Much has been made by the media about the Storm having to win this Grand Final because they could not recover if they lost the big one again. I guess the media has to sensationalise anything they can to sell papers in the lead up to a Grand Final between an out of team town and Sydney's most hated club, but does this claim have any credibility?
I think not. The reasons for my confidence are twofold.
Firstly, Manly in the 1980's where beaten in two GF's and then came back a few years later to win one, so its been done before.
Secondly, and most importantly, time is on the Storm's side. Most of the Storm's players are still quite young. Only 1 player in the Storm's talent laden backline is older than 25, Matt King, and he is leaving soon to be replaced by the promising Will Chambers. In the forwards only 1 player is older than 26 (Ben Cross) and he is leaving to be replaced by either a fit Kaufusi or an improving Adam Blair. Sure the bench is aging with Jeremy Smith and Michael Crocker the ripe old age of 27 :sarcasm: . No doubt Matt Geyer is old (for a league player that is) but he has only 1 more year left. We also have the promising Kevin Proctor coming through the ranks.
Yes the salary cap is an issue but if we let go of the older blokes and develop the younger ones would could hold onto most of the core group.
Yes, no doubt another loss on sunday would be terrible result. One that I don't really want to think about.
However I am confident about two things. First, that we will win on Sunday. Second, that whatever the result we will competitive enough to win a premiership over the next few years, baring serious injuries. With a young side growing up together full of talent the future for Rugby League in Melbourne is looking very sunny.
GO STORM!
What are your thoughts? Could the Storm recover or is it the end of the line if they lose on Sunday?
I think not. The reasons for my confidence are twofold.
Firstly, Manly in the 1980's where beaten in two GF's and then came back a few years later to win one, so its been done before.
Secondly, and most importantly, time is on the Storm's side. Most of the Storm's players are still quite young. Only 1 player in the Storm's talent laden backline is older than 25, Matt King, and he is leaving soon to be replaced by the promising Will Chambers. In the forwards only 1 player is older than 26 (Ben Cross) and he is leaving to be replaced by either a fit Kaufusi or an improving Adam Blair. Sure the bench is aging with Jeremy Smith and Michael Crocker the ripe old age of 27 :sarcasm: . No doubt Matt Geyer is old (for a league player that is) but he has only 1 more year left. We also have the promising Kevin Proctor coming through the ranks.
Yes the salary cap is an issue but if we let go of the older blokes and develop the younger ones would could hold onto most of the core group.
Yes, no doubt another loss on sunday would be terrible result. One that I don't really want to think about.
However I am confident about two things. First, that we will win on Sunday. Second, that whatever the result we will competitive enough to win a premiership over the next few years, baring serious injuries. With a young side growing up together full of talent the future for Rugby League in Melbourne is looking very sunny.
GO STORM!
What are your thoughts? Could the Storm recover or is it the end of the line if they lose on Sunday?