Melbourne Storm - End of an era?

[Bucking Beads]

I really hope they turn into a rabble and can't even win a game. It would be good. Can't see it happening though.

 

[redbur95]

I'll say that the Storm are finished as a powerhouse when we eventually beat them. If they lose to the Broncos, a side they lose to under very rare circumstances, then they will clearly have lost their mojo.

 

[Harry Sack]

I've stated numerous times that they look tired. Those 3 have played so much footy over the last what, 6-8 years, something had to give eventually. It's a "shame" we have the world cup this year because they could really do with a proper off season, especially Slater. I understand it's a PCL injury....what does fixing that entail? Surgery?

 

[vertigo]

I understand it's a PCL injury....what does fixing that entail? Surgery?

The PCL can heal on it's own (provided it's not a complete rupture) as it has good blood supply unlike the ACL which has to be reconstructed.

Some decent rest and he'll be better for it next year.

 

[Morkel]

Most of us have been saying that Slater's been busted since before Origin. Him on one leg, with Widdop only a few games back, and the defence knew that shutting down Cronk would win the game. Storm almost won still, may well have if Bedsy's blatant taking out of Slater was penalised. They'll still be top 4 next year.

I would love them to start falling apart though, and like I said, once the big 3 retire than so will Bellamy. He is nothing without them and will not want to be exposed as the lucky bugger who was able to coach 3 of the best players in a generation.

 

[Old Mate]

Nek minnit Bellamy wins premiership at Eels.

 

[Fozz]

Melbourne Eels?

 

[CaptainHook]

I would love them to start falling apart though, and like I said, once the big 3 retire than so will Bellamy. He is nothing without them and will not want to be exposed as the lucky bugger who was able to coach 3 of the best players in a generation.

I think they will always be competitive with Bellamy as a coach but not as dominant after the big 3 have retired. I agree that Bellamy will retire when the big 3 do, just can't see him staying there tbh.

 

[Financeguy]

I will go on record to say that their best years are behind them, in the short term anyway. They will still be competitive as Smith and Cronk are still gun players and they are well coached. Slater is still a fine fullback but is starting to slip in the pecking order across the NRL imo.

They also seem to have lost a bit of an aura about them, i don't think teams fear them like they used to. Watching them play, their pack really seems to lack a bit of mongrel or a 'hard man' like a Bird, Gallen, Burgess, JWH type player

If they could find or unearth a talented aggressive forward and a quality centre to partner Chambers they would be able to stick up there with Manly/Roosters/Souths. At the moment i think they are now slightly the rung below.