Why Parker believes the Storm are a lock for the 2025 NRL minor premiership

SEN’S Corey Parker has declared the Melbourne Storm all but certain to claim the minor premiership in season 2025.

The Storm finished two games clear atop the NRL ladder in season 2024 to claim the minor premiership and narrowly lost to the Penrith Panthers in an epic grand final for the ages.

According to Parker, coach Craig Bellamy possesses the best spine in the competition, which will see Melbourne claim their seventh minor premiership and put them in a strong position to secure their fifth premiership overall.

“I can’t wrap my head around how many grand finals they’ve been in, how many premierships they’ve won and how consistent they have been,” Parker said on SENQ Breakfast.

“Where do they finish on the ladder at the end of the season? Number one.

“I think they can win the competition. It’s been an incredible club for a long time that has been based on hard work and repetition.

“They have an unbelievable squad and arguably have the best spine in the competition.

“They have Cameron Munster who is in a different frame of mind this season.

“Ryan Papenhuyzen has gotten through his injuries. Jahrome Hughes is a Dally M Medal winner and Harry Grant is by far and away the best nine in the game.

“That’s your spine and no wonder you spend that much money in that area (and because of that), they are continually asking questions of (opposition) defences.

“Parker also highlighted Bellamy’s ability to rejuvenate the Storm’s roster whilst remaining one of the best teams in the competition over a 20-year period.”

Former Wests Tigers prop Stefano Utoikamanu is the latest big-name recruit for Melbourne and Parker believes the 24-year-old will thrive under Bellamy’s coaching.

“They just get better and bigger,” Parker added.

“Utoikamanu is a young, up and coming front rower who has untapped potential.

“He’s had a taste of the State of Origin arena and he will be better for (the one season at Melbourne).

“Nobody ever complains that training is too hard at the Melbourne Storm because it creates longevity and sustained success.

“Since 2015, the Melbourne Storm have only been out of the top four once.”

Melbourne hosts the Parramatta Eels in their first match of season 2025 on March 9.

SEN/CHARLES GOODSIR