2010: A year in review

[1999]

Melbourne Storm 2010

14 Wins
9 Losses
2 Byes
0 Points*
Ladder Position - 16th*

Best Win - Round 7 vs Warriors (40-6)
Worst Loss - Round 9 vs Brisbane (14-36)
Top Tryscorer - Greg Inglis (11)
Top Pointscorer - Cameron Smith (116)

Results-

TRIAL: Storm def. London Harlequins 34-10 @ The Stoop, Twickenham
WORLD CLUB CHALLENGE: Storm def. Leeds Rhinos 18-10 @ Elland Rd, Leeds
ROUND ONE: Storm 14 (Tries: Inglis, MacDougall; Goals: 3) def. Sharks 10 (Try: Douglas; Goals: Covell 2, Porter)
ROUND TWO: Storm 20 (Tries: MacDougall, Quinn, Nielsen; Goals: Smith 4) def. Knights 14 (Tries: Uate, MacDougall; Goals: Naiqama 3)
ROUND THREE: Storm 16 (Tries: Finch, Slater, MacDougall; Goals: Smith 2) def. Panthers 10 (Tries: McKendry, Coote; Goal: Gordon)
ROUND FOUR: Storm 17 (Tries: Nielsen, Quinn, Slater; Goals: Smith 2; Field Goal: Cronk) def Dragons 4 (Try: Nightingale)
ROUND FIVE: Storm 16 (Tries: Quinn 3; Goals: Smith 2) def. by Titans 20 (Tries: Tomane, Harris, Bird; Goals: Rogers 4)
ROUND SIX: Storm 16 (Tries: Cronk 2, Norrie; Goals: Smith 2) def. by Sea Eagles 18 (Tries: Robertson 2, Stewart; Goals; Lyon 3)
ROUND SEVEN: Storm 40 (Tries: Duffie 2, Smith, Blair, Tandy, Isa, Slater; Goals; Smith 6) def. Warriors 6 (Try: Ta'ai; Goal: Maloney)
ROUND EIGHT: Storm 34 (Tries: Norrie, Duffie, Inglis, Finch, Nielsen, Quinn, Lima; Goals: Smith 3) def. Cowboys 6 (Try: Bolton; Goal: Graham)
ROUND NINE: Storm 16 (Tries: Duffie 2, Quinn; Goals: Inglis) def. by Broncos 34 (Tries: Folau 2, Yow Yeh, Beale, Norman, Te'o; Goals: Parker 6)
ROUND TEN: Storm 17 (Tries: Inglis 3; Goals: Inglis 2; Field Goal: Finch) def. Raiders 6 (Try: Vidot; Goal: Campese)
ROUND ELEVEN: Bye
ROUND TWELVE: Storm 23 (Tries: Nielsen, Stanley, MacDougall, Widdop; Goals: Widdop 3; Field Goal: Finch) def. Bulldogs 12 (Tries: Ryan, Kimmorley; Goals: Goodwin: 2)
ROUND THIRTEEN: Storm 10 (Tries: Slater, Inglis; Goal: Smith) def. by Eels 24 (Tries: Reddy 2, Inu, Keating; Goals: Burt 4)
ROUND FOURTEEN: Storm 6 (Try: Kostjasyn; Goals: Stanley) def. by Roosters 38 (Tries: Graham 2, Masoe, Linnett, Minichiello, Nuuasaula, Perett; Goals: Carney 5)
ROUND FIFTEEN: Storm 58 (Tries: O'Neill 3, Duffie 2, Slater 2, Inglis, Lima, Cronk; Goals: Smith 5, Inglis 3, Finch) def. Cowboys 12 (Tries: Tamou, Gallant; Goals: Thurston 2)
ROUND SIXTEEN: Storm 14 (Tries: O'Neill 2, Inglis; Goals: Smith) def. by Rabbitohs 16 (Tries: Talanoa 2, Sandow; Goals: Luke 2)
ROUND SEVENTEEN: BYE
ROUND EIGHTEEN: Storm 18 (Tries: Finch, Slater, Manu: Goals: Smith 2, Inglis) def. by Bulldogs 20 (Tries: Goodwin, Idris, Neumann; Goals: Goodwin 3; Penalty Goals: Goodwin)
ROUND NINETEEN: Storm 6 (Try: Slater; Goal: Smith) def. by Warriors 13 (Tries: Ropati, Vatuvei; Goals: Maloney 2; Field Goal: Maloney)
ROUND TWENTY: Storm 18 (Tries: Duffie, Nielsen, O'Neill; Goals: Smith 3) def. Panthers 10 (Tries: Jennings, Purtell; Goals: Gordon)
ROUND TWENTY-ONE: Storm 36 (Tries: O'Neill 2, Nielsen 2, Inglis, Slater, Lowrie; Goals: Smith 4) def. Raiders 12 (Tries: Low, Croker; Goals: Croker 2)
ROUND TWENTY-TWO: Storm 6 (Try: Hoffman; Goals: Smith) def. by Sea Eagles 26 (Tries: Lyon 2, Williams, Matai; Goals: Lyon 5)
ROUND TWENTY-THREE: Storm 18 (Tries: Hinchcliffe 2, Slater; goals: Smith 3) def. Rabbitohs 16 (Tries: Merritt 2, Capewell; Goals: Sandow 2)
ROUND TWENTY-FOUR: Storm 24 (Tries: Smith, Nielsen, Manu, Hinchcliffe; Goals: Smith 4) def. Sharks 4 (Try: Covell)
ROUND TWENTY-FIVE: Storm 14 (Tries: O'Neill, Isa, Hoffman; Goals: Smith) def. by Tigers 26 (Tries: Marshall 3, Fifita, Farah; Goals: Marshall 3)
ROUND TWENTY-SIX: Storm 34 (Tries: Inglis 2, White, Tolman, Hoffman, Hinchcliffe; Goals Smith 4, Lima 1) def. Knights 4 (Try: Taia)

Tryscorers -

Inglis 11, Slater 10, O'Neill 9, Duffie 8, Nielsen 8, Quinn 7, MacDougall 4, Hinchcliffe 4, Cronk 3, Finch 3, Hoffman 3, Norrie 2, Lima 2, Smith 2, Manu 2, Isa 2, Blair, Tandy, Stanley, Widdop, Kostjasyn, Lowrie, White, Tolman.


Player Reviews-

1. Billy Slater - Another great year by the kid, always put in every game and pulled off some unbelievable plays (9/10)
2. Matt Duffie - Fantastic debut year for Matt, under alot of pressure early and passed easily, looks the goods (8/10)
3. Dane Nielsen - A rocks and diamonds player, still looks a little uneasy at times but did his job (6/10)
4. Greg Inglis - When he showed up was devastating, had afew quiet games but still always threatened (7/10)
5. Justin O'Neill - Wow, rookie of the year for me, easily has the most potential in the squad highly, impressive debut year (8/10)
6. Brett Finch - Always putting in, revving up and never saying die, typical finchy. Solid year (7/10)
7. Cooper Cronk - All the drama really got to coops, very hot and cold, but when he was on he turned alot of games (6/10)
8. Bryan Norrie - What a good bargain basement buy, never set the world on fire but always pulled his weight. Excellent (7/10)
9. Cameron Smith - Hit the hardest by the cap circus, always played ok but never really had that run or killer edge. Lead strongly (6/10)
10. Brett White - Always seemed lazy and disinterested once the news broke, cant blame him i guess (5/10)
11. Adam Blair - Afew flashes of brilliance, but didnt kick on as strong as most though he would this year (6/10)
12. Sika Manu - Player of the year for me, unstoppable all year, and so versatile. Fantastic stuff (10/10)
13. Ryan Hinchcliffe - Great effort from hinchy all year, definately one of our better players in 2010. (8/10)
14. Jeff Lima - Showed up in patches but was fairly ineffective far too often. (6/10)
15. Kevin Proctor - Is growing on me, still a pup but he is realising his potential, big expectations in 2011 (7/10)
16. Ryan Hoffman - Horrible year, love the guy but had form and injury problems all year (4/10) 
17. Todd Lowrie - Useless, one decent game all year, waste of a bench spot (3/10)
18. Aiden Tolman - Was great.. before he signed elsewhere, lost form bigtime. (6/10)
19. Jesse Bromwich - Went ok in limited appearances, young and raw and will be better for the run. (6/10)
20. Anthony Quinn - Our best player before his long term injury, hope he comes back stronger (8/10)
21. Sione Kite - Looked good in 2 games he played, need more of him in 2011 (7/10)
22. Chase Stanley - Showed tonnes of promise, afew unlucky injuries, should be in the centres next year (7/10)
23. Luke Kelly - He was ok with limited oppurtunity, still needs to get his reads and D up to NRL standard (6/10)
24. Hep Cahill - Afew games, not bad, not great (5/10)
25. Willie Isa - As above (5/10)
26. Gareth Widdop - Talented, just needs to settle in a position (6/10)
27. Luke MacDougall - Liked him early in the year actually, shame no one else did (6/10)
28. Robbie Rochow - 1 game, dont remember evn seeing him (2/10)
29. Rory Kostjasyn - Also didnt see a whole lot of him, would like to though (2/10)
30. Ryan Tandy - Dirty Match Fixer and club abandoner lol (1/10)

MY STORM PLAYER OF THE YEAR TOP 3 -

1. SIKA MANU
2. BILLY SLATER
3. RYAN HINCHCLIFFE/JUSTIN O'NEILL/ANTHONY QUINN/MATT DUFFIE

Movements

Gains:

Robert MacLeod (Cowboys)
Stan Waqa (Roosters)
Adam Woolnough (Panthers)
Troy Thompson (Raiders)
Elijah Niko (Warriors)

Losses:

Ryan Tandy (Bulldogs)
Aiden Tolman (Bulldogs)
Ryan Hoffman (Wigan)
Brett Finch (Wigan)
Jeff Lima (Wigan)
Brett White (Canberra)
Greg Inglis (Broncos)
Blake Leary (Cowboys)
Luke MacDougall (Released)
Willie Isa (Released)
Sinbad Kali (Released)
Billy Rogers (Released)
Louis Fanene (Released)
Hep Cahill (Released)
James Woolford (Released)

Re-signed: 

Bryan Norrie (2 years)
Justin O'Neill (2 years)
Dane Nielsen (2 years)
Rory Kostjasyn (2 years)
Luke Kelly (1 year)
Robbie Rochow (1 year)


My personal best 17 for 2011:

1. Billy Slater
2. Matt Duffie
3. Chase Stanley
4. Justin O'Neill
5. Anthony Quinn
6. Gareth Widdop
7. Cooper Cronk
8. Bryan Norrie
9. Cameron Smith
10. Adam Woolnough
11. Adam Blair
12. Sika Manu
13. Ryan Hinchcliffe

14. Kevin Proctor
15. Troy Thompson
16. Sione Kite
17. Robbie Rochow

[Michael :P]

Heres a review of the NYC players.


1 Kirisome Auva'a  -  Good first year after a few years of yawnion even played SOO U-18's and scored 2 tries. Runs hard but has to show more of the skill he definately has. Also needs to cut out the niggle. Prospects bright  in 2011.
2 James Barker  -  Sunbury Tigers legend who wasnt sighted for most of the year but done well once he came in. Too old for NYC in 2011
3 Kenny Bromwich   -  Started the year hotter then a pepper-sprout but cooled off in the middle. Really found his feet at 13 and had a good 2nd half. Prospects good in 2011
4 Dane Chisholm   -  Only played limited games but showed his quality in those. If he played more we probably make the finals. Too old for NYC but with the right atitude should put pressure on the likes of Duffie and O'Neill
5 Matt Constantinou  - Got a shot with injuries and done the job. Dont think he'll be on the main list next year but will be there for back-up
6 Eddie Faaumasili  -   Played well at the start of the year, out for a fair while with injuries but finished year well. With a stronger squad next year may battle for top 17 but prospects Ok
7 Mahe Fonua    -   Starred for SG Ball team then basically went straight into NYC team. Was a major handful for oppostion defences, breaks tackles for breakfast and has very good skills but needs to cut out errors and long-term is a back-rower. Prospects great in 2011
8 Lucas Grech   -  Done a good job for the team, mainly as the back-up 9. Needs to solidify defence but should be thereabouts in 2011
9 Slade Griffin  -  Had big hopes for him this year but didnt live up to expectations. In his defence was played out of positin at centre then had a shoulder injury. Im expecting him to bounce back in a bg way next year.
10 Ben Hampton  -   Started the season off slow but developed well as the year went on. Ticks all the boxes of what you want in a half but will need to go to the next level in 2011 especailly in organising a team, which he is capable of. Forming a great combo with the guy below. Very lippy at times which makes me laugh

11 Tohu Harris   -  Big, big year. When I saw his first game in SG ball, i thought "Meh", bit slow and cumbersome and not suited to the back-row. I must of caught him on his only off day for the year becasue he didnt have another bad one. First year in league and was one of the premier back-rowers in the NYC. Has size and strength, an impressive ability to pass before, at and through the line, under-rated speed, good work-rate and good agility. POTY who has huuuge prospects in 2011, however the Thunderbolts will have to get by without him at times.

12 Jake Hawkins -  Solid year but not really a starting hooker imo. Will find his niche as a utility player, too old for NYC in 2011. Tbh I was stunned when I saw him added to the first team.
13 Jerome Henry  -  Another who got his chance through injury and did well, ran hard and didnt shirk on defence. Still waiting for a rib replcemat from the Manly game.
14 Jai Ingram  -  Played well in his few games start of the year. May have been injured ?
15 Josh Jerome  -  Just ok to start the year and an average goal-kicker but flicked a switch in last 3rd and played terrifically while developing into a brilliant goal-kicker. Amazingly eligable for a 4th year fo NYC but suspect we'll see him in premier league more often then not

16 Mitchell Johnson   -  Joined us after first few rounds and done a great job in a struggling team. Can give away a stupid penalty but will be a solid prop. Too old for NYC in 2011 and will play premier league.
17 Robert Kurth   -  Looked ok in his games, bit slight and will need to put on some kg's. Will be there for back-up at least in 2011
18 Blake Leary  -  Huge stats and the form player of the whole NYC in the early rounds. Despite being groomed for first-grade next year left the Storm for the Cowboys
19 Bennett Leslie  -  Had some good games and done the job. Too old for NYC in 2011 but one youd liek to keep for depth.
20 Pita Maile  -  Was suprisingly coming off the bench at the start of the year despite being the starting centre in last years GF. Whether this led to him going home I dont know.
21 Ryan Marlin  -  Done the job in limited apperances but will be too old in 2011

22 Sam Martin  -  I was very disappointed in his form for most of the year but played very well to finish the season off. Not sure if he'll be here next year.
23 Jordan McLean  -  Im a huge fan but can do so much more. Averages over 10m per carry and with his size and strength can be as good as he wants to be. Maybe needs a mean streak but looking forward to seeing him develop in 2011
24 Jordan Meads  -  What did we sign this guy for
25 Maipele Morseau  -  Another one I have massive wraps one and did fine playing out of position @ 7. If he had of stayed at FB would have challenged Tohu for POTY and Im expecting him to go to another level (or 3 ) in 2011 AT FULLBACK.
26 Rulon Nutira  -  looks ungainly but did a solid job for us this year, was great too see him bag a double yesterday. Too old for NYC in 2011
27 Justin O'Neill  -  Only played a couple of games but has a future imo  :lol:
28 Robert Rochow  -  Played mostly Premier league. Im not as sold on him as some.
29 Andrew Smith  -  Done a good job when he came into the team. Very slight though and needs more size. Prospects good in 2011, probably the starting 9.
30 Matt Smith  -  Done a good job when he came into the team. Very slight though and needs more size. Prospects good in 2011, probably the starting 9.  :D
31 Theodore Stuart - Massive dissapointment. Looked like he could be anything in 2009 but for whatever reason didnt live up to expectations. Hopefully he is not lost to the game
32 Brayden Williame  -  Dont know what to make of Brayden. Had a great game at centre, looked most comfortable on the wing but was average at FB, and didnt see much sign of the blistering speed he is supposed to have. With more size could have a big 2011 though

33 Jerome Wilson  -  Fatty boom-bah when I saw him in SG Ball, but really apllied himself, lost weight and had a good year which is a credit too him. Had a better year off the field judging by the young blonde lass I see cheering him on at the home games  :lol:.
34 James Woolford  -  Hard done by imo. Was jumping between NSW cup and NYC, never getting a chance too settle and develop combos. Should show up some-where and have a decent career.


With advancement in their games and some quality players joining them, will be title contenders in 2011


What the NYC team may look like next year. I'll only include those that I think are lay-down miseres to be in the top 17

1. Maipele Morseau
2. Brayden Wiliame
3. Mahe Fonua - May find find himself at backrow
4. Kirisome Avuaa
5.
6.
7. Ben Hampton
8. Jorden Mclean
9.
10. Jarome Wilson
11. Tohu harris
12.
13. Kenny Bromwich

14. Slade Griffen - Id develop him to be the back-up 9 as well.
15.
16.
17.

[simo]

What a year..

One player i reckon who's done great and hasnt got the wraps but will be very valuable next season.. Bryan Norrie.

[Mattpoet]

My tips for the clubs awards:

Player of the Year: Billy Slater (Still the best)
Best Forward: Sika Manu/Bryan Norrie (Can't split them)
Best Back: Brett Finch (Deserves some recognition for two great years)
Rookie of the Year: Matt Duffie or Justin O'Niell (Could go either way)
Most Improved: Adam Blair (Taken great strides once again)

Under 20s
Player of the Year: Tohu Harris
Best Forward: Jordan McLean
Best Back: Josh Jerome
Most Improved: Josh Jerome

[samo]

gotta agree with mattpoet on the under 20's players.

i liked the leap on the centre (his name escapes me) number 4, 2 weeks in a row he has looked strong and has a good jump on him.

loved bryan norrie's work all year for the NRL team (with the exception of a few knock on's yesterday)

samo

[Michael :P]

That was Mahe Fonua.

Btw good effort 99, that would have taken a while.

[Fizer]

Good job with the reviews guys. 

Mine awards would be

Player of the Year: Billy Slater
Best Forward: Sika Manu
Best Back: Brett Finch
Rookie of the Year: Justin O'Neill
Most Improved: Ryan Hinchcliffe

Under 20s
Player of the Year: Tohu Harris
Best Forward: Kenny Bromwich
Best Back: Mahe Fonua
Most Improved: Josh Jerome

[1999]

Thanks guys.

Just on mahe fonua, i think he is going to be something really special in afew years, him and harris easily the NYC standouts this year (Pretty sure they are both sg ball players playing up afew age brackets  )

[J-Storm]

Player of the Year: Billy Slater
Best Forward: Bryan Norrie (considering he was gonna be captain-coach in bush football)
Best Back: Dane Nielson
Rookie of the Year: Justin O'Neill
Most Improved: Ryan Hinchcliffe

Under 20s
Player of the Year: Tohu Harris
Best Forward: Kenny Bromwich
Best Back: Mahe Fonua
Most Improved: Josh Jerome

I really like the look of those four U20s players for our future. I jus' hope we can keep them to stay as 1 club guys cos I think with O'Neill, Duffie, Whiddop & Jesse Bromwich, we have a great basis for even more success for years to come...

[The Mauritian]

1. Maipele Morseau
2. Brayden Wiliame
3. Mahe Fonua - May find find himself at backrow
4. Kirisome Avuaa
5.
6.
7. Ben Hampton
8. Jorden Mclean
9.  Herschel Gideon?
10. Jarome Wilson
11. Tohu harris
12.
13. Kenny Bromwich

14. Slade Griffen - Id develop him to be the back-up 9 as well.
15. Cameron Hansen?
16. Tala Titi?
17.

[Fizer]

Mine team without knowing the new players to come in next year would be

01. Maipele Morseau
02. Brayden Williame
03. Mahe Founa
04. Kirisome A'auva
05. Eddie Faamausilli
06. Ben Hampton (c)
07. Matt Currie - Don't understand why he didn't play this year.
08. Jordan Mclean
09. Matt Smith
10. Jerome Wilson
11. Sam Martin
12. Tohu Harris
13. Kenny Bromwich

14. Lucas Greach
15. Brett Jarrett
16. Matt Contantinou
17. Robert Mcleod

[Michael :P]

I was watching Barefoot Rugby league earlier this year and Matt was back in Brisbane playing for the Wests Panthers. I suspect they thought they were onto a winner with Jordan Meads ( ) and told Matt he wouldnt get much of a go.

Thats my theory anyway.

[CooperCronk]

I was watching Barefoot Rugby league earlier this year and Matt was back in Brisbane playing for the Wests Panthers. I suspect they thought they were onto a winner with Jordan Meads ( ) and told Matt he wouldnt get much of a go.

Thats my theory anyway.

Hey Noa

Good to see you watch Barefoot r/l also. I always pre-set it before going to work.
Top show for anyone who has foxtel.  NITV 180 on Thursdays 11.30 am till 1.00pm and repeated again approx. 3.00pm.

[Go Storm]

Great wrap-up guys!! Awesome stuff !!

Geez you don't like Lowrie do you? LOL
Personally I reckon Blair had a pretty solid year and was one of our best
And Norrie was awesome!! If he played for any other club he'd be in the mix for SOO next year I reckon!! (I'm assuming he's a NSWelshman??)
And don't be so hard on Tandy. He didn't abandon us. He was just another victim of Waldron and Hansen. The writing was on the wall and he read it.


Personally I like Duffie for Rookie of the Year over O'Neil. Both will become superstars!! Duffman, oh yeah bit more consistency. Shame they both didn't play more games to rate in Dally M

[The Eagle]

The only thing this forum is missing is a player all teams have

You need a Chris Bailey,ball playing lock who must have pictures of a farm animal in a suggestive pose with
the coach,in Des's case its a goat

Craig it may be a Llama,cause theyre freaky