Cameron Munster's Melbourne Storm lost a sixth consecutive game over the weekend, a run that coach Craig Bellamy has never endured before. For over two decades, the Storm have been the standard for elite sporting organisations in Australia, led by Bellamy and head of football Frank Ponissi. Success has been as certain as death and taxes, but now the club faces uncharted waters.
A Historic Decline
Last year's NRL grand finalists are in dire straits. The Storm have lost six straight games for the first time in Bellamy's 23 seasons. They have not conceded 500 points in a season since 2004, but a third of the way through this season they have already allowed 232 points, averaging 29 per game. The Warriors ended a 17-game losing streak against the Storm three weeks ago, and South Sydney won their first ever game in Melbourne at the weekend. The Storm now sit 16th on the ladder, with their only two wins coming against the winless Dragons and the Eels.
Bellamy's Frustration
Craig Bellamy's demeanour over the last six weeks reveals the depth of the mire. After a blown lead against the Cowboys, he called it "worrying" and "frustrated." Following a 50-point concession to Penrith, he threatened to drop players. He hooked players during the Warriors loss and was exasperated after the Canberra defeat. After the home hammering to Souths, Bellamy said it was "the most embarrassed I've been in my footy life."
Bad Luck and Controllable Factors
There has been a wave of bad luck: Ryan Papenhuyzen's unexpected retirement, the unprecedented Eli Katoa situation, and Tui Kamikamica's stroke in early April. However, the sharpness of the decline is more about controllable factors. The Storm's "stars 'n' scrubs" salary cap approach has been successful, but the stars are not performing. Cameron Munster ranks third in missed tackles per game with 4.5, with just one line break assist in the last six games. Harry Grant has run for fewer than 35 metres in four of his last five games, with only one try assist and two offloads. Jahrome Hughes has been the best of the trio but his form is down.
Recruitment and Game Evolution
The main problem lies below the top line. The club's recruitment policy and the evolution of the game have exposed weaknesses. Part of the Storm's legend was how average players became major contributors by doing three or four things well. Now, depth becomes a problem when these players don't perform their roles. Defensively, the Storm have never been worse. The attempt to recruit Zac Lomax and the signing of Stefano Utoikamanu are indicative of a shift. The forward pack is getting manhandled, and letting Nelson Asofa-Solomona walk has not helped. The competition has moved to more agile forwards, but the Storm's smaller pack lacks the ability to create quick play-the-balls.
Looking Ahead
With Tyran Wishart and Nick Meaney heading to Perth next season, and Munster and Hughes both north of 31, the Storm face a rebuild for the first time in a quarter-century. There is no quick fix. The issue is not work rate or coaching; it is a talent deficit. Playmakers are struggling to create opportunities, the pack is getting mauled, and outside backs are defensively at sea. Melbourne may sneak into the finals, but they are not set up to be a serious threat until they undertake the required rebuild.
