Melbourne came up empty-handed in the grand final for the second year in a row as the Storm were unable to get their hands on silverware for the first time since their 2020 triumph.
Craig Bellamy's side were consistent all season as they claimed second spot on the ladder before easing through their finals fixtures with minimal fuss.
However, their inability to win the premiership is starting to haunt the powerhouse club as the scars will now run deep from their two heartbreaking losses in deciders.
In a major summer of upheaval, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Nelson Asofa-Solomona were granted early releases from their deals, while Jonah Pezet also opted out of the club.
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Melbourne Storm predicted team list for Round 1
1. Sua Faalogo
2. Will Warbrick
3. Jack Howarth
4. Nick Meaney
5. Xavier Coates
6. Cameron Munster
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Harry Grant
10. Josh King
11. Shawn Blore
12. Eli Katoa
13. Ativalu Lisati
14. Tyran Wishart
15. Alec MacDonald
16. Joe Chan
17. Josiah Pahulu
Storm latest team news ahead of Round 1
Ryan Papenhuyzen dropped a bombshell following their second grand final defeat in a row when he requested to leave the club. The Storm granted his wish and released him from the last year of his deal.
Sua Fa'alogo looms as the most obvious replacement at the back, although Cameron Munster could also be moved back there permanently in a major shake-up.
Xavier Coates will line up on the wing refreshed after being forced to withdraw from the Ashes tour due to injury. Will Warbrick will get the nod on the other flank.
The New Zealander was sidelined for the majority of last season after struggling with concussion symptoms, although he finished in impressive fashion when he returned to the fold late in the year.
Grant Anderson proved incredibly valuable across the backline last season, but has left to join Brisbane. Moses Leo is likely to be this option after he was struck down by a serious hamstring injury last season.
Jack Howarth and Nick Meaney will start in the centres, with the former looking to continue his rise after narrowly missing out on Queensland selection last season.
Munster and Jahrome Hughes could partner in the halves, providing the former isn't moved to fullback.
Tyran Wishart has filled in for both men during the past few years and is the next man up after Jonah Pezet opted to leave the Storm for opportunties at Parramatta before landing in Brisbane in 2027.
Craig Bellamy is set to continue with a settled forward pack that was boosted by the signing of Stefano Utoikamanu last season.
Shawn Blore may come under pressure for a place in the starting side though, with Joe Chan a contender to start on an edge on a more regular basis.
Alec MacDonald is a a trusty lieutenant for Bellamy off the pine and will likely be joined by Ativalu Lisati.
However, one of the duo could find themselves in the starting side at lock to start the season as Trent Loiero copped a two-game ban for a high tackle in the grand final.
There will also be a permanent change in the forward pack after Nelson Asofa-Solomona was released from the final two years of his deal.
Bronson Garlick has joined NAS and Anderson in leaving the club after the hooker accepted an offer from Souths.
Josiah Pahulu was signed from the Gold Coast midway through the season, but was unable to crack the 17. The forward is set to push his claims after an extended settling in period.