Team of 20 Years
4. Matt King
91 Storm games (2003-07)
60 tries
2007 Grand Final winner
One of the most beloved characters to have come through this Club, ‘Kingy’ was the ultimate team man. Should an opposing player ever have an issue with a Storm player, King would be the first to step in and back up his teammates. He came to Melbourne in 2003 as a largely unwanted talent from the rest of the NRL world. However Craig Bellamy gave him a first-grade debut that year and the rest is history. King then spent the next five seasons taking Storm into its next era with an appetite for the contest that was unwavering. He was beloved by Storm fans and the feeling was certainly mutual.
91 Storm games (2003-07)
60 tries
2007 Grand Final winner
One of the most beloved characters to have come through this Club, ‘Kingy’ was the ultimate team man. Should an opposing player ever have an issue with a Storm player, King would be the first to step in and back up his teammates. He came to Melbourne in 2003 as a largely unwanted talent from the rest of the NRL world. However Craig Bellamy gave him a first-grade debut that year and the rest is history. King then spent the next five seasons taking Storm into its next era with an appetite for the contest that was unwavering. He was beloved by Storm fans and the feeling was certainly mutual.
5. Suliasi Vunivalu
47 Storm games (2016-present)
46 tries
2017 Grand Final winner
In two NRL seasons Vunivalu has topped the competition’s try-scoring list on both occasions. Vunivalu possess a freakish ability both in the air and on the ground and there are fewer better sights in modern rugby league than seeing the 22-year-old in full flight. His try-scoring record speaks for itself, nearly one per game. Vunivalu sent NRL heads into a spin after his outstanding 2016 debut season that yielded 23 tries. Some wondered whether the second-year blues would creep in but those doubts proved way off the mark with the Fijian Flyer crossing the line another 23 times last season. Re-signed for another three years, there is plenty of scope for Vunivalu to become arguably the greatest finisher this Club has ever seen.
47 Storm games (2016-present)
46 tries
2017 Grand Final winner
In two NRL seasons Vunivalu has topped the competition’s try-scoring list on both occasions. Vunivalu possess a freakish ability both in the air and on the ground and there are fewer better sights in modern rugby league than seeing the 22-year-old in full flight. His try-scoring record speaks for itself, nearly one per game. Vunivalu sent NRL heads into a spin after his outstanding 2016 debut season that yielded 23 tries. Some wondered whether the second-year blues would creep in but those doubts proved way off the mark with the Fijian Flyer crossing the line another 23 times last season. Re-signed for another three years, there is plenty of scope for Vunivalu to become arguably the greatest finisher this Club has ever seen.
6. Greg Inglis
117 Storm games (2005-10)
78 tries
2007, 2009 Grand Final winner
A player who could do it all, in just about every position on the field. Inglis began his Storm career at centre initially before making the transition to the No.6 for the 2007 season, helping propel the Club to Premiership glory. G.I spent two seasons alongside Cooper Cronk in the halves before moving back to centre in 2009. As any Storm fan would attest, there were fewer better sights on a weekend than seeing Greg Inglis galloping down the touchline of Olympic Park.
117 Storm games (2005-10)
78 tries
2007, 2009 Grand Final winner
A player who could do it all, in just about every position on the field. Inglis began his Storm career at centre initially before making the transition to the No.6 for the 2007 season, helping propel the Club to Premiership glory. G.I spent two seasons alongside Cooper Cronk in the halves before moving back to centre in 2009. As any Storm fan would attest, there were fewer better sights on a weekend than seeing Greg Inglis galloping down the touchline of Olympic Park.
7. Cooper Cronk
323 Storm games (2004-2017)
92 tries
2007, 2009, 2012, 2017 Grand Final winner
Calm, cool, composed – a natural born match winner. Even the most ardent Storm fan would have lost count of the amount of times the mercurial No.7 stepped up to win the game for Storm off his own boot. In the frantic heat of competition, it would be Cronk who would organise the Storm attack like a maestro conducting his orchestra. A five-time Dally M Halfback of the Year, two-time Dally M Player of the Year as well as a golden boot winner, his greatness as an individual player was unforgettable and that is before you even consider the freakish telepathy he shared with Cameron Smith and Billy Slater for over a decade.
323 Storm games (2004-2017)
92 tries
2007, 2009, 2012, 2017 Grand Final winner
Calm, cool, composed – a natural born match winner. Even the most ardent Storm fan would have lost count of the amount of times the mercurial No.7 stepped up to win the game for Storm off his own boot. In the frantic heat of competition, it would be Cronk who would organise the Storm attack like a maestro conducting his orchestra. A five-time Dally M Halfback of the Year, two-time Dally M Player of the Year as well as a golden boot winner, his greatness as an individual player was unforgettable and that is before you even consider the freakish telepathy he shared with Cameron Smith and Billy Slater for over a decade.
8. Jesse Bromwich
182 Storm games (2010-present)
23 tries
2012, 2017 Grand Final winner
You know you are a special footballer when you win three consecutive Storm Player of the Year awards whilst playing alongside some of the best players to ever play the game. A two-time Premiership player, Bromwich was also named the 2016 Dally M Prop of the Year. The Kiwi representative has taken the mantle as leader of the Storm pack and run with it, proudly carrying on the No.8 legacy left by those before him. The next generation at Melbourne Storm will always be bright with Bromwich there to lead the way.
182 Storm games (2010-present)
23 tries
2012, 2017 Grand Final winner
You know you are a special footballer when you win three consecutive Storm Player of the Year awards whilst playing alongside some of the best players to ever play the game. A two-time Premiership player, Bromwich was also named the 2016 Dally M Prop of the Year. The Kiwi representative has taken the mantle as leader of the Storm pack and run with it, proudly carrying on the No.8 legacy left by those before him. The next generation at Melbourne Storm will always be bright with Bromwich there to lead the way.
9. Cameron Smith
358 Storm games (2002-present)
42 tries
2007, 2009, 2012, 2017 Grand Final winner
Where do you even begin to describe the career of the greatest rugby league player to ever lace up a pair of boots. Four Premierships is impressive enough, then you add the record he holds for most games played in NRL history (358), most wins (254), most games as captain (255), most points by a forward (2,185) and most State of Origin appearances (42). Smith also has a trophy cabinet that should have a house of its own. Over 16 incredible seasons he has been a seven-time Dally M Hooker of the Year, two-time Dally M Player of the Year, seven-time Storm Player of the Year, four-time Wally Lewis Medallist and two-time Golden Boot winner. Smith has led Melbourne Storm as captain since 2008, representing the Club with a level of class and distinction that sees him now stand as a renowned and respected figure for not only the game of rugby league but Australian sport.
358 Storm games (2002-present)
42 tries
2007, 2009, 2012, 2017 Grand Final winner
Where do you even begin to describe the career of the greatest rugby league player to ever lace up a pair of boots. Four Premierships is impressive enough, then you add the record he holds for most games played in NRL history (358), most wins (254), most games as captain (255), most points by a forward (2,185) and most State of Origin appearances (42). Smith also has a trophy cabinet that should have a house of its own. Over 16 incredible seasons he has been a seven-time Dally M Hooker of the Year, two-time Dally M Player of the Year, seven-time Storm Player of the Year, four-time Wally Lewis Medallist and two-time Golden Boot winner. Smith has led Melbourne Storm as captain since 2008, representing the Club with a level of class and distinction that sees him now stand as a renowned and respected figure for not only the game of rugby league but Australian sport.
10. Glenn Lazarus
44 Storm games (1998-99)
2 tries
1999 Premiership player
When you are building a Club it is hard to think of a better character to centre it around. ‘Lazzo’ spent two wonderful years helping to establish Melbourne Storm into the proud and successful Club you see today. That image of Lazarus doing a cartwheel in celebration after winning the 1999 Grand Final remains one of the most iconic shots in Storm history. What a way it was to sign off on one of the greatest careers of the 90s era. Lazarus may have come to Melbourne in the twilight of his career but his commitment to ensuring something special was created in Victoria is a testament to just how much he will always mean to this Club.
44 Storm games (1998-99)
2 tries
1999 Premiership player
When you are building a Club it is hard to think of a better character to centre it around. ‘Lazzo’ spent two wonderful years helping to establish Melbourne Storm into the proud and successful Club you see today. That image of Lazarus doing a cartwheel in celebration after winning the 1999 Grand Final remains one of the most iconic shots in Storm history. What a way it was to sign off on one of the greatest careers of the 90s era. Lazarus may have come to Melbourne in the twilight of his career but his commitment to ensuring something special was created in Victoria is a testament to just how much he will always mean to this Club.
11. Stephen Kearney
139 Storm games (1999-2004)
20 tries
1999 Grand Final winner
After Melbourne Storm finished in third place in 1998, it was the addition of Kearney that would play a vital hand in propelling the Club to Premiership glory the following year. Simply fearless, the side always had belief in getting the job done whenever he was in the team. Kearney was also one of Storm’s greatest leaders, having captained the Club from 2003-04.
139 Storm games (1999-2004)
20 tries
1999 Grand Final winner
After Melbourne Storm finished in third place in 1998, it was the addition of Kearney that would play a vital hand in propelling the Club to Premiership glory the following year. Simply fearless, the side always had belief in getting the job done whenever he was in the team. Kearney was also one of Storm’s greatest leaders, having captained the Club from 2003-04.
12. Ryan Hoffman
245 Storm games (2003-2011, 2012-2014, 2018)
59 tries
2007, 2009, 2012 Grand Final winner
A player who embodies everything Melbourne Storm is about. ‘Hoffy’ has a team first mentality and fiercely competitive drive, blended with a humble nature that has endeared him to the purple army since making his debut in 2003. Having now returned to Melbourne for his third stint at the Club, it is only fitting Hoffman’s journey will end at the very place he has given his heart and soul.
245 Storm games (2003-2011, 2012-2014, 2018)
59 tries
2007, 2009, 2012 Grand Final winner
A player who embodies everything Melbourne Storm is about. ‘Hoffy’ has a team first mentality and fiercely competitive drive, blended with a humble nature that has endeared him to the purple army since making his debut in 2003. Having now returned to Melbourne for his third stint at the Club, it is only fitting Hoffman’s journey will end at the very place he has given his heart and soul.
13. Dallas Johnson
157 Storm games (2003-09)
12 tries
2007, 2009 Grand Final winner
A player who was living proof that the toughest blokes do not have to be the biggest. Standing at a modest 183cm, Johnson made every bit of his frame count. He was a fearless leader of the Storm pack during the first half of the Craig Bellamy era. If the team needed a job done, Dallas Johnson would be your man to do it. He was one of the best tacklers you will ever see – opposing players would have been forgiven for altering their run to avoid the Storm hard man.
157 Storm games (2003-09)
12 tries
2007, 2009 Grand Final winner
A player who was living proof that the toughest blokes do not have to be the biggest. Standing at a modest 183cm, Johnson made every bit of his frame count. He was a fearless leader of the Storm pack during the first half of the Craig Bellamy era. If the team needed a job done, Dallas Johnson would be your man to do it. He was one of the best tacklers you will ever see – opposing players would have been forgiven for altering their run to avoid the Storm hard man.
14. Matt Geyer
262 Storm games (1998-2008)
113 tries
1999, 2007 Grand Final winner
Originally from Penrith, Geyer actually began his career in Perth with the Western Reds before joining Melbourne for its inaugural season in 1998. He actually shifted to five-eighth for the 1999 finals series and his conversion in the Grand Final sealed the Club its maiden Premiership. A terrific leader, Geyer was instrumental in ushering Melbourne Storm into its next era under Craig Bellamy and building the foundation for success that the Club continues to enjoy. A man who lives and breathes the Storm values, even to this very day.
262 Storm games (1998-2008)
113 tries
1999, 2007 Grand Final winner
Originally from Penrith, Geyer actually began his career in Perth with the Western Reds before joining Melbourne for its inaugural season in 1998. He actually shifted to five-eighth for the 1999 finals series and his conversion in the Grand Final sealed the Club its maiden Premiership. A terrific leader, Geyer was instrumental in ushering Melbourne Storm into its next era under Craig Bellamy and building the foundation for success that the Club continues to enjoy. A man who lives and breathes the Storm values, even to this very day.
15. Tawera Nikau
53 Storm games (1998-99)
8 tries
1999 Grand Final winner
The original Storm enforcer. His performance in second half in the 1999 NRL Grand Final to swing the game Melbourne’s way now holds a special place in Storm folklore. An imposing on-field figure with a demeanour to intimidate the best of them, Nikau was a man who was simply impossible to stop when in full flight. The powerful Kiwi spent just the two seasons in Melbourne but played a crucial hand in establishing the Club’s famous culture that is still thriving today.
53 Storm games (1998-99)
8 tries
1999 Grand Final winner
The original Storm enforcer. His performance in second half in the 1999 NRL Grand Final to swing the game Melbourne’s way now holds a special place in Storm folklore. An imposing on-field figure with a demeanour to intimidate the best of them, Nikau was a man who was simply impossible to stop when in full flight. The powerful Kiwi spent just the two seasons in Melbourne but played a crucial hand in establishing the Club’s famous culture that is still thriving today.
16. Robbie Kearns
169 Storm games (1998-2005)
18 tries
Kearns was one of Storm’s marquee men during those formative years. He took a risk to move to Melbourne as he approached the peak of his career but the gamble well and truly paid off. He earned Origin and Australian honours off the back of his performances in the purple jersey and was a driving force behind the early success the Club enjoyed. Kearns captained the Club in 2000-01 and again in his final season in 2005. He remains a beloved character at the Club, working as part of the administrative team and is a true ‘heart and soul’ figure within the walls of AAMI Park.
169 Storm games (1998-2005)
18 tries
Kearns was one of Storm’s marquee men during those formative years. He took a risk to move to Melbourne as he approached the peak of his career but the gamble well and truly paid off. He earned Origin and Australian honours off the back of his performances in the purple jersey and was a driving force behind the early success the Club enjoyed. Kearns captained the Club in 2000-01 and again in his final season in 2005. He remains a beloved character at the Club, working as part of the administrative team and is a true ‘heart and soul’ figure within the walls of AAMI Park.
17. Michael Crocker
44 Storm games (2006-2008)
7 tries
2007 Grand Final winner
The definition of the term ‘hard as nails’. Fewer players had more of an impact when it came to on-field success than Crocker. The one stat that proves that fact is that of his 44 games in the purple jersey, Storm won 40 of them. After missing most of the 2007 season, Crocker returned to the side in time for the finals and was a driving force in seeing the side march through that year’s finals series seemingly untouchable.
44 Storm games (2006-2008)
7 tries
2007 Grand Final winner
The definition of the term ‘hard as nails’. Fewer players had more of an impact when it came to on-field success than Crocker. The one stat that proves that fact is that of his 44 games in the purple jersey, Storm won 40 of them. After missing most of the 2007 season, Crocker returned to the side in time for the finals and was a driving force in seeing the side march through that year’s finals series seemingly untouchable.
Team of 20 Years
1. Billy Slater
2. Marcus Bai
3. Will Chambers
4. Matt King
5. Suliasi Vunivalu
6. Greg Inglis
7. Cooper Cronk
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Cameron Smith
10. Glenn Lazarus
11. Ryan Hoffman
12. Stephen Kearney
13. Dallas Johnson
14. Matt Geyer
15. Tawera Nikau
16. Robbie Kearns
17. Michael Crocker
1. Billy Slater
2. Marcus Bai
3. Will Chambers
4. Matt King
5. Suliasi Vunivalu
6. Greg Inglis
7. Cooper Cronk
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Cameron Smith
10. Glenn Lazarus
11. Ryan Hoffman
12. Stephen Kearney
13. Dallas Johnson
14. Matt Geyer
15. Tawera Nikau
16. Robbie Kearns
17. Michael Crocker