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Johns said the addition of prop Stefano Utoikamanu from the Wests Tigers would make a big difference.
Air Coates: Xavier Coates and his epic round-two try against the Warriors.Credit: Getty Images
“I think the Storm win this year, and had Nelson played in last year’s grand final, they win [in 2024],” said Johns, when asked which team he expected to be premiers.
“They have the best spine in the comp – Harry Grant, Cam Munster, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Jahrome Hughes – and if they’re at full strength at the end of this year, I can’t see anyone beating them.
“They will also have the one-two punch with Stefano and Nelson. Look at Glenn Lazarus and what he did when he went from Canberra to Brisbane. He helped turn them around. Front-rowers are so important.
“The Storm say it takes players two off-seasons to get up to speed [with their systems], so Stefano might even need this year, he will still kill it this year, then next year is the time he explodes.”
Papenhuyzen is among the fittest at the club after enjoying an injury-free pre-season.
“I love Melbourne, I feel at home in Melbourne, and we have a really good group doing good things together,” Papenhuyzen said.
“There will be challenges, but they only make you stronger. We’ve just gone through one of those experiences last year [with the grand final loss], but the longer I can stay with this group – and the longer we can keep this group the same – hopefully things come off the back of it.”
Johns said the addition of prop Stefano Utoikamanu from the Wests Tigers would make a big difference.
Air Coates: Xavier Coates and his epic round-two try against the Warriors.Credit: Getty Images
“I think the Storm win this year, and had Nelson played in last year’s grand final, they win [in 2024],” said Johns, when asked which team he expected to be premiers.
“They have the best spine in the comp – Harry Grant, Cam Munster, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Jahrome Hughes – and if they’re at full strength at the end of this year, I can’t see anyone beating them.
“They will also have the one-two punch with Stefano and Nelson. Look at Glenn Lazarus and what he did when he went from Canberra to Brisbane. He helped turn them around. Front-rowers are so important.
“The Storm say it takes players two off-seasons to get up to speed [with their systems], so Stefano might even need this year, he will still kill it this year, then next year is the time he explodes.”
Papenhuyzen is among the fittest at the club after enjoying an injury-free pre-season.
“I love Melbourne, I feel at home in Melbourne, and we have a really good group doing good things together,” Papenhuyzen said.
“There will be challenges, but they only make you stronger. We’ve just gone through one of those experiences last year [with the grand final loss], but the longer I can stay with this group – and the longer we can keep this group the same – hopefully things come off the back of it.”
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