As an outsider that doesn't have a dog in the fight, the ones defending Melbourne are getting absolutely whipped. There's always an excuse or a reason why Melbourne can't produce more juniors.
I fear for the Storm to be honest in the face of a) Dolphins' established base, HQ and programs and b) Bellamy is one year closer to the door. So, unless Robbo goes there as coach - they literally have nothing to stand on.
The Sharks realised this ages ago and sold a bunch of their land for development, built apartments etc. Similar to what Harbord Diggers did and a few other "by the coast" places. The Storm have nothing, at all. Not even a community centre of excellence - there was one announced in 2019 but nothing since. Do they even have a good relationship with the Government there?
Therefore, when do they need to develop to be self sustaining? The Storm made a $2M profit in 2020, $0 profit in 2019. They would have made a $2M loss (-v- Brisbane's 16M profit) if it wasnt for the $4M saving from the 'football department' (wonder if that was Cam leaving). 400k cash, no worthwhile assets ($4M of "right to use" assets -v- $20M of Brisbane's real assets).
I just honestly feel clubs in the 'top flight' should have core KPIs to adhere to for their continuing participation and if they cannot build infrastructure to sustain themselves over and above the NRL grant, you really could give that grant money to "any" club in that region and they'd be as useful.
I'm not sure Melbourne passes the sniff test for underpinning infrastructure/community development or feeder infrastructure. Gold Coast barely passes but gets up because of their pathways along with Canberra. Knights, Wests and St George have some wealthy helpers to push money where it needs to be.
To me, development is:
1. Clear pathways from Junior to NRL at that club
2. Clear community donations, assistance and integration with schools and other charities
3. Meaningful support to non-contact areas of the game. Those that like touch, still love watching their NRL club - why alienate them
4. Salary cap concession if that player was found through that clubs' listed pathway
5. Participation at all levels in local competition. Obviously you don't want Brisbane/Gold Coast/Dolphins having their own clubs in the QRL as thats unfair to the others, though
6. A home base, that isnt an oval you share with Collingwood
7. Central donation to a fund to help all other junior clubs that arent affiliated with your own or a competitors club
I suspect the Panthers and Rabbitohs pass most of those, with Brisbane/Bulldogs maybe 5-6 out of the 7. The rest of the clubs? Tough ride.