Even without veteran halfback Cooper Cronk in 2018, the clinical Melbourne Storm machine showed no signs of breaking down as it again arrived at ANZ Stadium on grand final day.
Of course, now-Sydney Roosters playmaker Cronk earned all the plaudits on September 30 as he trumped his old team with one arm, incredibly playing with a broken scapula.
But while the Storm didn't become the first team since the Brisbane Broncos in 1992/93 to win back-to-back premierships, getting to the decider for a third consecutive year – and the eighth time in the NRL era – was a remarkable achievement.
Melbourne proved they could still dominate sans their champion No.7 last season. In 2019, they'll have to do it missing the greatest modern fullback after Billy Slater's retirement.
Jahrome Hughes and Scott Drinkwater were in a battle to replace Slater in the custodian's role - but Drinkwater will miss up to four months after copping a pec injury in a trial against the Cowboys.
Meanwhile, evergreen hooker Cameron Smith is set to become the first player to record 400 NRL games. Barring injury, he will reach the milestone at home in round 17 against the Cronulla Sharks.
Smith also only needs 33 points to claim the mantle of the NRL's top point-scorer. He would overtake ex-Canterbury Bulldogs winger Hazem El Masri, who is currently on top with 2,418 points.
Melbourne only have one of the 'big three' this year in Smith, but a fleet of representative players including Josh Addo-Carr, Jesse Bromwich, Felise Kaufusi, Will Chambers and Nelson Asofa-Solomona provide the base for what looks to be a competitive squad.
Some are predicting that the Storm will finally fall from their perch in 2019, but if there's anything we've learnt over the past decade and a half, it's that you never count out a Craig Bellamy-coached team.
MELBOURNE STORM PRE-SEASON NEWS
Controversy plagued the NRL in the pre-season but the Storm were mostly unaffected, getting through the summer without fuss.
The major story down south was the contractual stand-off between captain Cameron Smith and Melbourne management.
The 35-year-old Smith had reportedly verbally agreed to a one-year deal at the Storm but later decided he wanted to play on for two more seasons.
Melbourne, who also have young Kiwi Test rake Brandon Smith in their ranks, were caught off guard.
A two-year agreement was finally reached with the older Smith in January, ensuring the legendary No.9 will finish his career a one-club man.
"I'm feeling as good as I've ever felt. For what reason, I don't know," Smith said after re-signing.
"... That was the reason I asked the club for the two years.
"Thankfully, that was an option that worked for them as well."
Cameron Munster also had no qualms in committing his future to the Victorian team, extending his stay for a further four years in November.
However, the road to replace Billy Slater at fullback became clearer for Jahrome Hughes when Scott Drinkwater copped a pec injury in a trial against the Cowboys. The 21-year-old requires surgery, and will miss up to four months.
PRE-SEASON TRIALS
February 22 – Storm 6 lost to Warriors 12
March 2 – Storm 6 lost to Cowboys 12
MELBOURNE STORM'S 30-MAN NRL SQUAD
The retirements of Billy Slater and Ryan Hoffman leave the Storm lighter on experience in 2019.
But aside from the loss of the two veterans, Melbourne have retained much of their '18 squad.
Tim Glasby (Newcastle Knights) and Ryley Jacks (Gold Coast Titans) are the only other regular first graders to depart.
| Player | Date of Birth | Height, weight | Position | NRL matches | Rep honours | |
| 1 | Albert Vete | 24/1/1993 | 188cm, 110kg | Prop | 47 | Tonga |
| 2 | Billy Walters | 9/2/1994 | 178cm, 88kg | Five-eighth | 0 | Nil |
| 3 | Brandon Smith | 31/5/1996 | 180cm, 94kg | Hooker | 21 | New Zealand |
| 4 | Brodie Croft | 14/7/1997 | 177kg, 86kg | Halfback | 17 | Nil |
| 5 | Cameron Munster | 13/9/1994 | 185cm, 95kg | Five-eighth/Fullback | 89 | Australia, Queensland |
| 6 | Cameron Smith (captain) | 18/6/1983 | 185cm, 92kg | Hooker | 384 | Australia, Queensland, NRL All Stars |
| 7 | Cheyse Blair | 18/1/1992 | 194cm, 102kg | Centre | 82 | Country Origin |
| 8 | Christian Welch | 19/7/1994 | 195cm, 110kg | Prop | 61 | Nil |
| 9 | Curtis Scott | 12/10/1997 | 188cm, 90kg | Centre | 39 | Nil |
| 10 | Dale Finucane | 7/9/1991 | 188cm, 102kg | Lock | 160 | Country Origin |
| 11 | Tui Kamikamica | 18/5/1994 | 195cm, 110kg | Prop | 7 | Fiji |
| 12 | Felise Kaufusi | 19/5/1992 | 189cm, 109kg | Second-row | 86 | Australia, Tonga, Queensland |
| 13 | Jahrome Hughes | 8/10/1994 | 183cm, 90kg | Fullback/Halfback | 17 | Nil |
| 14 | Jesse Bromwich | 3/5/1989 | 194cm, 114kg | Prop | 205 | New Zealand, NRL All Stars |
| 15 | Joe Stimson | 2/12/1995 | 189cm, 105kg | Second-row | 39 | Nil |
| 16 | Josh Addo-Carr | 28/7/1995 | 183cm, 88kg | Winger | 61 | NSW, City Origin |
| 17 | Justin Olam | 23/12/1993 | 178cm, 92kg | Centre | 3 | Papua New Guinea |
| 18 | Kenneath Bromwich | 22/9/1991 | 183cm, 105kg | Second-row | 123 | New Zealand |
| 19 | Marion Seve | 27/5/1995 | 195cm, 88kg | Centre | 0 | Nil |
| 20 | Nelson Asofa-Solomona | 29/2/1996 | 200cm, 115kg | Prop | 77 | New Zealand |
| 21 | Patrick Kaufusi | 18/2/1994 | 188cm, 103kg | Prop | 24 | Tonga |
| 22 | Ryan Papenhuyzen | 10/6/1998 | 181cm, 80kg | Fullback | 0 | Nil |
| 23 | Sam Kasiano | 21/9/1990 | 195cm, 126kg | Prop | 153 | New Zealand, Samoa |
| 24 | Sandor Earl | 21/9/1989 | 190cm, 99kg | Wing | 48 | New Zealand Maori |
| 25 | Scott Drinkwater | 15/5/1997 | 181cm, 87kg | Five-eighth/Fullback | 1 | Nil |
| 26 | Suliasi Vunivali | 27/11/1995 | 192cm, 99kg | Winger | 70 | Fiji |
| 27 | Thomas Eisenhuth | 17/7/1992 | 192cm, 100kg | Centre | 1 | Nil |
| 28 | Tino Faasuamaleaui | 16/2/2000 | 197cm, 107kg | Second-row | 0 | Nil |
| 29 | Will Chambers | 26/5/1988 | 190cm, 100kg | Centre | 191 | Australia, Queensland, Indigenous All Stars |
| 30 | TBC | – | – | – | – | – |
COACH: Craig Bellamy
Additions (players who weren't in 2018 top 30): Marion Seve (Brisbane Broncos), Billy Walters, Thomas Eisenhuth, Tino Faasuamaleaui
Losses: Tim Glasby (Newcastle Knights), Billy Slater (retirement), Ryan Hoffman (retirement), Ryley Jacks (Gold Coast Titans)
Re-signed: Nelson Asofa-Solomona (2023), Scott Drinkwater (2020), Jahrome Hughes (2021), Felise Kaufusi (2022), Kayleb Milne (2020), Justin Olam (2020), Curtis Scott (2021), Sandor Earl (2020), Cameron Smith (2020)
Off-contract beyond 2019: Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Tui Kamikamica, Patrick Kaufusi, Joe Stimson, Billy Walters, Christian Welch
MELBOURNE STORM'S BETTING ODDS
Melbourne are the third favourites to win the 2019 premiership, sitting at $8.50 (via TAB as of 20/2/19). It would be their third title in eight years.
At $15, captain Cameron Smith is fifth in the betting to claim his third Dally M Medal. Cameron Munster is also paying $15 to take out the award.
The Storm are $1.25 to make the top eight, $1.80 to finish in the top four and $151 to suffer the most losses in the competition.
MELBOURNE STORM'S 2019 DRAW
Games played on
Thursday: 4
Friday: 7
Saturday: 8
Sunday: 5
Teams they play twice
Brisbane Broncos, Canberra Raiders, Canterbury Bulldogs, North Queensland Cowboys, Sydney Roosters, New Zealand Warriors, Cronulla Sharks, Gold Coast Titans, Manly Sea Eagles
| Round | Date | Opponent | Venue |
| 1 | Thursday 14 March 7:50pm | Brisbane Broncos | AAMI Park |
| 2 | Friday 22 March 6:00pm | Canberra Raiders | GIO Stadium |
| 3 | Saturday 30 March 7:35pm | Penrith Panthers | Carrington Park |
| 4 | Sunday 7 April 4:05pm | Canterbury Bulldogs | AAMI Park |
| 5 | Friday 12 April 7:55pm | North Queensland Cowboys | 1300SMILES Stadium |
| 6 | Friday 19 April 7:55pm | Sydney Roosters | AAMI Park |
| 7 | Thursday 25 April 7:50pm | New Zealand Warriors | AAMI Park |
| 8 | Friday 3 May 7:55pm | Cronulla Sharks | Shark Park |
| 9 | Saturday 11 May 7:35pm | Parramatta Eels | Suncorp Stadium |
| 10 | Thursday 16 May 7:50pm | Wests Tigers | AAMI Park |
| 11 | Sunday 26 May 2:00pm | Canterbury Bulldogs | Belmore Sports Ground |
| 12 | BYE | – | – |
| 13 | Saturday 8 June 3:00pm | New Zealand Warriors | Mt Smart Stadium |
| 14 | Saturday 15 June 3:00pm | Newcastle Knights | AAMI Park |
| 15 | Friday 28 June 7:55pm | Sydney Roosters | Adelaide Oval |
| 16 | Thursday 4 July 7:50pm | St George Illawarra Dragons | WIN Stadium |
| 17 | Saturday 13 July 7:35pm | Cronulla Sharks | AAMI Park |
| 18 | Sunday 21 July 2:00pm | Gold Coast Titans | Cbus Super Stadium |
| 19 | Saturday 27 July 7:35pm | Manly Sea Eagles | AAMI Park |
| 20 | Friday 2 August 7:55pm | Brisbane Broncos | Suncorp Stadium |
| 21 | Sunday 11 August 4:05pm | South Sydney Rabbitohs | Central Coast Stadium |
| 22 | Saturday 17 August 5:30pm | Canberra Raiders | AAMI Park |
| 23 | Sunday 25 August 2:00pm | Gold Coast Titans | AAMI Park |
| 24 | Saturday 31 August 5:30pm | Manly Sea Eagles | Lottoland |
| 25 | Friday 6 September 7:55pm | North Queensland Cowboys | AAMI Park |
It's a big year for...
Cameron Munster.
Munster is no longer a passenger on the Storm bus; he's the driver now.
Yes, Cameron Smith is still at the club, but this is Munster's side to own with Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater gone and Smith in the twilight years of his career.
The ink is still drying on his mammoth four-year extension at Melbourne, and for the money the Storm are paying him, Munster needs to be the type of player you can build a club around.
Munster will bear the weight of added responsibility in 2019. There's no doubting his brilliance, but he needs to do away with the few immaturities remaining in his game.
MEMBERSHIP AND TICKETING
As of February 16, the Storm had 19,565 members for the 2019 season.
Melbourne finished with 25,105 members last year.
Membership packages can be viewed here.
General tickets for the season are available here.
