Melbourne Storm players train at Rotorua International Stadium ahead of their pre-season game against the Warriors. Photo / Stephen Parker
Melbourne Storm players train at Rotorua International Stadium ahead of their pre-season game against the Warriors. Photo / Stephen Parker
There are few familiar faces in the 22-man squad the Melbourne Storm have named to play the Warriors in Rotorua today.The defending champions were expected to send a 'B team' to Rotorua after naming a full-strength side to play Leeds Rhinos in the World Club Challenge in Melbourne last night.
The young Storm side will be coached by Jason Ryles and is led by NRL listed players such as Tui Kamikamica, Pat Kaufusi, Justin Olam, Scott Drinkwater and Ryan Papenhuyzen.
Seven players from the Storm's development list will play the Warriors, while a number of players from Melbourne's two feeder sides, Easts Tigers and the Sunshine Coast Falcons will also feature.
Melbourne have a history of transforming young players full of potential into bona fide super stars.
Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk are living proof of what the Storm youth system can produce.
While the Storm team list is lacking household names, those at Rotorua International Stadium this afternoon might just get a glimpse of some future world-beaters.
Melbourne Storm team to play the Warriors
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Matt Sopa-Lawler (Sunshine Coast Falcons) 3. Justin Olam 4. Chris Lewis (Sunshine Coast Falcons) 5. Jarred McInally (Easts Tigers) 6. Scott Drinkwater 7. Billy Walters 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Lachlan Timm 11. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui 12. Louis Geraghty 13. Pat Kaufusi 14. Jye Ballinger (Sunshine Coast Falcons) 15. Jacob Hind (Sunshine Coast Falcons) 16. Brett Greinke (Easts Tigers) 17. Harrison Muller (Sunshine Coast Falcons) 18. Jarred Tuite (Easts Tigers) 19. Kelma Tuilagi 20. Kayleb Milne 21. Lachlan Roe (Sunshine Coast Falcons) 22. Cooper Johns
