It’s tough times south of the border, with the Storm not only losing back-to-back grand finals but also three key players with backline strike power in Grant Anderson (Broncos), Ryan Papenhuyzen (released) and Jonah Pezet (Eels).
Throw in star back-rower Eli Katoa (unavailable), giant Nelson Asofa-Solomona (boxing) and the reliable Bronson Garlick (Rabbitohs) and there are plenty of holes in the Storm 17 that will need filling.
Ironically, Craig Bellamy has decided the backline wasn’t the problem, instead opting to shore up his pack with the addition of Jack Hetherington (Knights) and Davvy Moale (Rabbitohs).
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Storm coach Craig Bellamy. Getty
The Storm won’t be as strong as in recent years, but with Bellamy at the helm and the culture they have developed, they are still a certainty for the top eight.
Papenhuyzen is a huge loss but in Sua Fa’alogo, the Storm have a brilliant like-for-like who may even give them more strike power from the back.
The other major setback is Katoa – arguably the best back-rower in the league last year – being ruled out for the season after brain surgery.
This is where I see the enigmatic Hetherington being a great signing.
Jack Hetherington loves being sin binned. Â Getty
Yes, he can be a hothead and go missing in games, but in a quality side and with a good preparation over the summer, he could develop into a weapon.
The guy has genuine fear factor and there are few players who possess that ability to intimidate left in the game in 2026.
STORM’S BEST 17 FOR 2026
1. Sua Fa’alogo 2. Xavier Coates 3. Nick Meaney 4. Jack Howarth 5. Will Warbrick 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Josh King 9. Harry Grant 10. Stefano Utoikamanu 11. Joe Chan 12. Shawn Blore 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Jack Hetherington 16. Davvy Moale 17. Alec MacDonald