There is no arguing about Melbourne's premiership credentials - they are a staple in the top eight and it is becoming increasingly difficult to remember a time when the Storm didn't make the finals.
Success in Melbourne has long revolved around the "big three" of Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and captain everywhere, Cameron Smith.
With names like that in the key positions, it is impossible to go past the Storm as one of, if not the, favourites, provided all three stay fit. They have managed to cover the three position in case of injury, using some sorcery to secure backups in each position - Gareth Widdop (English international), Brett Finch (NSW rep) and Ryan Hinchcliffe (NSW Country). While the calibre of play does drop - they are the best players in their positions - the quality of the players that can fill the void is unmatched by any other club.
Craig Bellamy's ability to develop players has made him one of the premier coaches the NRL has ever seen.
Despite large cuts to the player rosters over the last few years, Bellamy has managed to develop players who may otherwise be kicking on in reserve grade at other clubs into highly sought after players. Some names that roll off the tongue like Todd Lowirie, Dane Nielson and Sika Manu have all left, but there are plenty of players who will step up to fill the void.
The forwards are obviously led by captain Smith, with Bryan Norrie, Jesse Bromwich and Jason Ryles fighting over the starting prop positions. The back-row has plenty of experience between the hard-working and most likely starting trio of Kevin Proctor, Ryan Hoffman and Hinchcliffe. The form of boom rookie Tohu Harris could be irresistible too ignore, while Junior Moors, Lagi Setu, Siosaia Vave and Kenny Bromwich wait in the wings.
In the backs Justin O'Neill and Matt Duffie are the inclumbent wingers and should keep their positions. Junior Sa'u will take Neilson's old spot while Will Chambers has the opportunity to continue his fine form. There is plenty of depth (as always), with Sisa Waqa, Maurice Blair and Victorian Mahe Fonua ready to step up.
Storm: 1. Billy Slater 2. Justin O'Neill 3. Junio Sa'u 4. Will Chambers 5. Matt Duffie 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Bryan Norrie 11. Tohu Harris 12. Kevin Proctor 13. Ryan Hoffman Interchange 14. Ryan Hinchcliffe 15. Jason Ryles 16. Junior Moors 17. Brett Finch
On the fringes: Siosaia Vava, Maurice Blair, Mahe Fonua, Kenny Bromwich, Lagi Setu, Sisa Waqa, Mitch Garbutt
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