Race to fill gaping hole in Melbourne’s line-up

Melbourne head into the 2019 season with a relatively stable roster, but someone’s got huge shoes to fill. Of the 17 players that ran out in last year’s grand final, the Storm will be missing Billy Slater (retired) and Tim Glasby (Newcastle). The club has plenty of talent to fill Glasby’s spot, but it’s who fills Slater’s No.1 jumper that will draw the most attention. Jahrome Hughes, 24, has a golden opportunity to make the role his own after featuring there in five games
last season — he played another six at halfback. Cameron Munster says he’s open to moving back to fullback, but it remains to be seen if coach Craig Bellamy would do that given it could leave two relatively inexperienced playmakers to run the show. As for the forwards, Sam Kasiano will be desperate to make his mark after an injury-plagued 2018 and could be the man to replace Glasby in the 17. But the former Kiwi international will have the likes of Albert Vete, Patrick Kaufusi and Tui Kamikamica breathing down his neck. Regardless of the changes, the Storm should be a title contender once again if their new fullback fires, but any side with the newly re-signed and evergreen, Cameron Smith, will be a threat.