The Melbourne Storm had their pants pulled down during the 2023 finals series, and with little talent on the way in for 2024, it may be November 1 that allows the club to add the components they require.
Salary cap, like with any team that hosts a large big four like the Storm, will be an issue.
The Storm, on the other hand, has a track record of signing players with no past success and turning them into stars who perform way above their value.
Their own recruitment, as it was last year and has done again in the last 12 months, appears to have been hampered by the ongoing uncertainty around Craig Bellamy, who is on a year-to-year contract to stay coach of the successful Victorian-based team.
But, practically, what can the Storm hope to do, and what do they desperately need when the clock strikes November 1?
Zero Tackle is running the rule over every team and their top five targets for November 1 in this series.
Current 2025 squad
Sua Fa’alogo, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Xavier Coates Bronson Garlick, Harry Grant, Jack Howarth, Jahrome Hughes, Tui Kamikamica, Eliesa Katoa, Josh King, Trent Loiero, Alec MacDonald, Cameron Munster, Justin Olam, Ryan Papenhuyzen, Jonah Pezet, Lazarus Vaalepu, Will Warbrick, Christian Welch, Tyran Wishart are among those who have played for the club.
Best 17 for 2025 as of now
Ryan Papenhuyzen is the first.
3. Justin Olam 2. Xavier Coates
4. Will Warbrick 5
. Jack Howarth
Cameron Munster is sixth.
8. Nelson Asofa-Solomona,
Jahrome Hughes
Harry Grant is number nine.
Tui Kamikamica is ten.
Eliesa Katoa
No. 11 Trent Loiero
No. 12
13. Bronson Garlick
14. Josh King
Tyran Wishart and Alec MacDonald
Christian Welch is seventeenth.
