2022 Melbourne Storm season explained

Year:	2022
Team Colour:	592B8C
Font Colour:	ffd700
League:	NRL
League Rank:	5th
League Wins:	15
League Draws:	0
League Losses:	9
Points For:	657
Points Against:	410
Playoff Result:	Lost Elimination final
Ceo Title:	CEO
Ceo:	Justin Rodski
Coach Title:	Coach
Captain:	Jesse Bromwich (23 games) Christian Welch (1 game) Jahrome Hughes (1 game)
Stadium:	AAMI Park – 30,050 (11 games) Suncorp Stadium – 52,500 (1 game)
Avg Attendance:	15,831
High Attendance:	25,308 (Round 24)
Top Tries:	Xavier Coates (16)
Top Goals:	Nick Meaney (48)
Top Points:	Nick Meaney (148)
List:	yes
List Link:	Melbourne Storm#Season summaries

The 2022 Melbourne Storm season was the 25th in the club's history, competing in the 2022 NRL season. The team was coached by Craig Bellamy, coaching the club for his 20th consecutive season and for the second straight season, Melbourne had co-captains with Jesse Bromwich (second season), and Christian Welch (first season) sharing the duties,^[1] following the departure of Dale Finucane.

Melbourne qualified for the 2022 NRL finals series in fifth place, but were defeated by the Canberra Raiders 28–20 at AAMI Park to be eliminated in week one of the finals.^[2]

Club chairperson Matt Tripp summed up the season: "it's not our style to bow out of the finals in week one without a yelp... no one is making excuses about injuries but if you sit back and look at how many we had, there were excuses in key positions that cost us a few games throughout the home and away season, which made it tough in the finals."^[3]

Season summary

• Preseason – New recruits from the 2021–22 season took part in Melbourne Storm IDQ camp for pre season before New Years. Josh King was awarded the IDQ Iron bar with special recognition to William Warbrick.^{[4] [5]}
• 3 February – Ending a months-long absence, Nelson Asofa-Solomona returns to training after he "had provided all necessary information and certification to comply with the requirements of the Victorian and Queensland Governments to allow him to return for training and to play".^[6] It had been reported that Asofa-Solomona was in danger of missing the 2022 season after he missed a December 2021 deadline to prove his vaccination status against COVID-19.^[7]
• 19 February – Playing in Victoria for the first time since April 2021, Melbourne played their first NRL trial game of the year, going down 18–24 in front of a crowd of 7,000 at Casey Fields. An inexperienced squad, led by George Jennings played to raise funds for those impacted by the 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha'apai eruption and tsunami.
• 27 February – In the final hit out before the start of the regular season, Melbourne played their first ever game in Ballarat, defeating Newcastle Knights 24–10 at Mars Stadium. Leading 6–4 at half time, tries to rookie Tyran Wishart, Felise Kaufusi, and new recruit Jayden Nikorima sealing the victory. Injuries to Cooper Johns and Xavier Coates the main concerns ahead of Round 1, exacerbated by a number of players who will miss the game through suspensions.^[8]
• 2 March – forward Christian Welch is appointed a club co-captain for the first time, joining incumbent Jesse Bromwich in sharing the duties.^[1]
• Round 1 – Melbourne maintain their winning streak in round 1 games, dating back to 2001, defeating Wests Tigers 26–16 for the club's first win at CommBank Stadium. The win was remarkable due to the club missing key players through suspension and also three players sustaining serious injuries during the match, in addition, five players made their club or NRL debut, the most in a single game for Melbourne since round 14 of the 2000 season. The win was coach Craig Bellamy's 350th of his coaching career.^[9]
• Round 2 – Returning to AAMI Park for the first time in 321 days, and commemorating coach Craig Bellamy's 500th game,^[9] Melbourne extended their winning record against South Sydney Rabbitohs in Victoria to 18–0 with a 15–14 win in Golden point. Ryan Papenhuyzen kicking the winning field goal in the 84th minute.
• Round 3 – In a second successive Golden point game, Melbourne lose 28–24 against Parramatta Eels for the third straight game, with Ray Stone scoring the winning try in extra time after the ball bounced off the upright from a Mitchell Moses field goal attempt.
• 1 April – Melbourne extend the contracts of key players Harry Grant, Jahrome Hughes and Xavier Coates; re-signing the trio on long-term contracts to stay with the club.^{[10] [11]}
• Round 4 – Ryan Papenhuyzen scores a career-high 28 points (four tries, six goals), as Melbourne keep Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs scoreless for the second time in club history, winning 44–0.^[9]
• Round 6 – With Jesse and Kenny Bromwich both unavailable,^[9] Jahrome Hughes becomes the 26th club captain,^[12] as Melbourne defeat Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 34–18.^[13]
• Round 7 – ANZAC Day, Storm score an equal club record 70 points, defeating New Zealand Warriors by 60 in one of the largest wins in the club's history, retaining the Michael Moore Trophy. Xavier Coates scores four tries during the game, while Ryan Papenhuyzen is awarded the Spirit of ANZAC Medal.^[14]
• 4 May – Following assault charges against him being dismissed in Brisbane Magistrates' Court,^[15] Tui Kamikamica is handed a nine-match suspension, together with a $10,000 fine by the NRL for "bringing the game into disrepute". The suspension was retrospectively applied to cover the period Kamikamica was initially stood down by the club under the NRL's no-fault stand down policy.^{[16] [17]}
• Round 9 – Melbourne defeat St. George Illawarra Dragons 42–6 in Nelson Asofa Solomona's 150th game and Kenneath Bromwich's 200th game. The win put the Storm on top of the NRL ladder for the first time in 2022 with a superior points differential. In addition, following the game Melbourne had accrued 325 points over the first nine rounds, eclipsing the Roosters' 1935 record.^{[18] [19]}
• 10 May – It is confirmed that Ryan Papenhuyzen (hamstring and knee – 4–6 weeks) and Reimis Smith (ruptured pec – 10–12 weeks) will be missing due to injuries sustained in the win against St. George Illawarra.^{[20] [21]} Smith would later re-injure his pectoral muscle after aggravating the injury at training.^[22]
• 18 May – Melbourne confirm that head coach Craig Bellamy will continue in the role in 2023, his 21st season as coach in Melbourne. Bellamy had signed a new five-year contract with the club in 2022 that allows him to decide each year whether he will continue in the head coach role for the following season or transition into a coaching director role.^{[23] [24]}
• 8 June – Young Tonumaipea rejoins the club on a train and trial contract, following the end of the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season where he had been playing with the Melbourne Rebels. Tonumaipea last played for Storm in 2018.^[25]
• Round 14 – Grant Anderson makes his NRL debut, scoring two tries at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Melbourne's 26–16 victory over Sydney Roosters.^[26] Anderson who had been playing for Storm feeder club Sunshine Coast Falcons moved to Melbourne on a short-term contract and was called into the team due to an injury to Xavier Coates in Origin I. Anderson was the first debutant to score two tries at the SCG since Wallaby convert Phil Smith for South Sydney against St George in 1971.^[27]
• 13 June – PNG international Justin Olam renews his contract with Melbourne, with his new deal committing him until the end of the 2026 season.^{[28] [29]}
• 12 July – Brandon Smith is suspended by the NRL Judiciary for three matches for contrary conduct in the Round 17 match against Cronulla. Smith was sent to the sin bin in the 60th minute by referee Adam Gee for calling him a "cheating bastard." The judiciary panel consisting of Tony Puletua and former referee Paul Simpkins taking the view that Smith's comments questioned the referee's honesty and integrity, handing down a penalty that reflected that the conduct was unacceptable and that a three match suspension acted as an appropriate deterrent.^{[30] [31] [32]}
• 15 July – The club announces that they have set a new NRL membership record, with 37,237 members (including more than 10,000 new members in 2022), breaking the record set by the Brisbane Broncos in 2018.^[33]
• Round 18 – Melbourne lose their third straight game the first time since 2015, as the Canberra Raiders won their fifth straight game at AAMI Park 20–16. Ryan Papenhuyzen suffered a fractured patella to rule him out for the season, he became the fourth player to suffer a season ending injury thus far.^[34] In a pre-match ceremony, the club honoured retired played Cameron Smith renaming the Eastern Stand at AAMI Park the "Cameron Smith Stand."^{[35] [36]}
• 29 July – Wests Tigers er David Nofoaluma joins Melbourne for the rest of the season on loan. Nofoaluma was brought in due to the club's injury toll.^{[37] [38]}
• Round 21 – With injuries affecting the squad, Cameron Munster switches to for the first time since 2018 and scores his second career hat trick of tries in a scrappy 32–14 win over Gold Coast Titans.^[39] The match sees Jesse and Kenny Bromwich become the first pair of brothers to play over 500 NRL games combined at one club.^[40]
• 8 August – The club re-signs Tui Kamikamica and Tepai Moeroa to new contracts to the end of the 2023 season, and signs Warriors er Eliesa Katoa on a two-year deal from 2023.^[41]
• Round 22 – Melbourne hold defending premiers Penrith Panthers scoreless to win 16–0 at BlueBet Stadium. Melbourne had been the last team to hold Penrith scoreless at the same venue in 2015.^{[42] [43]}
• 24 August – A flurry of re-signing news as the club extends the contracts of George Jennings, Grant Anderson, Jayden Nikorima, Dean Ieremia (2023); and Marion Seve (2024).^{[44] [45]}
• Round 25 – Despite consecutive losses, Melbourne qualified for the 2022 NRL finals series finishing the season in fifth place on the NRL ladder. It was Melbourne's 12th consecutive finals qualification, but the first outside of the top four since 2014.^[9]
• Elimination Final – Melbourne are eliminated from the finals following a 28–20 defeat by the Canberra Raiders. After trailing 16–8 at half time, Melbourne rallied in the second half to take the lead, but were overrun as Canberra notched their fifth straight victory at AAMI Park.^{[46] [47]}
• 27 September – Cameron Munster is awarded the Cameron Smith Player of the Year Award at the Melbourne Storm awards night. It was Munster's second Player of the Year Award win after previously being awarded the accolade in 2018. During the ceremony, Melbourne Storm CEO Justin Rodski announced that the club had signed up a NRL-record 41,108 members in 2022, and that two home games during the 2023 season would be held at Marvel Stadium due to AAMI Park's unavailability period for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
• 5 October – The club re-signs forwards Alec MacDonald, Trent Loiero (2025); and Tom Eisenhuth (2023). MacDonald joining the club's top 30 squad for the first time after playing 12 games in his debut season.^[48]
• 6 October – After months of speculation that he would leave Melbourne at the end of the 2023 NRL season,^{[49] [50] [51]} Cameron Munster re-signs with the club until the end of the 2027 NRL season.^{[52] [53] [54] [55]}

Milestone games

Round	Player	Milestone
Round 1		Storm debut
		Storm debut
		Storm debut
		NRL debut
		NRL debut
Round 2		500th Storm game as coach
Round 9		200th game
		150th game
Round 14		NRL debut
Round 16		100th game
		Storm debut
Round 19		100th game
Round 21		Storm debut
Round 23	Josh King	100th game
	Harry Grant	50th game

Fixtures

Pre-season

See main article: 2022 NRL pre-season results. Source:^{[56] [57]}

Date	Round	Opponent	Venue	Result	Mel.	Opp.	Source
19 February	Trial	New Zealand Warriors	Casey Fields, Cranbourne East	Loss	18	30	^[58]
27 February	Trial	Newcastle Knights	Mars Stadium, Ballarat	Win	24	10	^[59]

Regular season

Source:^[60]

• (GP) – Golden Point extra time
• (pen) – Penalty try

Date	Round	Opponent	Home/Away	Venue	Result	Mel.	Opp.	Tries	Goals	Field goals	Report
12 March	1		Away	CommBank Stadium, Sydney		26	16	G Jennings, T Loiero, J Hughes, X Coates, R Smith	N Meaney 3/7		^[61] ^[62]
17 March	2	South Sydney Rabbitohs	Home		(GP)	15	14	X Coates, R Papenhuyzen, C Munster	R Papenhuyzen 1/1, H Grant 0/2	R Papenhuyzen 1/1	^[63] ^[64]
26 March	3		Home	AAMI Park, Melbourne	(GP)	24	28	N Meaney (2), B Smith, R Papenhuyzen	R Papenhuyzen 4/4	R Papenhuyzen 0/1	^[65] ^[66]
3 April	4		Home	AAMI Park, Melbourne		44	0	R Papenhuyzen (4), J King, K Bromwich, X Coates, F Kaufusi	R Papenhuyzen 6/8		^[67] ^[68]
9 April	5		Away	McDonald's Park, Wagga Wagga		30	16	J Hughes (2), H Grant, R Papenhuyzen, J Olam	R Papenhuyzen 5/5		^[69]
16 April	6		Home	AAMI Park, Melbourne		34	16	J Olam (2), C Munster, R Papenhuyzen, H Grant	R Papenhuyzen 7/7		^[70]
25 April	7		Home	AAMI Park, Melbourne		70	10	X Coates (4), J Hughes (2), N Meaney (2), R Papenhuyzen (2), H Grant, J Bromwich, J Olam	R Papenhuyzen 7/10, H Grant 0/1, C Munster 0/1, N Meaney 2/3		^[71]
1 May	8		Away	McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle		50	2	X Coates (3), J Olam (2), J Hughes, T Moeroa, N Meaney, C Munster	R Papenhuyzen 7/10		^[72]
8 May	9		Home	AAMI Park, Melbourne		42	6	R Papenhuyzen (2), N Meaney, J Hughes, C Munster, N Asofa-Solomona, T Loiero	R Papenhuyzen 2/3, N Meaney 5/6		^[73]
14 May	10		Home	Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane		6	32	N Meaney	N Meaney 1/1		^[74]
21 May	11		Away	Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville		6	36	F Kaufusi	N Meaney 1/1		^[75]
26 May	12		Home	AAMI Park, Melbourne		28	8	C Munster (2), C Lewis, X Coates, K Bromwich	N Meaney 4/5		^[76]
5 June	13	Bye
11 June	14	Sydney Roosters	Away	Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney		26	18	G Anderson (2), M Seve (2), F Kaufusi	N Meaney 3/5		^[77]
17 June	15	Brisbane Broncos	Home	AAMI Park, Melbourne		32	20	D Ieremia (2), J Hughes (2), T Kamikamica, C Munster	N Meaney 4/7		^[78]
30 June	16		Away	4 Pines Park, Sydney		30	36	R Papenhuyzen (2), N Meaney, B Smith, N Asofa-Solomona, J Olam	N Meaney 2/2, R Papenhuyzen 1/3		^[79]
7 July	17	Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks	Away	PointsBet Stadium, Sydney		6	28	A MacDonald	N Meaney 1/1		^[80]
17 July	18		Home	AAMI Park, Melbourne		16	20	N Meaney, J Hughes, H Grant	R Papenhuyzen 1/1, N Meaney 1/2		^[81]
23 July	19		Away	Accor Stadium, Sydney		12	24	M Seve, D Ieremia	N Meaney 2/2		^[82]
29 July	20		Away	Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland		24	12	J Olam, H Grant, J Hughes, N Meaney	N Meaney 3/5, C Munster 1/1		^[83]
5 August	21	Gold Coast Titans	Home			32	14	C Munster (3), X Coates, K Bromwich, Y Tonumaipea	C Munster 4/6		^[84]
11 August	22		Away	BlueBet Stadium, Penrith		16	0	N Meaney, B Smith, D Nofoaluma	N Meaney 2/3		^[85]
19 August	23		Away	Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane		60	12	D Nofoaluma (2), J Olam (2), Y Tonumaipea, T Kamikamica, C Munster, H Grant, J Hughes, N Asofa-Solomona	N Meaney 10/11		^[86]
26 August	24		Home	AAMI Park, Melbourne		14	18	X Coates, N Meaney	N Meaney 3/3		^[87]
1 September	25	Parramatta Eels	Away	CommBank Stadium, Sydney		14	22	H Grant, N Meaney, D Nofoaluma	N Meaney 1/2, C Munster 0/1		^[88]

Finals

Ladder

See main article: 2022 NRL season.

Coaching staff

• Craig Bellamy – Head Coach^[89]
• Stephen Kearney – Assistant Coach
• Marc Brentnall – Assistant Coach
• Aaron Bellamy – Development Coach
• Ryan Hinchcliffe – Development Coach
• Frank Ponissi – Football Director
• Ryan Hoffman – Football Administration Coordinator
• Billy Slater – Specialist Coach (Part-time)
• Cooper Cronk – Halves Coach (Part-time)^[90]
• Matt Duffie – Pathways Coach^[91]
• Tim Glasby – Recruitment Officer and Pathways Manager
• Adam Woolnough – Victoria Thunderbolts (Under-21s) Head Coach^[92]
• Jon Buchanan – Easts Tigers Feeder Club Coach
• Brad Henderson – Sunshine Coast Falcons Feeder Club Coach^[93]

2022 squad

List current as of 1 August 2022

width=5%	Cap	width=1%	Nat.	width=30%	Player name	width=15%	Position	width=10%	First Storm game	width=35%	Previous First Grade RL club
119		Jesse Bromwich	PR	2010	Melbourne Storm
149		Kenneath Bromwich	PR, SR, LK	2013	Melbourne Storm
154		Young Tonumaipea	WG,FB	2014
160		Cameron Munster	FE, FB	2014	Melbourne Storm
164		Felise Kaufusi	PR	2015	Melbourne Storm
166		Nelson Asofa-Solomona	SR, PR	2015	Melbourne Storm
167		Christian Welch	SR, PR	2015	Melbourne Storm
181		Tui Kamikamica	SR, PR	2017	Melbourne Storm
182		Brandon Smith	HK, LK	2017	Melbourne Storm
184		Jahrome Hughes	FE, FB	2017	North Queensland Cowboys
187		Justin Olam	WG, CE	2018	Melbourne Storm
188		Harry Grant	HK	2018	Melbourne Storm
192		Tom Eisenhuth	SR	2019	Penrith Panthers
193		Marion Seve	WG	2019
194		Ryan Papenhuyzen	FB	2019	Melbourne Storm
201		Chris Lewis	SR	2020	Melbourne Storm
204		Cooper Johns	FE	2020	Melbourne Storm
209		George Jennings	WG	2021	Parramatta Eels
210		Reimis Smith	WG	2021	Canterbury Bulldogs
212		Trent Loiero	SR	2021
213		Dean Ieremia	WG	2021
214		Jordan Grant	PR	2021	Melbourne Storm
215		Tepai Moeroa	SR, LK	2021
217		Xavier Coates	WG	2022
218		Nick Meaney	FB	2022
219		Josh King	PR	2022
220		Tyran Wishart	FE, HK	2022	Melbourne Storm
221		Alec MacDonald	LK	2022
222		Grant Anderson	CE	2022
223		Jayden Nikorima	FE, HK	2022	Sydney Roosters
224		David Nofoaluma	WG	2022
–		Sualauvi Fa'alogo	FB	Yet to debut	Melbourne Storm
–		Bronson Garlick	LK	Yet to debut
–		Cole Geyer	HK	Yet to debut
–		Jack Howarth	CE, SR	Yet to debut
–		Jonah Pezet	HB	Yet to debut	Melbourne Storm	- style="background:#efefef;" Tivalu was said to be on development contract in 2022, but was not active in Melbourne	–		Tagiolupe Tivalu	PR	Yet to debut	Melbourne Storm -->
–		William Warbrick	CE, WG	Yet to debut	Melbourne Storm
–		Cody Williamson DOB: 25 January 2003 - QRL: https://www.qrl.com.au/players/qrl-premiership/central-queensland-capras/coby-williamson/	CE	Yet to debut

Player movements

Source:^{[94] [95]}

Losses

• Josh Addo-Carr to Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
• Daniel Atkinson to Released
• Aaron Booth to Gold Coast Titans
• Dale Finucane to Cronulla Sharks
• Nicho Hynes to Cronulla Sharks
• Ryley Jacks to Featherstone Rovers
• Max King to Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
  • Brenko Lee to Brisbane Broncos Isaac Lumelume to Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
• Aaron Pene to New Zealand Warriors
• Darryn Schonig to Released
• Tyson Smoothy to Released
• Judda Turahui to Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

Gains

• Grant Anderson from Northern Pride
• Xavier Coates from Brisbane Broncos
• Bronson Garlick from Newtown Jets
• Josh King from Newcastle Knights
• Alec MacDonald from Wynnum Manly Seagulls
• Nick Meaney from Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
• Jayden Nikorima from Redcliffe Dolphins
• David Nofoaluma from Wests Tigers (midseason loan)^[96]
• William Warbrick from New Zealand national rugby sevens team^[97]
• Young Tonumaipea from Melbourne Rebels^[25]

Representative honours

This table lists all players who have played a representative match in 2022.

Player						Other Internationals	World Cup
	–	–	–		–	–	New Zealand
	–	–	–	New Zealand (c)	–	–	New Zealand
		–	–	New Zealand	–	–	New Zealand
	–	Queensland	–	–	–	–	Papua New Guinea
	–	Queensland	Queensland	–	Queensland	–	Australia
	–	–	–	New Zealand	–	–	New Zealand
	–	–	–	–	–	–	Italy
	–	–	–		–	–	Fiji
	–	Queensland	Queensland	–	–	–	Tonga
Josh King	–	–	–	–	–		–
	–	–	–	–	–	–	Cook Islands
	–	Queensland	Queensland	–	–	–	Australia
	Māori	–	–	–	–	–	–
	–	–	–		–	–	Papua New Guinea
	–	–	–	New Zealand	–	–	New Zealand
	Māori	–	–	–	–	–	–

Statistics

This table contains playing statistics for all Melbourne Storm players to have played in the 2022 NRL season.

• Statistics sources:^{[98] [99]}

Name	Appearances	Tries	Goals		Points
	6	2	0	0	8
	23	4	0	0	16
	23	1	0	0	4
	24	3	0	0	12
	17	16	0	0	64
	6	0	0	0	0
	20	7	0	0	28
	3	0	0	0	0
	21	12	0	0	48
	11	3	0	0	12
	1	1	0	0	4
	4	0	0	0	0
	16	2	0	0	8
	21	3	0	0	12
	25	1	0	0	4
	16	1	0	0	4
	17	2	0	0	8
	12	1	0	0	4
	23	13	48	0	148
	8	1	0	0	4
	22	11	7	0	58
	1	0	0	0	0
	6	4	0	0	16
	23	10	0	0	40
	12	14	41	1	139
	15	3	0	0	12
	21	3	0	0	12
	9	1	0	0	4
	2	2	0	0	8
	1	0	0	0	0
	15	0	0	0	0
31 players used	—	121	96	1/0	677

Scorers

Most points in a game: 28 points

• Round 4 – Ryan Papenhuyzen (4 Tries, 6 Goals) vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

Most tries in a game: 4

• Round 4 – Ryan Papenhuyzen vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
• Round 7 – Xavier Coates vs New Zealand Warriors

Winning games

Highest score in a winning game: 70 points

• Round 7 vs New Zealand Warriors

Lowest score in a winning game: 15 points

• Round 2 vs South Sydney Rabbitohs

Greatest winning margin: 60 points

• Round 7 vs New Zealand Warriors

Greatest number of games won consecutively: 6

• Round 4 – Round 9

Losing games

Highest score in a losing game: 30 points

• Round 16 vs Manly Sea Eagles

Lowest score in a losing game: 6 points

• Round 10 vs Penrith Panthers
• Round 11 vs North Queensland Cowboys
• Round 17 vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

Greatest losing margin: 30 points

• Round 11 vs North Queensland Cowboys

Greatest number of games lost consecutively: 4

• Round 16 – Round 19

Jerseys

In December 2020, Melbourne Storm announced a new 5 year sponsorship and apparel partnership agreement with British sportswear company, Castore. They will continue produce supporter wear and jersey for season 2022, the design announced on 14 January 2021 will be the same for 2022. Throughout the 2022 season, the club has used six different jerseys.

Home

The home jersey features a classic V shape on the chest with a yellow outline. Among the special features Castore has incorporated in the new jersey is a lightning bolt design on the sleeve and the inclusion of a Big V logo on the inner collar as a continuation of the Our Home, Victoria acknowledgment which began during the 2020 season to honor Storm's home state.

Away

The away jersey, worn when the home jersey creates a clash with the opposition, is a similar design to the home jersey but in majority white; worn with navy blue shorts and either navy blue or white socks with navy blue cuffs

Anzac Day

An alternate jersey, showcasing elements of the club's Anzac Day game day ceremony was worn against New Zealand Warriors in round 7. The jersey was rendered in an almost royal blue and featured elements including the silhouette of the Kokoda Track memorial located at the 1,000 Steps trail in the Dandenong Ranges National Park.^[100]

Indigenous Round

Designed by indigenous artist Coree Thorpe, of the Yorta Yorta, Gunnai, Gunditjmara and Wurundjeri nations, the 2022 Melbourne jersey worn during Indigenous Round was inspired by the Rainbow Serpent with yellow and orange lines across a majority purple base. The design also features a diamond pattern "symbolising the men and women who come together to form Melbourne Storm."^[101]

Alternate

On 30 June 2021 Castore announced a fan competition to design a jersey for the 2022 season which would become an alternate to the main home and away jerseys.^[102] The winning design was revealed on 22 May 2022 with the jersey worn in round 15. Designed by club season ticket holder Josh Flood, the mostly navy blue jersey features electric yellow lightning bolts.^[103]

Heritage

Revealed on 6 July 2022 to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the 2012 premiership victory, Melbourne released a jersey design based on the home jersey worn during the 2012 season. The jersey was worn in round 18 against Canberra during the club's "Old Boys Weekend".^[104]

Awards

Trophy Cabinet

• Michael Moore Trophy (Rounds 7 & 20)

Melbourne Storm Awards Night

Held at Ciel the Venue, Melbourne on Tuesday, 27 September.^{[105] [9]}

• Cameron Smith Player of the Year: Cameron Munster^{[106] [107]}
• Billy Slater Rookie of the Year: Tyran Wishart
• Melbourne Storm Members' Player of Year: Cameron Munster
• Melbourne Storm Most Improved: Marion Seve
• Melbourne Storm Best Back: Ryan Papenhuyzen & Nick Meaney
• Melbourne Storm Best Forward: Harry Grant
• Cooper Cronk Feeder Club Player of the Year: Sualauvi Fa'alogo
• Mick Moore Club Person of the Year: Daniel Di Pasqua
• Chairman's Award: Aaron Rizzatti
• Darren Bell Medal (U21s Player of the Year): Cole Geyer
• Greg Brentnall Young Achievers Award: Jared Nauma
• Best Try: Ryan Papenhuyzen, Round 7 vs New Zealand Warriors
• Life Member Inductees: Kenny Bromwich, Gerry Ryan, Danielle Smith, Ross Patison^[108]

Dally M Awards Night

Held at Randwick Racecourse, Sydney on Wednesday, 28 September.^{[109] [110]}

• Dally M Five-Eighth of the Year: Cameron Munster

Rugby League Players’ Association Awards

• RLPA Centre of the Year: Justin Olam
• RLPA Five-Eighth of the Year: Cameron Munster^{[111] [112]}
• 2022 Academic Team of the Year: Tom Eisenhuth^[113]

Additional awards

• I Don't Quit Iron Bar: Josh King^{[4] [5]}
• Spirit of Anzac Medal: Ryan Papenhuyzen
• Under 19s State of Origin Player of the Match: Jonah Pezet
• Ken Stephen Medal nominee & NRL Community Team of the Year: Christian Welch^[114]
• 2021 Rugby League World Cup Team of the Tournament: Harry Grant ^{[115] [116]}

Notes and References

1. Web site: Bromwich and Welch to captain Storm in 2022 . melbournestorm.com.au . 2 March 2022 . 2 March 2022.
2. Web site: Lenehan . Martin . Raiders keep season alive with stunning Storm upset . NRL.com . 10 September 2022 . 10 September 2022.
3. News: Meyn . Travis . Munster deal turns stormy for Dolphins . The Courier-Mail . Nationwide News Pty Ltd . 22 January 2023 . Brisbane, Queensland . 78.
4. Web site: Smart . Nick . NRL 2021: Melbourne Storm players pushed to the limit at notorious ‘I Don’t Quit’ camp . Code Sports . News Corp Australia . 23 December 2021.
5. Web site: Josh King brings home the ‘iron bar’ for best on camp . Instagram . 23 December 2021.
6. Web site: Nelson Asofa-Solomona back at training . melbournestorm.com.au . 3 February 2022 . 3 February 2022.
7. Web site: Pryde . Scott . New twist in Asofa-Solomona vaccination case revealed by Storm captain . Zero Tackle . 3 February 2022 . 12 December 2021.
8. Web site: Suttor . Paul . Storm's spine looking wobbly with Johns injured in trial win over Knights . theage.com.au . Nine Media . 27 February 2022 . 27 February 2022.
9. Book: Middleton . David . 2022 Official Rugby League Annual . League Information Services . Sydney.
10. Web site: Storm secure major signings . melbournestorm.com.au . 3 April 2022 . 1 April 2022.
11. Web site: Ward . Roy . Coates, Grant and Hughes pledge allegiance to Melbourne Storm . smh.com.au . Nine Media . 3 April 2022 . 1 April 2022.
12. Web site: Team Update: Round 6 v Sharks . melbournestorm.com.au . 16 April 2022 . 15 April 2022.
13. Web site: Lutton . Phil . A Munster masterpiece gives the Sharks a reality check in Melbourne . smh.com.au . Nine Media . 16 April 2022.
14. Web site: Newton . Alicia . Coates scores four as Storm notch 60-point win over Warriors . NRL.com . 25 April 2022 . 25 April 2022.
15. Web site: Clark . Laine . Melbourne Storm NRL player Tui Kamikamica's assault charge dismissed in court . 7news.com.au . Seven West Media . 5 May 2022 . 28 October 2022.
16. Web site: Tui Kamikamica cleared for NRL return after serving nine-week ban following breach notice . abc.net.au . Australian Broadcasting Corporation . 5 May 2022 . 4 May 2022.
17. Web site: Tui Kamikamica to return in Round 10 after breach notice . NRL.com . . 5 May 2022 . 4 May 2022.
18. Web site: Newton . Alicia . Papenhuyzen injured as Storm continue points-spree in Dragons rout . NRL.com . . 8 May 2022 . 8 May 2022.
19. Web site: Stats the Matter: Round 9 . melbournestorm.com.au . 9 May 2022 . 9 May 2022.
20. Web site: RedZed Injury Report: Round 10 . melbournestorm.com.au . 10 May 2022 . 10 May 2022.
21. Web site: Walsh . Dan . Got the Blues: Papenhuyzen blow, Murray scare for NSW ahead of Origin . theage.com.au . Nine Media . 10 May 2022 . 10 May 2022.
22. Web site: ‘It has been hard’: Storm star ruled out after brutal blow — NRL Casualty Ward . foxsports.com.au . News Corporation Australia . 6 July 2022 . 5 July 2022.
23. Web site: Bellamy to coach Storm in 2023 . melbournestorm.com.au . 22 May 2022 . 18 May 2022.
24. Web site: Johns sways Bellamy to remain Storm coach . Yahoo! Sports . 22 May 2022 . 18 May 2022.
25. Web site: Tonumaipea back at Storm . melbournestorm.com.au . 8 June 2022 . 8 June 2022.
26. Web site: Boulos . Chris . Last man standing: Anderson comes up trumps for reshuffled Storm . NRL.com . . 13 June 2022 . 12 June 2022.
27. Web site: Walter . Brad . Debutant's ball: Anderson gets double as Storm overpower Roosters . NRL.com . . 13 June 2022 . 11 June 2022.
28. Web site: Olam renews Storm contract . melbournestorm.com.au . 13 June 2022 . 13 June 2022.
29. Web site: St John . Mark . Storm re-sign Dally M Centre of the Year in huge coup: NRL Transfer Centre . foxsports.com.au . News Corporation Australia . 13 June 2022 . 13 June 2022.
30. Web site: Newton . Alicia . Smith cops three-match ban for contrary conduct charge . NRL.com . . 12 July 2022 . 12 July 2022.
31. Web site: Molyneux . Mark . Brandon Smith suspended for three matches after verbally abusing official . Sporting News . 12 July 2022 . 12 July 2022.
32. Web site: Brunsdon . Simon . Storm star Brandon Smith whacked with big ban for accusing NRL referee of 'cheating' . Nine's Wide World of Sport . Nine Media . 12 July 2022 . 12 July 2022.
33. Web site: Storm sets new membership record for NRL clubs . melbournestorm.com.au . 17 July 2022 . 15 July 2022.
34. Web site: Hogan . Kelsey . Papenhuyzen injured as Raiders hand Storm third-straight loss . NRL.com . . 17 July 2022 . 17 July 2022.
35. Web site: Storm unveil Cameron Smith stand . Nine's Wide World of Sport . Nine Media . 17 July 2022.
36. Web site: Cameron Smith: ‘I’m honoured’ . melbournestorm.com.au . 17 July 2022 . 13 July 2022.
37. Web site: Nofoaluma to join Storm . melbournestorm.com.au . 31 July 2022 . 29 July 2022.
38. Web site: Mayne . Joshua . David Nofoaluma joins Melbourne Storm for remainder of 2022 season . Sporting News . 31 July 2022 . 30 July 2022.
39. Web site: Woods . Melissa . Storm victory comes at a cost as Hughes joins growing casualty ward . smh.com.au . Nine Media . 11 August 2022 . 5 August 2022.
40. Web site: Bromwich brothers set to bring up 500 . melbournestorm.com.au . 11 August 2022 . 3 August 2022.
41. Web site: Storm boost forward pack . melbournestorm.com.au . 11 August 2022 . 8 August 2022.
42. Web site: Helmers . Caden . Munster stars for Storm as Panthers held scoreless for first time in seven years . smh.com.au . Nine Media . 11 August 2022 . 11 August 2022.
43. Web site: Walter . Brad . Storm shutout Panthers . melbournestorm.com.au . 11 August 2022 . 11 August 2022.
44. Web site: Storm sign up backline quintet . melbournestorm.com.au . 24 August 2022 . 24 August 2022.
45. Web site: Pryde . Scott . Storm announce five signings in five hours . Zero Tackle . 24 August 2022 . 24 August 2022.
46. Web site: Canberra Raiders upset ends Melbourne Storm's September reign . The Guardian Australia . 27 September 2022 . 10 September 2022.
47. Web site: Lenehan . Martin . Storm season comes to an end . melbournestorm.com.au . . 27 September 2022 . 10 September 2022.
48. Web site: New contracts for three Storm forwards . melbournestorm.com.au . 5 October 2022 . 5 October 2022.
49. Web site: Holland . Michael . The Dolphins "working on a deal" to get Cameron Munster on board says Wayne Bennett . loverugbyleague.com . 6 October 2022 . 28 April 2022.
50. Web site: O'Loughlin . Liam . Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett's honest admission over Cameron Munster situation . Sporting News . 6 October 2022 . 1 July 2022.
51. Web site: Storm won't be granting Munster early release for Dolphins . espn.com.au . 6 October 2022 . 14 April 2022.
52. Web site: Munster calls Melbourne Home . melbournestorm.com.au . 6 October 2022 . 6 October 2022.
53. Web site: Cameron Munster STAYS at Storm for life after rejecting huge Dolphins bid . foxsports.com.au . News Corporation Australia . 6 October 2022 . 7 October 2022.
54. Web site: De Silva . Chris . Cameron Munster rejects Dolphins to sign long-term extension with Melbourne Storm . Nine's Wide World of Sport . Nine Media . 6 October 2022 . 6 October 2022.
55. Web site: Cameron Munster signs NRL contract extension with Melbourne Storm . abc.net.au . Australian Broadcasting Corporation . 6 October 2022 . 6 October 2022.
56. Web site: Storm set to cause a sensation in Ballarat in 2022. 21 December 2021.
57. Web site: All Stars, Charity Shield, double-headers headline pre-season . NRL.com . 12 January 2022 . 12 January 2022.
58. Web site: Warriors surge late to quell Storm in 'Unite For Tonga' trial. Martin. Lenehan. 19 February 2022. 20 February 2022.
59. Web site: Kennedy . Chris . Storm ease to win over Knights in final pre-season hit-out . melbournestorm.com.au . 27 February 2022 . 27 February 2022.
60. Web site: NRL 2022 Melbourne Storm Draw. 9 November 2021.
61. Web site: Walter . Brad . Storm secure costly win against gutsy Tigers . nrl.com . . 12 March 2022 . 12 March 2022.
62. Web site: Wests Tigers v Storm - Round 1, 2022 . nrl.com . . 12 March 2022.
63. Web site: Lenehan . Martin . Happy 500th! Storm survive scare to send Bellamy home a winner . NRL.com . . 17 March 2022 . 17 March 2022.
64. Web site: Storm v Rabbitohs - Round 2, 2022 . nrl.com . . 18 March 2022.
65. Web site: Walter . Brad . No Stone unturned: Eels snatch golden point win in epic clash with Storm . NRL.com . . 27 March 2022 . 26 March 2022.
66. Web site: Storm v Eels - Round 3, 2022 . nrl.com . . 28 March 2022.
67. Web site: Kennedy . Chris . Storm pile on the points as Papenhuyzen bags four against Bulldogs . NRL.com . . 3 April 2022 . 3 April 2022.
68. Web site: Storm v Bulldogs - Round 4, 2022 . nrl.com . . 4 April 2022.
69. Web site: Raiders v Storm - Round 5, 2022 . nrl.com . . 11 April 2022.
70. Web site: Storm vs Sharks. nrl.com . . 16 April 2022.
71. Web site: Storm vs Warriors. nrl.com . . 25 April 2022.
72. Web site: Storm vs Knights. nrl.com . . 1 May 2022.
73. Web site: Storm vs Dragons. nrl.com . . 8 May 2022.
74. Web site: Storm vs Panthers. nrl.com . . 23 May 2022.
75. Web site: Cowboys vs Storm. nrl.com . . 23 May 2022.
76. Web site: Storm vs Sea Eagles. nrl.com . . 27 May 2022.
77. Web site: Roosters vs Storm. nrl.com . . 14 June 2022.
78. Web site: Storm vs Broncos. nrl.com . . 20 June 2022.
79. Web site: Legend declares 'call an ambulance' as Storm score four tries in five minutes in Manly shocker. nine.com.au . . 1 July 2022.
80. Web site: Sharks v Storm . nrl.com . . 7 July 2022.
81. Web site: Storm v Raiders . nrl.com . . 18 July 2022.
82. Web site: Rabbitohs v Storm . nrl.com . . 25 July 2022.
83. Web site: Warriors v Storm . nrl.com . . 29 July 2022.
84. Web site: Storm v Titans . nrl.com . . 5 August 2022.
85. Web site: Panthers v Storm . nrl.com . . 11 August 2022.
86. Web site: Broncos v Storm . nrl.com . . 22 August 2022.
87. Web site: Storm v Roosters . nrl.com . . 29 August 2022.
88. Web site: Eels v Storm . nrl.com . . 1 September 2022.
89. Web site: Storm announce 2019 Football department structure. 9 October 2018.
90. Web site: Cooper Cronk's conflicting coaching roles exposed as Storm come clean. 20 April 2021.
91. Web site: Duffie back at Melbourne Storm. 31 May 2022.
92. Web site: Storm old boy to coach Thunderbolts in 2022 . melbournestorm.com.au . 27 September 2021 . 16 September 2021.
93. Web site: Brad Henderson appointed Falcons ISC Coach for 2022 . scfalcons.com.au . 14 October 2021.
94. Web site: 2022 NRL Player movements. 27 September 2021.
95. Web site: Forever Storm: A farewell to departing players and staff . melbournestorm.com.au . 6 October 2021.
96. Web site: Storm SOS answered by Tigers as Bellamy lands star flyer in huge title boost . foxsports.com.au . 28 July 2022.
97. Web site: Storm sign Olympic Games medal winner . melbournestorm.com.au . 4 November 2021.
98. Web site: 2022 Melbourne Point Scorers. afltables.com. 12 September 2022.
99. Web site: Melbourne Storm - NRL 2022. rugbyleagueproject.org. 12 September 2022.
100. Web site: Storm unveil 2022 ANZAC Jersey . melbournestorm.com.au . 25 April 2022 . 19 April 2022.
101. Web site: Rainbow Serpent inspires ’22 Indigenous Jersey . melbournestorm.com.au . 22 May 2022 . 20 May 2022.
102. Web site: Your Storm wearing your jersey. Melbournestorm.com.au. 28 September 2021.
103. Web site: Bolts return on 2022 Member jersey . melbournestorm.com.au . 22 May 2022 . 12 May 2022.
104. Web site: 2022 Heritage. 2012 Inspired. . melbournestorm.com.au . 7 July 2022 . 6 July 2022.
105. Web site: Munster named Storm’s best for 2022 . melbournestorm.com.au . 27 September 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220927230156/https://www.melbournestorm.com.au/news/2022/09/27/munster-named-storms-best-for-2022/ . 27 September 2022.
106. Web site: Gabor . Martin . Munster sweeps Storm awards in timely reminder as big contract call looms . foxsports.com.au . News Corporation Australia . 27 September 2022 . 27 September 2022.
107. Web site: Ward . Roy . Munster wins Storm's highest honour almost a year after ‘white powder’ scandal . smh.com.au . Nine Media . 27 September 2022 . 27 September 2022.
108. Web site: @Storm Life Members announcement . twitter.com . Melbourne Storm . 18 July 2022 . 16 July 2022 . Last night we inducted four new Melbourne Storm Life Members. Congratulations to Gerry Ryan, Danielle Smith, Ross Patison and Kenny Bromwich on their induction ⚡️.
109. Web site: Bungard . Matt . Dally M Awards AS IT HAPPENED: Nicho Hynes wins men's Dally M Medal; Raecene McGregor claims top NRLW prize . Nine's Wide World of Sport . Nine Media . 28 September 2022 . 28 September 2022.
110. Web site: Tiernan . Eammon . CRONULLA COUP! Hynes smashes 43-year record in epic Dally M Medal win . foxsports.com.au . News Corporation Australia . 28 September 2022 . 28 September 2022.
111. Web site: 2022 Dream Team (NRL) chosen by players . Rugby League Player's Association . 20 September 2022 . 20 September 2022.
112. Web site: 2022 The Players' Dream team, voted by NRL players . melbournestorm.com.au . 20 September 2022 . 20 September 2022.
113. Web site: Eisenhuth named in Academic Team of the Year. melbournestorm.com.au . 30 September 2022.
114. Web site: NRL unveils inaugural Community Team of the Year . NRL.com . 23 August 2022 . 23 August 2022.
115. Web site: Campton . Nick . Joseph Manu, Raecene McGregor claim men's and women's Golden Boots at Rugby League World Cup . abc.net.au . Australian Broadcasting Corporation . 16 November 2022 . 16 November 2022.
116. Web site: World Cup Teams of the Tournament announced . NRL.com . 16 November 2022 . 16 November 2022.