‘Considerably more significant’: Storm face ‘big hole’ amid calls they are in rebuild mode

‘Considerably more significant’: Storm face ‘big hole’ amid calls they are in rebuild mode

Cooper Cronk has hit back at claims the Melbourne Storm may be forced into a rebuild after the departure of four of their starting pack following their first week one finals exit in eight years.

The Storm are in a transitional period after the departure of club stalwarts and representative stars Jesse and Kenny Bromwich, Felise Kaufusi and Brandon Smith, which will see them field a new look pack next season.

“The Storm exited the finals in week one for the first time since 2014,” Anasta said on NRL 360.

Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

Semi Final

LISTEN TO EPISODE 24 OF THE FOX LEAGUE PODCAST WITH JARROD CROKER

“Were you (Cronk) surprised?”

“Yeah I was,” Cronk replied.

“I backed Melbourne. I thought the Raiders’ history of four wins in a row might have stopped there.

“I thought the attachment of the four guys in the forward pack leaving might have been enough for the Melbourne Storm.

“I think when Nelson Asofa-Solomona scored with 20 minutes to go and they led by four, the Storm don’t often lose at home when up by four with 20 to go. But you have got to give the Raiders credit.”

Anasta noted that the Melbourne Storm dynasty has been written off before and always bounced back, but questioned if this time it might be too many holes to fill at once.

“What about Melbourne? There was a lot of chat today after the loss that maybe they are going to go through a rebuild,” Anasta said.

MORE NRL NEWS

‘GRIPPING THEATRE’ OR ‘CHEAP SHOT’ FARCE? ‘Sin Bin Sunday’ debate rages

BLOG WITH HOOPS: Forget Latrell and Cody, these two Roosters that lost their heads

‘BLOWTORCH ON HIM’: Arthur’s haunting admission as Eels’ finals reality sets in

‘CROSSED THE LINE’: NRL defends sin bins, players blamed for ‘overstepping mark’

‘SIN BIN SUNDAY’: SEVEN go as Souths end Roosters’ season in fiery encounter

Cameron Munster and Brandon Smith look dejected after the loss to the Raiders.Source: Getty Images

“Maybe they are not going to be that team that they have been. It happens every year, but some experts are seeing it a little bit different.”

“This is considerably more significant this year,” Paul Kent interjected.

“A little bit more significant than losing Slater or Smith?” Cronk answered.

“Well they were only one at a time,” Kent said.

“Clearly the players are not better than them, but they lost four of their pack. They have lost both Bromwich’s. They have lost Kaufusi and they have lost Brandon Smith.

“Four out of six is a big hole.”

However, Cronk believes the Storm’s smart recruiting and Craig Bellamy’s ability as a coach can see them retool and come back stronger next season.

Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!

Jesse Bromwich is one of four Storm starting forwards leaving.Source: Getty Images

“There is probably two things about it, I don’t think Craig Bellamy will even say the word rebuild,” Cronk said.

“There is this negative tone. He will come up with some other way of getting the Storm ethos together and instilling it.

“But if you look at the way they have recruited or even injuries to come back. You are missing Kaufusi, the Bromwich boys and Smith out of their pack.

“Their starting forward pack next year I am guessing will be Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Harry Grant, Christian Welch to come back in. Tariq Sims and Eliesa Katoa from the Warriors which I think is a good buy and Josh King.

“So it still stacks up. And I think they will be busy in the off-season and they will pick up a couple of players, but I think they will still be there.

“I think they will play finals.”

But Anasta asked if the Storm can win another premiership before Bellamy hangs up the boots.

“Is there a competition in the next couple of years for Melbourne,” Anasta asked

“Absolutely,” Cronk said.

“They have got Papenhuyzen to come back. Harry Grant is only going to get better.”