The Melbourne Storm arrived in 1998 and hit the ground running. It benefitted from a unique situation of the Perth Reds and Hunter Mariners folding just before as a result of the Super League truce, where it got many of its players from. It made the finals series in its first year and won the grand final in just its second season.
The first coach was Chris Anderson, whose tenure in that position lasted three years. Actually, seven games into 2002 can be added to that before he was relieved of his position due to poor results. Mark Murray took the helm but things only got worse, missing the finals for the first time not once but twice.
Wayne Bennett's assistant coach at the Brisbane Broncos became the new coach in 2003. Craig Bellamy has held that post since then. Things immediately improved and the club hasn't missed the finals since, apart from 2020. What took place at the club was spending over the salary cap, which was intentionally disguised.
The upshot was that in 2010 when it became known it resulted in three minor premierships from 2006 to 2008 being taken from the club and all wins in the 2010 season were not counted. Two premierships were also annulled. The amazing thing was the club has continued on its successful way, with a record of consistent achievement that's unseen in a sport with a salary cap in place. Now adhered to of course.
It's a club that is based in a city with no history of Rugby league and therefore not a provider of talent to support the player roster. It has required a most effective scouting regime, finding players from mainly Queensland and New Zealand. The consistency and effectiveness of this side of the operation are staggering.
2023 was another good year although in the past two years they have fallen slightly in terms of being the pacesetter for others to follow. Will the club continue delivering at such a high level? I think not but will still be a very competitive side.
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