2017 Auckland 9s - New Faces - Melbourne Storm

While superstars Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk, Billy Slater and Jesse Bromwich won't be at this years' Nine's tournament in Auckland, Melbourne has picked a squad with pace and youth instead.

As with Penrith, many will criticise Melbourne for not showing the 9's the respect it deserves.  Craig Bellamy will live with any flak that comes his way.

If Storm fans were worried about the departure of Marika Koroibete they will have the chance to see the speedster who made the trip down the Hume Highway to replace him, Josh Addo-Carr. A 21 year old winger, Josh has already played first grade, making his debut against the Storm last April.  For reasons unexplained, Sharks Management had let Josh get away after he scored 28 tries in 44 matches in their Holden Cup team. The Wests Tigers gave him a one year deal, but before 2016 was over, the Storm had offered him a new home. Maybe it was the 25 tries in 24 matches (9 in first grade) that gave Melbourne the confidence they needed.

Sunshine Coast Falcons halfback Ryley Jacks has joined the Storm and after steering his forwards around the Intrust Super Cup competition for 26 matches in 2016.  Jacks will be ready to offer the same service to the Storm when Cooper Cronk is called to State of Origin, or is unavailable for any other reason. He crossed for 19 tries with the Falcons and barely missed a minute of the 2016 season. His good hands and experienced "league craft" will be on show in Auckland this weekend for Melbourne's assistant coach Jason Ryles.

Ex-Northern Pride fullback Linc Port will probably only get one chance to show his wares in a Melbourne jersey this year and that will be in Auckland at the 9's. Port has shifted south to Intrust Super Cup team Easts Tigers, Melbourne's other ‘feeder' team, and will continue his development there.