Melbourne players have spoken openly about embracing the challenge of winning their first premiership under coach Craig Bellamy without a single member of the so-called “Big Three”.

Bellamy has the enviable record of guiding the Storm to 11 grand finals in 23 seasons. They have won six of those deciders, although the 2007 and 2009 titles were later stripped due to salary cap breaches.

Bellamy aside, the common denominator in each was the presence of at least one member of the Big Three: Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk.

Smith was the sole member of the famous trio during their last triumph, a win over Penrith in the 2020 grand final. The closest they have gone since their departure was last year, only to just fall short against four-time premiers Penrith.

The Storm again bo

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