3 February – Ending a months-long absence, Nelson Asofa-Solomona returns to training after he "had provided all necessary information and certification to comply with the requirements of the Victorian and Queensland Governments to allow him to return for training and to play".[4] It had been reported that Asofa-Solomona was in danger of missing the 2022 season after he missed a December 2021 deadline to prove his vaccination status against COVID-19.[5]
- 19 February – Playing in Victoria for the first time since April 2021, Melbourne played their first NRL trial game of the year, going down 18–24 in front of a crowd of 7,000 at Casey Fields. An inexperienced squad, led by George Jennings played to raise funds for those impacted by the 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha'apai eruption and tsunami.
- 27 February – In the final hit out before the start of the regular season, Melbourne played their first ever game in Ballarat, defeating Newcastle Knights 24–10 at Mars Stadium. Leading 6–4 at half time, tries to rookie Tyran Wishart, Felise Kaufusi, and new recruit Jayden Nikorima sealing the victory. Injuries to Cooper Johns and Xavier Coates the main concerns ahead of Round 1, exacerbated by a number of players who will miss the game through suspensions.[6]
- 2 March – Prop forward Christian Welch is appointed a club co-captain for the first time, joining incumbent Jesse Bromwich in sharing the duties.[1]
- Round 1 – Melbourne maintain their winning streak in round 1 games, dating back to 2001, defeating Wests Tigers 26-16 for the club's first win at CommBank Stadium. The win was remarkable due to the club missing key players through suspension and also three players sustaining serious injuries during the match, in addition, five players made their club or NRL debut, the most in a single game for Melbourne since round 14 of the 2000 season.[7]
- Round 2 – Returning to AAMI Park for the first time in 321 days, and commemorating coach Craig Bellamy's 500th game, Melbourne extended their winning record against South Sydney Rabbitohs in Victoria to 18–0 with a 15–14 win in Golden point. Ryan Papenhuyzen kicking the winning field goal in the 84th minute.[8]
- Round 3 – In a second successive Golden point game, Melbourne lose 28–24 against Parramatta Eels for the third straight game, with Ray Stone scoring the winning try in extra time after the ball bounced off the upright from a Mitchell Moses field goal attempt.[9]
- 1 April – Melbourne extend the contracts of key players Harry Grant, Jahrome Hughes and Xavier Coates; re-signing the trio on long-term contracts to stay with the club.[10][11]
- Round 4 – Ryan Papenhuyzen scores a career-high 28 points (four tries, six goals), as Melbourne keep Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs scoreless for the second time in club history, winning 44-0.[12]
- Round 6 – With Jesse and Kenny Bromwich both unavailable, Jahrome Hughes becomes the 26th club captain,[13] as Melbourne defeat Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 34-18.[14]
- Round 7 - ANZAC Day, Storm score an equal club record 70 points, defeating New Zealand Warriors by 60 in one of the largest wins in the club's history, retaining the Michael Moore Trophy. Xavier Coates scores four tries during the game, while Ryan Papenhuyzen is awarded the Spirit of ANZAC Medal.[15]
Milestone games
| Round | Player | Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | Xavier Coates | Storm debut |
| Nick Meaney | Storm debut | |
| Josh King | Storm debut | |
| Tyran Wishart | NRL debut | |
| Alec MacDonald | NRL debut | |
| Round 2 | Craig Bellamy | 500th Storm game as coach |
Fixtures
Pre-season
| Date | Round | Opponent | Venue | Result | Mel. | Opp. | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 February | Trial |  New Zealand Warriors | Casey Fields, Cranbourne East | Loss | 18 | 30 | [18] |
| 27 February | Trial |  Newcastle Knights | Mars Stadium, Ballarat | Win | 24 | 10 | [19][6] |
Regular season
Source:[20]
- (GP) - Golden Point extra time
- (pen) - Penalty try
| Date | Round | Opponent | Home/Away | Venue | Result | Mel. | Opp. | Tries | Goals | Field goals | Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 March | 1 |  Wests Tigers | Away | CommBank Stadium, Sydney | Won | 26 | 16 | G Jennings, T Loiero, J Hughes, X Coates, R Smith | N Meaney 3/7 | [7][21] | |
| 17 March | 2 |  South Sydney Rabbitohs | Home | AAMI Park, Melbourne | Won (GP) | 15 | 14 | X Coates, R Papenhuyzen, C Munster | R Papenhuyzen 1/1, H Grant 0/2 | R Papenhuyzen 1/1 | [8][22] |
| 26 March | 3 |  Parramatta Eels | Home | AAMI Park, Melbourne | Lost (GP) | 24 | 28 | N Meaney (2), B Smith, R Papenhuyzen | R Papenhuyzen 4/4 | R Papenhuyzen 0/1 | [9][23] |
| 3 April | 4 |  Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs | Home | AAMI Park, Melbourne | Won | 44 | 0 | R Papenhuyzen (4), J King, K Bromwich, X Coates, F Kaufusi | R Papenhuyzen 6/8 | [12][24] | |
| 9 April | 5 |  Canberra Raiders | Away | McDonalds Park, Wagga Wagga | Won | 30 | 16 | J Hughes (2), H Grant, R Papenhuyzen, J Olam | R Papenhuyzen 5/5 | [25] | |
| 16 April | 6 |  Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks | Home | AAMI Park, Melbourne | Won | 34 | 16 | J Olam (2), C Munster, R Papenhuyzen, H Grant | R Papenhuyzen 7/7 | [26] | |
| 25 April | 7 |  New Zealand Warriors | Home | AAMI Park, Melbourne | Won | 70 | 10 | X Coates (4), J Hughes (2), N Meaney (2), R Papenhuyzen (2), H Grant, J Bromwich, J Olam | R Papenhuyzen 7/10, H Grant 0/1, C Munster 0/1, N Meaney 2/3 | [15][27] | |
| 1 May | 8 | Newcastle Knights | Away | McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle | Won | 50 | 2 | X Coates (3), J Olam (2), J Hughes, T Moeroa, N Meaney, C Munster | R Papenhuyzen 7/10 | [28] | |
| 8 May | 9 |  St George Illawarra Dragons | Home | AAMI Park, Melbourne | |||||||
| 14 May | 10 |  Penrith Panthers | Home (Magic Round) | Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane | |||||||
| 21 May | 11 |  North Queensland Cowboys | Away | Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville | |||||||
| 26 May | 12 |  Manly Sea Eagles | Home | AAMI Park, Melbourne | |||||||
| 5 June | 13 | Bye | |||||||||
| 11 June | 14 |  Sydney Roosters | Away | Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney | |||||||
| 17 June | 15 |  Brisbane Broncos | Home | AAMI Park, Melbourne | |||||||
| 30 June | 16 | Manly Sea Eagles | Away | 4 Pines Park, Sydney | |||||||
| 7 July | 17 | Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks | Away | PointsBet Stadium, Sydney | |||||||
| 17 July | 18 | Canberra Raiders | Home | AAMI Park, Melbourne | |||||||
| 23 July | 19 | South Sydney Rabbitohs | Away | Accor Stadium, Sydney | |||||||
| 29 July | 20 | New Zealand Warriors | Away | Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland | |||||||
| 5 August | 21 |  Gold Coast Titans | Home | AAMI Park, Melbourne | |||||||
| 11 August | 22 | Penrith Panthers | Away | BlueBet Stadium, Penrith | |||||||
| 19 August | 23 | Brisbane Broncos | Away | Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane | |||||||
| 26 August | 24 | Sydney Roosters | Home | AAMI Park, Melbourne | |||||||
| 1 September | 25 | Parramatta Eels | Away | CommBank Stadium, Sydney |
Ladder
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | B | PF | PA | PD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Penrith Panthers |
8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 238 | 88 | +150 | 16 |
| 2 |  Melbourne Storm |
8 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 293 | 104 | +189 | 14 |
| 3 | North Queensland Cowboys |
8 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 179 | 97 | +82 | 10 |
| 4 | Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks |
8 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 180 | 128 | +52 | 10 |
| 5 | Parramatta Eels |
8 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 213 | 162 | +51 | 10 |
| 6 | South Sydney Rabbitohs |
8 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 180 | 141 | +39 | 8 |
| 7 | Sydney Roosters |
8 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 146 | 128 | +18 | 8 |
| 8 | Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles |
8 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 156 | 170 | −14 | 8 |
| 9 | Brisbane Broncos |
8 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 127 | 157 | −30 | 8 |
| 10 | St. George Illawarra Dragons |
8 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 129 | 178 | −49 | 8 |
| 11 | New Zealand Warriors |
8 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 140 | 202 | −62 | 8 |
| 12 | Gold Coast Titans |
8 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 124 | 180 | −56 | 4 |
| 13 | Wests Tigers |
8 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 92 | 160 | −68 | 4 |
| 14 | Canberra Raiders |
8 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 114 | 197 | −83 | 4 |
| 15 | Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs |
8 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 86 | 191 | −105 | 4 |
| 16 | Newcastle Knights |
8 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 92 | 206 | −114 | 4 |
Coaching staff
- Craig Bellamy – Head Coach[29]
- Stephen Kearney – Assistant Coach
- Marc Brentnall – Assistant Coach
- Aaron Bellamy – Development Coach
- Ryan Hinchcliffe – Development Coach
- Frank Ponissi – Football Director
- Ryan Hoffman – Football Administration Coordinator
- Billy Slater – Specialist Coach (Part-time)
- Cooper Cronk - Halves Coach (Part-time)[30]
- Tim Glasby - Recruitment Officer and Pathways Manager
- Adam Woolnough – Victoria Thunderbolts (Under-21s) Head Coach[31]
- Jon Buchanan – Easts Tigers Feeder Club Coach
- Brad Henderson – Sunshine Coast Falcons Feeder Club Coach[32]
2022 squad
List current as of 1 December 2021
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Player movements
|
Losses
|
Gains
|
Representative honours
This table lists all players who have played a representative match in 2022.
| Player | All Stars match | State of Origin 1 | State of Origin 2 | State of Origin 3 | World Cup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reimis Smith | Māori | - | - | - | - |
| Kenneath Bromwich | Māori | - | - | - | - |
| Jayden Nikorima | Māori | - | - | - | - |
Statistics
This table contains playing statistics for all Melbourne Storm players to have played in the 2022 NRL season
Players are added as they play their first game in the season
| Name | Appearances | Tries | Goals | Field goals | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nelson Asofa-Solomona | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jesse Bromwich | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Kenneath Bromwich | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Xavier Coates | 6 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 28 |
| Harry Grant | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| Jahrome Hughes | 7 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
| Dean Ieremia | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| George Jennings | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Felise Kaufusi | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Josh King | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Chris Lewis | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Trent Loiero | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Alec MacDonald | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Nick Meaney | 6 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 26 |
| Tepai Moeroa | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cameron Munster | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| Justin Olam | 7 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 16 |
| Ryan Papenhuyzen | 7 | 10 | 30 | 1 | 101 |
| Brandon Smith | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Reimis Smith | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Christian Welch | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tyran Wishart | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 22 players used | — | 43 | 35 | 1/0 | 243 |
Scorers
Most points in a game: 28 points
- Round 4 – Ryan Papenhuyzen (4 Tries, 6 Goals) vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Most tries in a game: 4
- Round 4 – Ryan Papenhuyzen vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
- Round 7 – Xavier Coates vs New Zealand Warriors
Winning games
Highest score in a winning game: 70 points
- Round 7 vs New Zealand Warriors
Lowest score in a winning game: 15 points
- Round 2 vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
Greatest winning margin: 60 points
- Round 7 vs New Zealand Warriors
Greatest number of games won consecutively: 5
- Round 4 – Round 8 (current)
Losing games
Highest score in a losing game: 24 points
- Round 3 vs Parramatta
Lowest score in a losing game: 24 points
- Round 3 vs Parramatta
Greatest losing margin: 4 points
- Round 3 vs Parramatta
Greatest number of games lost consecutively: 1
Jerseys
In December 2020, Melbourne Storm announced a new 5 year sponsorship and apparel partnership agreement with British sportswear company, Castore. They will continue produce supporter wear and jersey for season 2022, the design announced on 14 January 2021 will be the same for 2022.
On 30 June 2021 Castore announced a fan competition to design a jersey for the 2022 season which will become an alternate to the main home and away jerseys. The design is yet to be revealed.[38]
Home
The home jersey features a classic V shape on the chest with a yellow outline. Among the special features Castore has incorporated in the new jersey is a lightning bolt design on the sleeve and the inclusion of a Big V logo on the inner collar as a continuation of the Our Home, Victoria acknowledgment which began during the 2020 season to honor Storm's home state.
Away
The away jersey, worn when the home jersey creates a clash with the opposition, is a similar design to the home jersey but in majority white; worn with navy blue shorts and either navy blue or white socks with navy blue cuffs
ANZAC Day
An alternate jersey, showcasing elements of the club's ANZAC Day game day ceremony was worn against New Zealand Warriors in round 7. The jersey was rendered in an almost royal blue and featured elements including the silhouette of the Kokoda Track memorial located at the 1,000 Steps trail in the Dandenong Ranges National Park.[39]
Awards
Trophy Cabinet
- Michael Moore Trophy (Round 7)
Melbourne Storm Awards Night
- Melbourne Storm Player of the Year:
- Billy Slater Rookie of the Year:
- Melbourne Storm Members' Player of Year:
- Melbourne Storm Most Improved:
- Melbourne Storm Best Back:
- Melbourne Storm Best Forward:
- Cooper Cronk Feeder Club Player of the Year:
- Mick Moore Club Person of the Year:
- Darren Bell U20s Player of the Year:
- Greg Brentnall Young Achievers Award:
- Best Try:
Dally M Awards NightRugby League Players’ Association AwardsAdditional awards
|
Notes
- Previous First Grade RL club: This column denotes the previous RL club the player was signed to and played first grade RL for. If they are yet to debut then this is stipulated. If they were merely signed to the club but did not play then it is not counted
- Subsequently contracted by the Sunshine Coast Falcons
References
- "Bromwich and Welch to captain Storm in 2022". melbournestorm.com.au. 2 March 2022. Retrieved 2 March 2022.
- Smart, Nick. "NRL 2021: Melbourne Storm players pushed to the limit at notorious 'I Don't Quit' camp". Code Sports. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 23 December 2021.
- "Josh King brings home the 'iron bar' for best on camp". Instagram. Retrieved 23 December 2021.
- "Nelson Asofa-Solomona back at training". melbournestorm.com.au. 3 February 2022. Retrieved 3 February 2022.
- Pryde, Scott (12 December 2021). "New twist in Asofa-Solomona vaccination case revealed by Storm captain". Zero Tackle. Retrieved 3 February 2022.
- Suttor, Paul (27 February 2022). "Storm's spine looking wobbly with Johns injured in trial win over Knights". theage.com.au. Nine Media. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
- Walter, Brad (12 March 2022). "Storm secure costly win against gutsy Tigers". nrl.com. National Rugby League. Retrieved 12 March 2022.
- Lenehan, Martin (17 March 2022). "Happy 500th! Storm survive scare to send Bellamy home a winner". NRL.com. National Rugby League. Retrieved 17 March 2022.
- Walter, Brad (26 March 2022). "No Stone unturned: Eels snatch golden point win in epic clash with Storm". NRL.com. National Rugby League. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
- "Storm secure major signings". melbournestorm.com.au. 1 April 2022. Retrieved 3 April 2022.
- Ward, Roy (1 April 2022). "Coates, Grant and Hughes pledge allegiance to Melbourne Storm". smh.com.au. Nine Media. Retrieved 3 April 2022.
- Kennedy, Chris (3 April 2022). "Storm pile on the points as Papenhuyzen bags four against Bulldogs". NRL.com. National Rugby League. Retrieved 3 April 2022.
- "Team Update: Round 6 v Sharks". melbournestorm.com.au. 15 April 2022. Retrieved 16 April 2022.
- Lutton, Phil. "A Munster masterpiece gives the Sharks a reality check in Melbourne". smh.com.au. Nine Media. Retrieved 16 April 2022.
- Newton, Alicia (25 April 2022). "Coates scores four as Storm notch 60-point win over Warriors". NRL.com. Retrieved 25 April 2022.
- "Storm set to cause a sensation in Ballarat in 2022". Retrieved 21 December 2021.
- "All Stars, Charity Shield, double-headers headline pre-season". NRL.com. 12 January 2022. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
- Lenehan, Martin (19 February 2022). "Warriors surge late to quell Storm in 'Unite For Tonga' trial". Retrieved 20 February 2022.
- Kennedy, Chris (27 February 2022). "Storm ease to win over Knights in final pre-season hit-out". melbournestorm.com.au. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
- "NRL 2022 Melbourne Storm Draw". Retrieved 9 November 2021.
- "Wests Tigers v Storm - Round 1, 2022". nrl.com. National Rugby League. Retrieved 12 March 2022.
- "Storm v Rabbitohs - Round 2, 2022". nrl.com. National Rugby League. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
- "Storm v Eels - Round 3, 2022". nrl.com. National Rugby League. Retrieved 28 March 2022.
- "Storm v Bulldogs - Round 4, 2022". nrl.com. National Rugby League. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
- "Raiders v Storm - Round 5, 2022". nrl.com. National Rugby League. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
- "Storm vs Sharks". nrl.com. National Rugby League. Retrieved 16 April 2022.
- "Storm vs Warriors". nrl.com. National Rugby League. Retrieved 25 April 2022.
- "Storm vs Knights". nrl.com. National Rugby League. Retrieved 1 May 2022.
- "Storm announce 2019 Football department structure". Retrieved 9 October 2018.
- "Cooper Cronk's conflicting coaching roles exposed as Storm come clean". Retrieved 20 April 2021.
- "Storm old boy to coach Thunderbolts in 2022". melbournestorm.com.au. 16 September 2021. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
- "Brad Henderson appointed Falcons ISC Coach for 2022". scfalcons.com.au. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
- "2022 NRL Player Movements". Retrieved 27 September 2021.
- "Forever Storm: A farewell to departing players and staff". melbournestorm.com.au. Retrieved 6 October 2021.
- "Storm sign Olympic Games medal winner". melbournestorm.com.au. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
- "2022 Melbourne Point Scorers". afltables.com. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
- "Melbourne Storm - NRL 2022". rugbyleagueproject.org. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
- "Your Storm wearing your jersey". Melbopurnestorm.com.au. Retrieved 28 September 2021.
- "Storm unveil 2022 ANZAC Jersey". melbournestorm.com.au. 19 April 2022. Retrieved 25 April 2022.
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