Melbourne Storm’s 2026 NRL Elite 19s

The Melbourne Storm are heading into the 2026 NRL season facing a period of significant flux, arguably the most unsettled they’ve been in recent memory. A challenging off-season, though strategically planned, has seen the club bid farewell to key players like Ryan Papenhuyzen, Jonah Pezet, and Nelson Asofa-Solomona. The situation is further compounded by the devastating news that Eliesa Katoa will miss the entire campaign due to serious head injuries sustained while representing Tonga in the Pacific Championships.

There’s no way to put a positive spin on these departures; they represent substantial losses for the Storm. Coach Craig Bellamy, who has recently committed to a new contract, faces the monumental task of rebuilding and forging a cohesive unit capable of consistent contention.

However, this doesn’t signal an impending collapse for the Storm. Most rugby league analysts still predict them to feature in the top eight, but the aura of unshakeable confidence and favouritism that has surrounded the club in previous years has undeniably diminished. This uncertainty exists despite the continued presence of three of the game’s premier talents: Jahrome Hughes, Cameron Munster, and Harry Grant, who will continue to steer the ship.

Here’s an in-depth look at how the Storm are shaping up for the 2026 season, including their recruitment, full squad, and predicted playing positions.

Recruitment Report: Ins and Outs

The Storm have been active in the player market, bringing in new faces while seeing others depart.

Ins:
* Jack Hetherington (Newcastle Knights, contracted until 2026)
* Davvy Moale (South Sydney Rabbitohs, contracted until 2026)
* Trent Toelau (Penrith Panthers, contracted until 2026)
* Manaia Waitere (Canberra Raiders, contracted until 2027)

Outs:
* Grant Anderson (Brisbane Broncos)
* Bronson Garlick (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
* Ryan Papenhuyzen (released)
* Jonah Pezet (Parramatta Eels)

Off-Contract at End of 2026:
* Shawn Blore
* Jack Hetherington
* Tui Kamikamica
* Trent Toelau
* Will Warbrick

Full Squad for 2026

The Melbourne Storm’s full playing roster for the upcoming season is as follows:

Shawn Blore
Joe Chan
Xavier Coates
Sua Fa’alogo
Harry Grant
Jack Hetherington
Jahrome Hughes
Tui Kamikamica
Eliesa Katoa (injured for the season)
Josh King
Moses Leo
Ativalu Lisati
Trent Loiero
Alec MacDonald
Nick Meaney
Davvy Moale
Cameron Munster
Josiah Pahulu
Marion Seve
Trent Toelau
Stefano Utoikamanu
Lazarus Vaalepu
Manaia Waitere
Will Warbrick
Tyran Wishart

Supplementary Contracts:
* Jai Bowden
* Stanley Huen

Positional Breakdown: Who Plays Where?

Fullback

The departure of Ryan Papenhuyzen leaves a significant void at the back, although perhaps not as pronounced as one might initially assume, given his recent history of limited game time. Sua Fa’alogo is the likely successor to the number one jersey, but he will face competition. While Fa’alogo is considered one of the most promising young talents in the game, he is yet to establish himself as a consistent first-grader.

Nick Meaney, a versatile player comfortable anywhere in the back five, is another strong contender for the fullback role. Should the need arise, Cameron Munster could also be shifted to the back. Furthermore, the Storm have bolstered their depth with the signings of Trent Toelau from Penrith and Manaia Waitere from Canberra, providing crucial cover. Tyran Wishart also remains an option at fullback if required.

Wingers

The wing positions appear more settled for the Victorian club. Xavier Coates is expected to occupy one flank, with Will Warbrick on the other. This pairing offers a clear and potent attacking threat. Moses Leo, who showed flashes of brilliance on debut last year before injury curtailed his season, will be pushing hard to be the primary backup winger. Sua Fa’alogo could also shift to the wing if he doesn’t secure the fullback spot, and Nick Meaney might be deployed wider from his centre position. Marion Seve and Manaia Waitere are other players who can fill these roles.

Centres

The centre pairing is anticipated to remain consistent with the 2025 lineup, featuring Jack Howarth and Nick Meaney as the likely starters. However, a significant question mark hangs over this position, particularly if the club manages to secure the signature of Zac Lomax. While Lomax could also be considered for a wing spot, the centres are an area where Melbourne might be seeking additional impact, potentially allowing Jack Howarth to shift into the forwards. The current squad does offer depth, with Manaia Waitere, Marion Seve, and even Tyran Wishart capable of playing in the centres. Intriguingly, Moses Leo is also being tested in the centres during pre-season trials.

Halves

Stability is the watchword for the Storm in the halves. Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes are the established starting pair, and if they can maintain their fitness, they will be instrumental in the team’s success, barring any Origin commitments for Munster. Tyran Wishart has emerged as the undisputed primary backup for both halves positions. He is entering the final year of his contract with the Storm before a reported move to the Perth Bears. While his capabilities as a pure halfback are still being assessed, he will be called upon if needed. Trent Toelau also presents a solid option at five-eighth, as does Manaia Waitere. Development player Stanley Huen could also be in line for a debut this year.

Middle Forwards

The core of the middle forwards looks strong, though depth beyond the initial starters becomes less certain. Josh King has been a standout performer for Melbourne in recent seasons and is expected to start at prop alongside Stefano Utoikamanu, who will be aiming to continue his impressive development under Craig Bellamy’s tutelage. Trent Loiero, who made his Queensland debut in 2025, is slated to start at lock.

Behind these established players, former Rabbitoh Davvy Moale, Alec MacDonald, Tui Kamikamica, and Lazarus Vaalepu are in contention for further roles. Off-season recruit Jack Hetherington also adds versatility and can play in the middle if required. Ativalu Lisati can also contribute in this area, although he was predominantly used as a second-rower in 2025.

Hooker

Harry Grant is the undisputed first-choice hooker for the Melbourne Storm. His position at dummy-half is not up for debate. The departure of Bronson Garlick does impact the depth available to coach Craig Bellamy in this crucial role. Tyran Wishart is the most likely player to step in if Grant is unavailable. Beyond him, development player Jai Bowden could be the next man in line.

Edge Forwards

The season-ending injury to Eliesa Katoa, who was arguably the NRL’s best second-rower in 2025, represents a significant blow to the Storm’s plans. Shawn Blore is expected to retain his spot in the second-row, and Joe Chan, who impressed in both second-row and centre roles in 2025, is tipped to partner him. However, this is not set in stone. Ativalu Lisati showed strong form in the second-row towards the end of last season, and the arrival of Jack Hetherington creates further competition. Nevertheless, the depth in this area is somewhat lean beyond these players.

Interchange

Tyran Wishart is Melbourne’s most obvious interchange option. While he might not secure a starting spot, his versatility makes him the primary backup for numerous positions and a guaranteed presence off the bench. In the forwards, Ativalu Lisati and Alec MacDonald have both impressed and are strong candidates for bench spots. The experience of Tui Kamikamica is tipped to edge out Lazarus Vaalepu for the final forward interchange position. Jack Hetherington’s all-around forward capability should also secure him a spot on the bench. Trent Toelau is likely to claim the final spot on the six-man bench, ahead of Manaia Waitere.