Melbourne fell agonisingly short of winning their first premiership since 2020 as they went down to Brisbane in a classic grand final.
The Storm have now lost two grand finals in a row, with those defeats sure to leave deep scars for the club and its coach Craig Bellamy.
The powerhouse outfit will be eager to finally get back on the board in 2026 though as they are expected to remain on the hunt for the title.
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Which players have left the Melbourne Storm in 2025?
Grant Anderson has been a valuable member of Melbourne's team for the past few years as he has filled in all across the backline.
However, the Storm were unable to keep him as he instead signed with Brisbane, while Bronson Garlick has also moved elsewhere.
Christian Welch announced his retirement from the game due to injury before the start of the campaign.
Yet the biggest exit news was still to come as a few weeks after the 2025 campaign ended, Melbourne revealed they had released star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen from the remainder of his deal.
He was joined in the departure lounge by Jonah Pezet, who inked a short-term deal with Parramatta before he will go on to link up with Brisbane.
Full list of Melbourne departures
| Player | New club |
|---|---|
| Grant Anderson | Brisbane Broncos |
| Bronson Garlick | South Sydney Rabbitohs |
| Dean Ieremia | - |
| Ryan Papenhuyzen | - |
| Jonah Pezet | Parramatta Eels |
| Christian Welch | Retired |
| Coby Williamson | - |
Who have the Storm signed for 2026?
Melbourne have yet to make any signings for the 2026 season.
Who have the Storm re-signed for next season?
Jahrome Hughes inked an extension as the Storm attempt to keep their key players in Victoria.
Meanwhile, Josh King and Trent Loiero were rewarded for their strong form with fresh deals.