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Tackles and Tinnies - E40 - Melbourne Storm 2025 Review & 2026 Preview
14 Plays2 months ago
Melbourne were still pure premiership tier in 2025 — 2nd, 17 wins, +212… best differential in the comp — and it still stung because they didn’t finish the job. The vibe all year was simple: Bellamy’s still got it… but the spine couldn’t stay fully healthy together when it mattered.
In this episode of our 17-part 2026 mini-series, we rip into:
- 2025 identity: classic Storm ruthlessness + elite defence… with a few big-game leaks
- The end of an era: Welch retired, Papenhuyzen released, NAS released — what that means culturally and on-field
- The Zac Lomax situation: court dates, compensation drama, and why it’s become a full standoff
- 2026 draw: 8th-hardest, no bye until Round 15, brutal start, tough run home — but two Origin byes is massive
- Projected best 17: Fa’alogo, Munster/Hughes/Grant, and how they cover Katoa out
- My call: Storm finish ... — still in the premiership picture, but the churn + schedule makes it a grind.
Cap or Fact: Storm stay a top-4 defence even without NAS/Paps?
Storm fans — where’ve you got Melbourne finishing in 2026? 👇
Chapters
00:00Introduction to the Melbourne Storm Review
01:142025 Season Overview and Performance Analysis
04:44Coaching Insights and Future Prospects
05:08The Zach Lomax Situation: Legal and Contractual Issues
12:40Player Transfers and Roster Changes for 2026
17:00Key Players and Their Impact on the Team
20:27Expectations and Disappointments from the Season
24:55Key Moments and Highlights from 2025
25:19Ryan Pappenhausen's Record-Breaking Performance
26:29Grand Final Qualifier Highlights
27:21Harry Grant's Golden Boot Controversy
27:50Analyzing the Strength of Schedule
29:10Key Opponents and Team Analysis
30:49Predictions for the 2026 Season
33:50New Rules and Player Rotations
39:32Projected Starting Lineup
43:182026 Ladder Predictions and Key Storylines
Recommended
Transcript
Welcome and New Podcast Format
00:00:00
Speaker
What's good, Tackles and Tinnies? Welcome back to the show. We're going through all the teams' previews and reviews from 2025 and 2026. We are now hitting the grand final teams. We're in the upper echelon. We are at the top dogs.
Melbourne Storm's 2025 Performance Overview
00:00:16
Speaker
Currently, we're doing the Melbourne Storm, and they had a fantastic year overall. And guys, I'm changing the format of the reviews slash previews. As you guys can tell, um for those who are following on the journey, I just had my face. Now I'm going full teacher mode. I'm going multimodal. I've changed up going from Zencaster. and Now I'm using Riverside. Riverside allows us to use multi multi-modal setting in regards to using screen share.
00:00:44
Speaker
There's an awesome little AI tool that you guys could use if you want to do something similar, whether it's PowerPoint for your work, et cetera. It's called Gamma, not sponsored. But yeah, Gamma essentially, you upload your Word document and then it creates slides for you.
00:00:58
Speaker
You get the paid version, which gives you up to like 100 slides or whatever. This one gives you like 10. So again, if you have to do a presentation for work, it's fantastical cheat code. That's what ah my little lesson for you guys is today as a high school teacher.
00:01:11
Speaker
But we're not talking business at work. We're talking Melbourne Storm. So let's get straight into it. So the 2025 season preview slash review, how did the Melbourne Storm look?
00:01:23
Speaker
So a snapchat ah snapchat snapshot of dominance, ladder position, second, guns. They were arguably probably the best regular season team. Obviously, we're pretty heavily affected with the state of origin. However, they maintain a top four position and they look absolutely dominant at times. So as you can see on the screen, guys, 17 wins, seven losses out of 24 games with a positive differentiation of 212. Unreal. They had 40 competition points with, uh,
00:01:55
Speaker
Attack being the third best in the league and the defense being the second. I talked about the Canberra Raiders in the last podcast where their defense sort of let them down being number six. Melbourne Storm, as we can see on screen, is number two. Attack top four, defense top four. Explains a lot why they all are very close to winning grand final, let alone being in the grand final. So again, you have to probably be top four in both categories unless you're out and out gun and you x-factor all across the park just pretty unfortunate about the melbourne storm versus a red hot broncos team but we'll get to that later on the podcast now how did 2025 feel attack defense and overall vibe i thought their attack was unreal uh a couple of games where you guys got 40 50 points dominating you were uh
00:02:48
Speaker
Track meet heroes against the really poor teams. I do remember a couple of games, which we'll talk about soon. But Pappenhausen in that particular game, absolutely dominated.
00:02:58
Speaker
Absolutely dominated. Cameron Munster looked fantastic in periods of the season. Jerome Hughes, quite injury-ravelled. And Harry Grant, obviously, huge workload with Origen and leading the team around the park.
00:03:11
Speaker
However, when all four were there, you guys looked dynamic. Obviously, you had two really good wingers in Xavier Coates and Will Warbrick. Warbrick had all those concussion problems, but you obviously had guys stepping in like Randy Anderson doing a very serviceable job and some other guys who we'll talk about later who could potentially make the top 19.
00:03:32
Speaker
And you guys see defense, guys. Defense of stronghold. a Again, defense wins championships. I thought you looked very solid overall. And again, there's some very, very good attacking teams within the competition. However, when push came to shove, you guys delivered on the biggest stages.
00:03:50
Speaker
did have those lapses. it was We need Bellamy Cam. I think we all agree we need Bellamy Cam in the ah the coach's box. All those blobs that he has, that's probably a highlight. I didn't wipe that one down, but yeah, that's probably one of the highlights for me. ah But yeah, Defence Wins Championships and you guys were arguably one of the best and most consistent.
00:04:10
Speaker
And the stats don't lie and they backed that up But overall, Bellamy's enduring touch. So the season and reinforced Bellamy's coaching genius. Also, guys, he's just re-up to 2028. Fantastic for you guys.
00:04:23
Speaker
Another three years under contract. Does that give Cameron Smith potentially enough time to get mentored by Madge McGuire in Brisbane? I know his kids will be done high school by then.
00:04:34
Speaker
That's a bit of a smoky little leak there. Maybe Cameron Smith will be the future head coach in 2029.
Zach Lomax's Contract Controversy
00:04:44
Speaker
Bellamy but however yeah he was unreal again he's got the pedigree the winning culture he gets guys who are really no named and then uh brings them all the way back up I'm hoping more audio sounds all right my microphone was uh so far away from me just then sorry guys but there is an also situation that's happening in 2026 which also came through in 2025 and that's the uh the Zach Lomax situation so I'm just going read what's on screen and then we'll have a bit of a discussion as well on my thoughts and point of view. I've got this synthesized from news.com, Fox Sports and Channel 9, chucked it in chat and are they synthesized it all into one central idea. And obviously, again, as I've said, I'll give you my point of view. So the Zach Lomax situation has evolved into a legal and contractual standoff between Lomax and Parramatta or Melbourne Storm position as a key third party. So again, as of today, as of today, pardon of me, the 7th of February, um this is what's currently happening. Again, I've got a second page to ah validate those claims. So court action. Parramatta has taken Lomax to the New South Wales Supreme Court, asserting his release from the Eels with a conditional on him pursuing rugby union. In other words, R360, even potentially some other rugby union ventures and not signing with a rival NRL club without their consent.
00:06:02
Speaker
Melbourne's interest. So Lomac has been in discussions to join Melbourne after the R360 competition was deferred, leaving him in contract limbo. Exhibit hearing. So the court has scheduled an exhibited two-day hearing commencing on the 13th of February 2026. Lomax's little team is expected to argue against the enforceability of the restriction, potentially on restraint of trade grounds.
00:06:25
Speaker
And the and NRL intervention report suggests the NRL may intervene if Parramatta refuses reasonable compensation for Lomax's return to the NRL. Talks between Lomax, Storm and the Eels reportedly broke down over compensation with Paramount's preferred player-based outcome over a fee.
00:06:42
Speaker
So again, as of today, the 7th of February, the Zach Lomax saga still in courts, paramounted in the New South Wales Supreme Court, trying to enforce conditions of his release, basically arguing he couldn't sign with another NRL club without their written tick of approval.
00:06:57
Speaker
The hearing is set for the 12th to 13th of February. Again, maybe not going to go through, but we'll talk about that shortly. But there's already noise that could run longer and brush up against the season. The big twist is evidence Lomax may have signed proposal may have signed or progressed a Storm deal before Eels approval and Parramatta also alleging Melbourne acted in bad faith.
00:07:18
Speaker
So right now, no Jersey, just lawyers. The next week is make or break. Now, compensation-wise, Melbourne Storm offered the Parramatta Eels $200,000 originally as compensation for the Zach Lomack signing. In more recent times, probably...
00:07:37
Speaker
early Feb, um Melbourne Storm up their offer to $300,000. Now, what I didn't realize is that the money compensation that Melbourne's offering, so that $300,000 does not go towards the Parramatta Eels salary cap.
00:07:51
Speaker
That makes a difference, okay? For a successful ah club, and again, I've talked about this on Tackles and Tinnies ah in other shorts videos, but for a successful club like Parramatta Eels who, yeah, money's always good, but it's not going to help them get more players. Yeah, it might help them with a gym or hiring some external staff or um some extra funding that might go here and there for the other sports club.
00:08:17
Speaker
But in regards to on the pitch for a developing team that needs, again, more star players, Zach Lomax was one of those guys. um I think that's a big deterrent for them.
00:08:30
Speaker
I think it's reasonable that Parramatta are asking for a player. For the players that are asking, speculation was around Xavier Cokes, Jack Howarth.
00:08:42
Speaker
Potentially, there was another forward in there. I can't think of top that. Sean Blore, I think, it was also rumored to be one of those guys. Melbourne Storm aren't going to give those guys up, which is fair enough.
00:08:53
Speaker
But that leaves again Zach Lomax in limbo. I do think a player's top is fair and probably money compensation. Maybe a guy like ah Moses Leo, if you're looking for another outside back.
00:09:07
Speaker
But Parramatta, you guys just signed b Brian Kelly and Bailey Simonson originally was seeking a release and now he's decided to stay because Zach Lomax is gone.
00:09:18
Speaker
You've got essentially a two for the price of one. Yeah, they're probably not a Zach Lomax statue in regards to playing ability. However, it's definitely worth considering that Lomax is being a bit inconsistent in terms of positive culture from what it looks like from an outside perspective.
00:09:36
Speaker
If I'm the Parramatta Eels, yes, it's a bit of a rort, but I think it's a bit ah of a stick it to Zach Lomax and a bit of a positive reinforcement to the fans.
00:09:47
Speaker
I'm also hearing in regards to ah Zach Lomax playing for Storm round one. That's what i'm trying to get up Zach Lomax has murmured to also have propositions of, well, Parramatta don't want you, Parramatta doesn't want Zach Lomax playing for Storm in round one, which we'll be versing each other. If I'm the Parramatta Eels, I'll be like, F you, Zach Lomax. I want to be versing you and I want to be whacking the hell out of you.
00:10:11
Speaker
I'm going to get our biggest boys, Junior Polo, Kalmatur Lange, someone like that, big bop, bang, big shoulder, and just say, hey, this is what could have been. I think it's good theater. Obviously good for content, good for the viewership.
00:10:27
Speaker
Parramatta Eels fans, I don't think you'd want a guy either who doesn't necessarily want to be at the club. There was also murmurs that Zach deferred to R360 and then looked to get back into the club.
00:10:38
Speaker
I think it's like you're in or you're out. And obviously he was out. So if I'm the Parramatta Eels fans, which I'm not, but as an outside perspective, as a Gold Coast Titan, for example, if someone deferred from the Titans, went to another club and they wanted them, i would like, screw you, go away. But I actually want to verse them.
00:10:56
Speaker
I really want verse and I really want to whack them too. To say, hey, we are a good club. We've got high culture. We don't necessarily need you. You're in or you're out. Classic LeBron James versus Kevin Love back in those Miami Heat days.
00:11:09
Speaker
Oh, sorry, Cleveland Cavalier days. But I think you should play. I think compensation for a player and money should be ample.
00:11:20
Speaker
What do you guys think? i want to know in the comments. What do you think of the Zach Lomax situation? Should he be playing round one? Should he be going to court still? I think the court situation is a bit ridiculous. I mean, like, come on.
00:11:32
Speaker
It's one guy. Should be on the court? Should they blow it over? Is the compensation fair? Should they ask him for a player like or a guy like Jack Howarth?
00:11:43
Speaker
Let me know in the comments. This is a really good discussion point, guys. And again, I got all this from Channel 9, Fox Sports and News.com.
Melbourne Storm 2025 Roster Changes
00:11:50
Speaker
Now, more about to what you guys are doing in regards to your roster for 2025 and 2026. So in 2025, you're game Stefano Ikemanu, big middle forward, earmarked as a long-term replacement for Nelson.
00:12:05
Speaker
Great pickup. Great pickup. The culture of the West Tigers wasn't very good. He was in a losing team. I thought he was a very, very good pickup for Craig Vellamy to develop him I thought he ah did very well ah for the Melbourne Storm overall.
00:12:20
Speaker
Can be a high-minute player in my eyes, but you need that aggressive middle forward who has upside. That was Stefano. ah Moses Leo came from New Zealand Rugby, outside-back prospect. Does he make the top 19 now as your backup half? I mean, backup outside-back? That'll be a very good discussion when we get to the top 19.
00:12:40
Speaker
Josiah Poulou, a young promising middle forward from the Gold Coast Titans. I was really disappointed when the Titans actually let him go. i don't blame the kid wanting to leave. um Josiah Poulou had a...
00:12:53
Speaker
a bonus essentially in his contract. And there was one game to go. He was about to hit it. And then the Gold Coast side said, no, we're not going to play you. I mean, that's pretty dodgy and that's pretty slack. I don't blame Desire wanting to leave the club for that reason. But yeah, great game for the um Melbourne Storm. Another guy who could potentially be making the ah top 19.
00:13:14
Speaker
But again, we'll get to that later on the podcast. Guys who you lost at the end of 2025, Christian Welsh. Oh, it started 2025. Christian Welsh, he retired. um Great club guy. Awesome for culture.
00:13:26
Speaker
Highly experienced middle forward. But again, in that back half of his tenure, looked a little bit slow. But again, great guy for the club. Rima Smith. long time appear both guys either got released or retired side backs provided depth remus smith was very solid for you guys over a long period of time and they're probably the main guys to be talking about but in regards to this coming season guys 2026 jack heatherington coming from the newcastle knights aggressive middle forward can play middle can play edge uh
00:13:59
Speaker
potentially couldn't help for ah fill the role that Ellie Cartola with his head knock has happened. He could potentially be another guy coming off the bench, maybe in a spot starter. Definitely need more aggression in your pack. Jack Catherington does that for you in spades.
00:14:16
Speaker
Trent Talao, come from the Panthers, another young half. Again, you've lost Wishart next year, which is huge. He's gone to the Dolphins. You've also ah lost guys like Nelson, who's been released, Pappenhausen, Pezzet, Anderson, Garlick. There's another guy going top my head. He's your center.
00:14:38
Speaker
He's going to come back to me, guys. Sorry. But yeah, Chris Meany. Yeah, he's gone as well. He's also gone to the ah the Perth Bears. You've lost a lot of guys. So getting some young upcoming talent like Trent Talal, I think that's going be very worthwhile for you guys.
00:14:54
Speaker
Devin Mowale, that's another whole situation as it was. Projected or was almost signed with the Manly Seagulls. And then all of a sudden, backflipped on that. Now he's going to Melbourne.
00:15:06
Speaker
Huge get. Huge get. He's going to be tough trying to get into that top nine team with a couple of guys like Josiah Pahulu as another potential Smokey, Jack Hathen, similar sort of, but yeah.
00:15:18
Speaker
Will Mowali make the top 19? That's a good question. have to wait and see. As i just mentioned, Nelson, Pappy, big losses they got released. Pappy now is devastating to see. Potentially due to head knocks.
00:15:33
Speaker
Generally, said that on his 167 podcast. I'm hoping he comes back. i hope he gets itchy feet and wants to come back to the NRL. Obviously, there was speculation about R360.
00:15:45
Speaker
Big Nelson, two grand finals in a row. Disappointing. Couldn't play. Suspended. Both times. I think it was both mutually beneficial for both parties to leave each other. Will they miss his aggression and punch? Yes.
00:15:57
Speaker
But for what they were paying him for and the lack of consistency getting on the field due to ill discipline, I think it was benefit for both parties leaving. As I mentioned before, Pezzet has gone huge loss in regards to depth piece.
00:16:12
Speaker
ah He's gone to the Parramatta Eels for 2026 and then he goes to the Brisbane Broncos, more than likely to take over Adam Reynolds slash Ben Hunt. Yeah, great get for the Eels and the Broncos, respectfully.
00:16:24
Speaker
Grant Anderson, going to the Broncos. I don't even see him starting. Like, unless, unless, unless they want to make a bit of a change with Carapane potentially not going on the wing, but maybe Grant Anderson comes off the bench in their top 19. You'll have to wait for the next episode. Does Grant Anderson make the top 10?
00:16:43
Speaker
Bronson Gallick, depth piece, can play hooker, can play lock. Yeah, many different positions he can do. Probably the main guys, the other fellow on screen, not too relevant.
00:16:57
Speaker
How's this guy's multimodal? Looking pretty, aren't But yeah, cool, locked in, securing the future. So despite key departures, as we've just talked about, you've also got guys who signed long-term. Your captain and Harry Grant signed through the end of 2028.
00:17:11
Speaker
Best hooker in the world, arguably the second best of all time behind fellow Melbourne Storm alumni, Cameron Smith. Jerome Hughes committed to 2030. He's your longest standing ah player on your roster.
00:17:25
Speaker
Upbacks are hard to come by, particularly guys who have been developed locally through the club, or not locally through the club, but have been developed through the club. um He was a former Gold Coast title. Disappointing, but don't think probably gets that same elk without c Craig Bellamy. But yeah, awesome to see Jerome Hughes. Absolute gun.
00:17:42
Speaker
I'm going to give him more roses throughout this podcast, but yeah, sign to 2030. So far, Longo extended until the 20th, 28th. Obviously, Pappenhausen has now left the club. He's got a clean runway as well as Nick Meaney ah going to the Perth Bears.
00:17:55
Speaker
It's his jersey to lose. Definitely his jersey to lose. When he gets an opportunity at fullback every single time, gun. Even on the wing, gun. Shame that he tore this hamstring on that ah breakaway last year. But the energy, the enthusiasm that he brings...
00:18:11
Speaker
arguably unmatched she's keanu keeney s tre fuller-esque dry gray-esque all in the same ilk but sul far long goes got that x-factor i went to melbourne uh early january for a wedding and there the boys were training next to amy park and sul far long go was at the back and the energy and enthusiasm and just silky skills and footwork that he has gone i'm expecting huge things Guys, if Suofi Longo's not your super coach, I'd definitely be considering it. He's like 511k. He's in my team currently. he just has that X factor.
00:18:44
Speaker
I love to watch him play. Guys like Trent Liero, Josh King, Eli Katoa, all guys are signed for multiple years within your forward pack. Safecoach, Warbrick, both guys signed for the end of the year at a minimum. Nick Meaney has officially signed with the Perth Bears. um Jack Howarth,
00:19:03
Speaker
He's up there for another couple of years. Does he play second row? Potentially.
Player Injuries and Speculations
00:19:10
Speaker
Zach Lomax signs, that's a huge discussion point, which I will get to soon-ish.
00:19:15
Speaker
Joe Chan can play middle, can play edge, can play center in a pinch if need be. Good depth piece there. Josiah Pahulu, again, we talked about him before. And Moses Leo, again, bit of a project outside back, but potentially could be depth piece for 2026.
00:19:31
Speaker
So guys who exceeded expectations. So again, when, sorry, when Suofar Longo got the opportunity, guys, I thought he was a gun. Whether he was at fullback, whether he would come off the bench, whether he was on the wing, definitely preferred him starting.
00:19:45
Speaker
But when he was not getting an opportunity, it's fact to galore, particularly Warbrick was out. Aaron Munster, gun, what can we say? a pretty bit of a turbulent year, obviously, with the passing his father, RIP, but he got to lead a state.
00:20:01
Speaker
Even though Harry Grant's in the team, he's the club captain. It was great to see Billy Slater giving the captaincy to the more experienced Cameron Munster. He exudes Queensland. He is Queensland. Okay. What he does for the team, um the the heart, the grit, the X factor, he's a gun. um I thought all things considering he fantastic year.
00:20:23
Speaker
Josh King, he's not like your uh, AFB is not your pain house. He's not your Terrell may. He's not getting those, all those roses, but he's so solid. He's so solid. Um, I do project him to improve.
00:20:38
Speaker
He's only going to get better with more experience, but yeah, he's picked up all that Welch's slack. Obviously Nelson's not there anymore. Him and Stefano, very good one, two punch.
00:20:49
Speaker
Trent Liero, another guy who gets some roses to reliable workhorse on the edge slash lock, primarily played at the lock position for 2025. Also got an origin caller, even pushing Paddy Carrigan out of the starting team.
00:21:04
Speaker
He's very similar to some other guys he've had in the past in regards to being workhorses, tackle bots. Very old, reliable. Had some brain snaps here and there. Obviously got Simbin at the very back end of the ah grand final. But yeah, gun.
00:21:22
Speaker
Very, very reliable player. Eli Cartola, arguably the most dynamic and consistent second row in the game. It's devastating that he's potentially out, more than likely going to be out, guys, with that head knock.
00:21:33
Speaker
For those who don't remember, I've talked about the this many times on Tackles and Tinnies, but I'll give you guys a quick refresh. ah Tonga, yeah the Tonga game, he was...
00:21:45
Speaker
Yeah, sorry. I'll rephrase. Elikatoa, World Cup. No, not World Cup. Elikatoa, Pacific Nations. Sorry. Pacific Nations had a head knock pregame ah with Lehi Hopper-Wardy.
00:21:58
Speaker
I was like, bang. Saw the head knock on TV. I'm like, oh, he's out. He's out 100% with concussion. Eyes rolled the back of his head. Didn't manage to go through the concussion protocols.
00:22:10
Speaker
Don't know what the heck happened there. Anyway, starts the game. All well and good. bang, another head knock, and then somehow passes concussion protocols again after two head knocks within probably an hour um of the first one, obviously in the the warmups. And then the third one,
00:22:27
Speaker
Just essentially had a seizure, but so scary. Had to get brain surgery to like relieve the pressure on his brain. So scary. But in recent times, like in January with the ah the pre-season slash off-season, it was great to see Eli Cartola running some shape, doing some cardio, obviously not doing any contact, but it's good to see he's training with the boys. Really good for his mental health, keeping fit. I'm hoping there's a chance he can play in the back end of the year, but health comes first. And it's really good to see that um Helikartola is with the boys.
00:23:00
Speaker
And I think it as bad as the incident was, it's really good to see that the NRL announced the step of their game. Rugby league has to be better. This can never happen again, particularly if it's evident on camera. I literally you saw it on the TV, perpendicular to me, with an obvious head knock slash concussion. out That can't happen again.
00:23:22
Speaker
Shit that it did, but never will happen again. Disappointments or question marks again. There's a slash, guys. So I thought Pappenhausen was good overall. However, there was definitely question marks. um Injuries were obviously a concern.
00:23:37
Speaker
The goal kicking was hit and miss at the very end of the year. um Obviously got a release. The head knocks as well. Slash all these other ailments he's had some pain with.
00:23:50
Speaker
Disappointing that he's out of the game. More so than like a question mark that he's... a where he will go, maybe R360 again later on. I'm seeing murmurs that he's going to get itchy feet and he's going want to come back to the and NRL. I'm hoping that's the case.
00:24:05
Speaker
I love Ryan Pappenhausen. My name's Ryan. Okay. On my ah bloody Touch Rugby League jersey, I've got Pappy on the back. only because I like to emulate my game as Ryan Pappenhausen, but Pappy ah in Spanish means daddy. So when i ask people ask me, ah why is your TRL jersey Pappy?
00:24:21
Speaker
there zero There's your answer. I'm your daddy. so Yeah, it's a bit of an Easter egg there. Nelson Asafa Solomona, it's a hard one to pronounce. Constructive when he was on the field.
00:24:35
Speaker
Big body, intimidating factor, but hey, two consecutive grand finals, he has missed due to our ill discipline. That's very disappointing. The amount of money that he was on, i think it was like $700,000 plus.
00:24:47
Speaker
Very, very bad. Mutual split, obviously, had to happen. Outside back depth, again, went still far longer Will Warbrick. Worst sideline. Guys like Grant Anderson had to step up. Moses Leo had a crack.
00:24:58
Speaker
Joe Chan had to fill in at center at times. I am a little bit concerned with outside back depth. Obviously, we drew with origin and ah injuries alike. But we'll see what's going to happen with the rest of their squad later on.
00:25:11
Speaker
How do you think they went in our 2025, guys? Let me know in the comments. Now, some key moments or highlights from 2025. As I mentioned previously, ah there was some record-breaking Ryan Pappenhausen amazing moments. So in round 10, we saw a demolition of the West Tigers. I remember watching this game downstairs on TV perpendicular to me.
00:25:30
Speaker
Ryan Pappenhausen scored 36 points, including four tries and multiple goals, many line breaks. I didn't have him as my captain. I couldn't loop him. I was just so pissed off. I had him as ah a VC, but there was no one to VC loop him to in super coach.
00:25:47
Speaker
And yeah, that one hurt me really, really bad. um But yeah, absolutely done. Huge highlight for Ron Pappenhausen. New individual club record with 36 points. Another highlight, obviously, was the grand final qualifier.
00:26:00
Speaker
I remember watching this game. I was about to go into Fraser Island. We were Tin Can Bay ah close by to get to the barge at Ian Skip Point. I remember watching this game. twenty two to fourteen victory over Cronulla Sharks in the prelim, which secured their 12th NRL grand final berth.
00:26:16
Speaker
um They're consistent. They're awesome. They show grit when they can't score big points. The defense obviously proved dividends as well. So yeah, awesome moment for them getting back to the grand final.
00:26:29
Speaker
And this one was a bit of a speculative one, but Harry Grant's golden boot. So post season, we had the pack nation slash the ashes series. Obviously Harry grant played in the ashes against a lackluster English team.
00:26:41
Speaker
I thought Dylan Brown should have got the golden boot. Nonetheless, Harry grant kudos to you, my friend. You are got the prestigious golden boot award. Um, best and various essentially.
00:26:52
Speaker
don't think he deserved it overall. I think even deep down, he will think he didn't deserve it overall. Uh, The stats don't lie. The competition don't lie. What do you guys think in the comments? Did Harry Grant deserve the golden boot or should a guy like Dylan Brown get it? Let me know in the comments below.
00:27:11
Speaker
Now, for those who've been following along on the other podcasts, I'm getting the Fox Sports strength of schedule. So essentially, Fox Sports looks at ah the buys, where they're situated, when are the origin games situated, are the buys around there, teams are versing against top eight teams versus top four teams, bottom four teams. They get all these numbers together and they synthesize it to give a definitive number. So as you guys following along in the ah the video format, you guys will see that there is The Melbourne Storm are about halfway. They're the eighth hardest fixture in 2026.
00:27:43
Speaker
There's good, there's bad. Let's discuss it. So key opponents are who they play twice. Rabbitohs, surely they've got to be better. They have to be better. They've got all these guys coming back. Karen Murray's going full off season. Dave Fafid is looking fit as a fiddle. Latron Mitchell shifted center. Jai Gray's got a preseason at fullback. Cody Walker's looking healthy.
00:28:02
Speaker
um Guns across the park. Depth across the park. They're going a ah tough beat. Panthers, what can we say? Guns. Four grand finals in a row.
00:28:14
Speaker
Five grand, ah sorry, four wins in a row. Five grand finals in a row. Just missed out on the sixth grand final in a row ah to the Brisbane Broncos. But they were right there to the very very end.
00:28:27
Speaker
They will definitely be there and abouts again. The Doggies. few question marks regarding their spine. Does Mitchell Woods play at halfback? Does that push Matt Burden to center?
00:28:38
Speaker
I want to see Stephen Criden at fullback. I'm going to keep banging on this. I've done several short form videos. I did the Doggies review. Go check that out on any listening platform that you watch this on. Stephen Criden has to be fullback.
00:28:53
Speaker
But those guys, they're good. Best defense in the league. Roosters. They're always there and about. So obviously we're a little lackluster in patches from 2025, but you pick it up the experience in DCE. You got Reece Robson as well.
00:29:08
Speaker
Tedesco is healthy. Sam Walker, I think was unspoken about in regards to him having a ACL return to play last year. He's healthy. Nath White's going into himself.
00:29:22
Speaker
Guns across the park. Your outside backs aren't changinging changing. Mark Nwanganitawase, another year of experience. Australian tour. Roosters would be very, very good. Broncos, defending champs, borderline, or definitely top four team, best forward pack in my eyes in regards to Payne House and Paddy Carrigan, guys like Yeah, Pierre Cora is thereabouts.
00:29:46
Speaker
Those guys are potential Smokies for Origin. Ricky, he's a potential New Zealand player. You got to strike everywhere. x Xavier Willison, another guy. Youngfell and Bentacour. Their pack's really, really good.
00:30:00
Speaker
Aging. in Ben Hunt and Adam Reynolds, but you've got a guy by the name, what's his name? I'll get Reese Wolf. Absolute gun. ah Outside backs, guns. Shibasaki, gun. Ezra Mann, gun.
00:30:13
Speaker
They'll be better. Gun galore. Raiders. We just did their review. Go check that one out on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube. Again, I'm doing a similar format in regards to the multimodal. So again, if you like the previous formatting, again, I'm reiterate, let me know. Or if you like this multimodal setup, and more than happy to do this this way as well for all the reviews or ah previews for or previews or reviews of the actual games in season per round. will Let me know in the comments. But yeah, Raiders.
00:30:42
Speaker
Should be minimum top six, you would say. Obviously losing Fogarty, but besides that, everyone's back. Everyone's healthy. You've got Kobe Black and Sanders fighting for a halfback position. Sanders will definitely start the year at halfback, but Kobe Black, once he figures out his neck injury, could definitely smoke a chance of playing some first grade this year.
00:31:02
Speaker
Ethan Strange, Dallium, five out of the year. Kay Weeks arguably looked like one of the most ah dynamic fullbacks. I remember going to Magic Round, Melbourne Storm. Coincidentally, were talking about the Storm right now.
00:31:15
Speaker
Yeah, i remember the chip and chase over Ryan Pappenhausen. And yeah, that was that game. So I won't pick up that moment for you guys. But ah yeah, Raiders very, very good.
00:31:26
Speaker
Manly picked up a ah guy by the name of Jamal Fogarty. Very steady hand. Solid kicking. Goal kicker. Didn't seem overly confident in patches for the our final series, but that's experience. He'll be better for that.
00:31:41
Speaker
I don't know where they land, to be honest. Cool as a gun. Ola Kawatu's back. Is Turbo going to stay healthy? We'll see. And Parramatta Eels, I have no idea where to rank these. I'm seeing different creators saying maybe bottom end of the top eight.
00:31:57
Speaker
I'm seeing other creators saying middle pack. I said like second last. I have no idea. I have no idea where Parramatta Eels are going to rank. They're one of the hardest teams to do their previous last review.
00:32:09
Speaker
Top eight teams. So again, I'm strength of schedule now, guys. Top eight teams, 2025. got 12 games. against the 25 teams. Top four teams, you've got six, and bottom four teams, you've got five. So in regards to your pros, you've got two origin week buys, which is, again, crucial for you guys because you've got Grant, Munster, Coates alike. Fantastic.
00:32:33
Speaker
Three guys, oh, maybe, and with Jack Howarth, potentially. Three buyers in the last 12 weeks for optimal refreshing before finals. You really need that, suspect particularly for this team like Munster who's getting a little bit older.
00:32:46
Speaker
Probably guys like Liera as well I didn't even mention. Eli Cartola might be coming back. We don't know. But I think, yeah, you guys definitely need some late round buyers for sure.
00:32:59
Speaker
You've got some cons. Proud to start with only two home games in the first five, facing Broncos, Panthers, Warriors, and Raiders early. Tough. So tough. um Warriors, elite defense. Raiders, still, again, a top 16. Panthers, very good defense.
00:33:17
Speaker
Arguably a top three team. Broncos, minimum. Top four team. That's really, really hard, guys. You can probably go three from four. That's unreal. You take that. And then you get your bye.
00:33:28
Speaker
But then you also go a tough on home against Roosters, Bulldogs, Panthers, Broncos, Sharks in the final eight games. It's pretty gnarly. But again, that origin, pardon me, that origin period for you guys,
00:33:42
Speaker
is crucial. If you guys can get through the origin period at, let's say, 70% win rate, you'll take that because, again, I think you're better on any given day against any other team.
00:33:54
Speaker
ah We'll see. Let me know in the comments, what do you think of the Melbourne Storm strength of schedule at number eight?
Melbourne Storm 2026 Predictions
00:34:02
Speaker
Now, projected 19. I'm so happy I persevered.
00:34:07
Speaker
All the murmurs in the world that Volandi wasn't going to push through some of these rules. All I saw online, and I keep seeing online, the top 17 players. Well, guess what, guys? I'm an innovator here on Tackles and Tinnies. I've been doing the top 19 from day dot when I heard this rumor.
00:34:22
Speaker
So what we're doing, again, for those who don't know about the new rule change, Instead of going from 17 players in a squad, we're going to 19 players, which means we're going from 14 to 17 on the bench to 14 to 19, which means you're going from four interchange to six interchange.
00:34:38
Speaker
However, only four out of the six players on the interchange bench can play. That's important. So let's say, for example, Wisha, Chan, Tuikamika, Mika, and Leo play.
00:34:53
Speaker
All the other boys cannot play. So there's two other boys who, for example, then be ah David Mowale and Alec McDonald. Okay. Those boys will then be the emergency reserves coming off the bench if there's a misdemeanors or consistent HIAs. So that's important to know.
00:35:14
Speaker
But. Who I've got, and I've got some caveats in green font for those following along in the r video formatting, but I'll explain it best I can. You're starting 13 at fullback, Swar Farlongo. Again, he's re-signed long-term with the club.
00:35:28
Speaker
He's got a full runway now that Nick Meany's gone to the Perth Bears. I think Farlongo is an absolute gun. Superstar in the making when he gets opportunity at fullback. Electric. Okay, at fullback.
00:35:39
Speaker
On the wings, no changes here. You've got your two giants in Xavier Coates and Will Warbrick. They even look bigger in person. But yeah, aerial threats galore both sides. Great finishes.
00:35:50
Speaker
Yeah, particularly Xavier Coates, absolute gun. But Will Warbrick is ah not far off, to be honest. At center, you've got Nick Meaney. Very solid, very versatile. Can shift to fullback if there's an injury as well, which is very good. um He's also going to be a goal kicker.
00:36:07
Speaker
Now, for the people following along on screen, I've got a slash, which means it's an end all player. Now, currently at center, again, i got Nick Mani and the other center I've got Jack Howarth.
00:36:22
Speaker
Assuming Zach Lomax does play eventually, i do see Zach Lomax shifting to center. which means where the heck does Jack Howarth play? Well, Jack Howarth actually got signed as a second roller, and coincidentally, we've lost Eli Katoa.
00:36:39
Speaker
So... I do maybe project Jack Howarth if Zach Lomax signs, I won't say if, when Zach Lomax signs, I actually project Jack Howarth to shift back into the second row.
00:36:53
Speaker
Bit more athleticism. i kind of like it. I actually do like it. What are your thoughts, guys? Does Jack Howarth shift to second row when Zach Lomax signs? Surely does sign. But do you reckon he does?
00:37:06
Speaker
If so, does Jack Howarth go to second row Let me know on in the comments below. Great talking point. But currently, Zach Lomax is not signed, which means Jack Howarth has got the other centre position.
00:37:17
Speaker
In the halves, our two mainstays, Karen Munster, Gunn, Elite. Best 5'8 in the game. Not much for say, but he's a 5'8. Jerome Hughes, done.
00:37:29
Speaker
Longest signed player from Melbourne Storm. X-Factor galore. Played through a bloody bung shoulder. Had a broken wrist ah and still managed to break through the line and score some tries.
00:37:40
Speaker
He's a gun. What can I say? Tidens, you've mucked up there. um But yeah, Jerome Hughes is number seven. Josh King will accompany Stefano Ukimanu in the front row. Both those boys, again, I've gave them a bit of a glaze at the start of the podcast. But overall, a great one-two punch. Really hard workers. Can play 50-plus minutes in a pinch.
00:38:02
Speaker
Yeah, really good tackle efficiency, great technique, hard running of the football. love them. At hooker, I've got Harry Grant, obviously. Best hooker in the game, arguably the second best hooker of all time. He's also going to be a captain. He's an 80-minute player, very crafty. Kind of wish he wasn't being so annoying and like milking penalties, but we'll see.
00:38:24
Speaker
Now, the second row is a good conversation point with Eli Cartoa being out. All signs point to Lasati starting at second row ah in place for that with Sean Bull accompanying him.
00:38:37
Speaker
But it's also worth a note at Locke Trent Liero, again, is a mainstay in the team, very consistent tackler, hard-working, and hard-nosed player.
00:38:48
Speaker
He's not going to be there for the first couple of games, which means there's probably going to be a little shift around. which potentially means we're going to have to do something on the fly here. Does a guy like Jack Hetherington get a crack?
00:39:01
Speaker
Does Mawali start? Does LaSardi come off an edge? That's what I'm trying to think, that the Zach Lomax situation happens sooner rather than later, because I think they kind of need it with Liera and Cartola out.
00:39:14
Speaker
Jack Howarth will then go to second row. Lasati then goes to lock to accompany Jack Howarth. But let's say Zach doesn't start and Trent Lier is not there at lock.
00:39:29
Speaker
I'm probably going to have a guy like David Mowali. Okay, I've got him in red because got Lazarus, Vailepu, and Josiah, Pahulu, all similar players, all big bodies, all stocky. But I think those three are similar. I think Mowali then shifts into lock or front row with Josh King maybe going to lock or Lasadi going to lock.
00:39:54
Speaker
But they'll be there and about. What do you guys think? It's a tough one to predict. Where does the middle rotation, so that's edge rotation, go at the start of the Liero's not going to be a there at his start because he got suspended due to the grand final incident.
00:40:07
Speaker
Let's assume Zach Lomax isn't there. What are we doing at lock? Let me know. I'm predicting either Josh King or Vassati to do that. Let me know in the comments.
00:40:20
Speaker
Now, off the bench, Tom Wishart. He's your utility. He's your final year. He's going the Perth Bears, most likely starting at Hooker in 2027 for the Perth Bears. But yeah, he's Mr. Versatile. He's Mr. Fix-It.
00:40:33
Speaker
Maybe not for outside backs because he's got the top 19. Joe Chan, another smoky guy. He could be asked starting for Trent Liero at lock. Maybe i'm on an edge with Lasati pushing into the lock position.
00:40:46
Speaker
We'll see. ah But yeah, I like Joe Chan. He's a modern day front rower slash second rower and also can play some center if need be. Now, with Mowali pushing in for Liero because Liero is going to be injured, I think out of Lazarus Vailepu and Josiah Pahulu, I'm actually going to say Pahulu gets in due to the fact that Pahulu has a little bit more upside down.
00:41:11
Speaker
I reckon he was an Australian schoolboy, I believe, from the Gold Coast Titans days. So Pahulu maybe nags that bench spot. And I've also seen other guys say similar things. But Vailepu has had opportunities in the past with the Melbourne Storm. That'll be an interesting conversation as well.
00:41:27
Speaker
Who gets it? Vailepu or Pahulu? Let me know in the comments, guys. Tui Kama Kamitha, mainstay within the team. Knocked that ball on from Recy Walsh banging out his hand. That one really hurt you guys. But Kama Kamitha,
00:41:43
Speaker
Another guy could definitely be starting in a pinch, if need be, with Josh King going to lock. Maybe the situation due to the fact that he's got experience there. But yeah, he'll definitely be in the the top 19 somewhere. Now, this one's tricky. You've got Alec McDonald and Jack Heverington.
00:41:59
Speaker
Both can play middle. Both can play edge. Both can play lock. Now, I've got Alec McDonald as the incumbent coming in. However, wouldn't be surprised if Jack Heverington pushes McDonald ah into more of a support role if there's an injury mcdonald might come in but yeah at this stage i got the incumbent in alec mcdonald i like his leg speed really good leg speed but depending what they're looking for they might want heatherington's uh aggro and grow aggression as like short impact minutes let in the comments guys another one to discuss mcdonald versus heatherington who have you got and why
00:42:34
Speaker
And finally, on the 19 jersey, I've got Moses Leo. He's your outside back cover. Can play center, can play wing. If there's obviously a fullback injury, I predict Nick Meaney to go to fullback, even potentially a wish heart.
00:42:47
Speaker
But Moses Leo can definitely cover some positions in the outside backs. Now, your 2026 ladder prediction and key storylines. So... After coming second in 2025 with an amazing point differentiation, 212.
00:43:03
Speaker
You guys are elite. You're a top four in attack and defense. Eight hardest draw. You've obviously lost some key guys in Pappenhausen, Nelson, Cartola. Where do you guys predict? I reckon anywhere between first and third.
00:43:18
Speaker
Honestly, I think you're a top four team at a minimum. You're ceiling. First floor. Six. Is that fair? What do you guys think?
00:43:28
Speaker
I think Zach Lomax comes in he brings her upside a little bit up, and I think he does sign there eventually, some way, shape, or form. But, yeah, minimum top four, but I'm predicting chops top three, ceiling one, floor six. And that's very, very conservative. They'll run firmly the premiership picture through the draw and the post-NASPAPS area, as I just mentioned. Again, I think Zach Lomax eventually signing ah could definitely be a thing for you guys.
00:43:56
Speaker
Now, a smoke prediction, Storm will boast a top four defense once again, even without guys like Pappenhausen and Nelson. I don't think Nelson really helps defensively, but I think Pappenhausen, or Nelson helps in terms of intimidation, which potentially could help defensively. But Pappenhausen, very solid defender, very good communicator, hardworking fullback as well.
00:44:17
Speaker
Harry Graham finishes top three in Daly M voting. i I do potentially see that. and Okay, I do potentially see that. Doesn't really get injured. In a winning team, has the has a hand on the ball all the time.
00:44:29
Speaker
And again, with Pavanazza not being there, Harry Grant might to do a bit more. We'll see. Let me know. What do you guys reckon? Does Harry Grant have a chance of being a top three Dallian boat getter? Melbourne missed top four for only the second time in the last decade. I'm going to say definitely no. i don't predict that to happen. I thought that would be cap. Yeah.
00:44:51
Speaker
Yeah, I think that's too good. They've got too many guys who have been there before. Your spine's elite still. Your forward pack's still good. Your outside backs are guns. I am a little bit worried about depth in your outside backs.
00:45:04
Speaker
um But, yeah, I think you guys' was minimum still be top four. And Zach Glomax, as we mentioned before, signs with the storm and faces his former team, the Eels, in round one.
00:45:17
Speaker
That's fact. Okay, that's definitely a fact. I want Zach Lomax to get belted by Parramatta. I think it'd just be good theater. I think the ratings be very, very good for this game as well. and Obviously good content for myself and other creators out there.
00:45:32
Speaker
The narrative, I think there's going to be emotion in this game. Who doesn't want Zach Lomax play? Honestly, like you must be absolute sourpuss if you're a Paramount Eagles fan and you don't want Zach Lomax to play.
00:45:43
Speaker
Malwoman Storm players or Malwoman Storm ah fans, do you want Zach Lomax to play in round one? Leave it on the comments. And your big storylines in 2026. So life after Pappy and Nelson, again, two experienced players, two guys who are leaders within their respective forward pack and outside backs.
00:46:04
Speaker
They create create offensive spark, key figures within the team. We'll have to see how they are they go with that. Falongo getting consistency at fullback. Does he stay within the fullback position? Does his hamstrings stay good? He's a very strong power athlete, has had hamstring problems in the past, got sniper rifled last year regarding that hamstring injury.
00:46:27
Speaker
I think so. I think he's got an elite prospect at a minimum. I think consistency with Craig Bellamy at the helm, which complements the next point, his legacy, I think he gets one more ring.
00:46:39
Speaker
Craig Bellamy, by 2028, I think Craig Bellamy gets one more ring. Whether it's this year or next, we'll see. I think Broncos will be up there as well, but... Maybe a grand final rematch. But yeah, I think Craig Bellamy gets one more ring. And I think he really wants to get a ring with Munster, Grant, and Jerome Hughes.
00:46:59
Speaker
Obviously, Pepin-House would be nice as well. But yeah, I think they would have wanted another ring with that group. So, ah the fittest. Can they enjoy that 14-game stretch before the first bye without burning out their top team?
00:47:09
Speaker
And their depth will be tested. I think that's a really good point. think it's a great point. No buy, but again, you're getting the buy at the right times during the origin period when you're affected most.
00:47:20
Speaker
And there's are teams that are going to be also in a similar point of, well, depending who you potentially burst, some teams don't really have many origin players. In other words, the Sharks, for example, but you could get a team like the Broncos who have a fair few players.
00:47:36
Speaker
You probably want to verse them around that time. So catch 22. What do you think, Melbourne Storm fans? Do you want or would you rather have the Storm have their buys at origin time and rest their guns and not to have that um potential disadvantage? Or would you want them to have a crack? You guys got guys like Jerome Hughes. You got guys like Suofar Longo, Factor, Galore.
00:47:57
Speaker
Comment on the comments. And top tier status. Are they still a top two club? Yes, I think they are. I think they will minimum be top three, as we've discussed multiple times. I think Craig Bellamy at the helm obviously provides a lot of ah consistency, culture positive culture, impact, et cetera, as the likes. um I think every team has gotten better, personally. That's why I'm really struggling with these are projections for 2026, but it's ah worthy to know.
00:48:27
Speaker
But guys, that's the podcast.
Podcast Audience Engagement and Growth
00:48:30
Speaker
I'm hoping you liken the new format. Again, it's everything is to do with ah how we're going, where we're going.
00:48:39
Speaker
But let me know if you want me revert back to what we were doing prior um or we can go back to a what we're doing now at Riverside. So again, that feedback to me is really important. But guys, I want you like, share, subscribe, comment. You guys are really doing a good job actually. So the reason why I'm saying it because it works.
00:49:00
Speaker
It actually works. So the more engagement we get, the more viewership that we get, I'd like to grow this podcast into something that I can really be proud of. I'm obviously proud of coming from nothing as a podcaster and content creator, but the more I see in regards to viewership and interaction, the more incentive it gives me. Okay. I'm a school teacher. If you know any school teachers, guys, we are very, very busy.
00:49:22
Speaker
So doing this on the side, plus all my other fitness stuff, which I post some tackles and tinnies here and there. Um, Yeah, it gives me motivation to keep going on. Again, we're going back into Supercoach. We're getting some team reveals going on.
00:49:34
Speaker
time you watch this is probably going to be trials time. So it'll be interesting how Melbourne line up with my projections. Again, I've filmed this on the 7th of February, so things might have changed.
00:49:45
Speaker
um but So take that as you will. But guys, I love you. i appreciate all the momentum that you're giving me. Any feedback for the podcast would be fantastic to hear.
00:49:56
Speaker
But until then, ah subscribe and talk to you guys soon.