Feel The Thunder Podcast

There are three certainties in life: Death, taxes and Storm winning in Round 1. Melbourne continue their amazing Round 1 victory record, 24 consecutive Round 1 wins since 2002 and 23 wins in-a-row for Bellyache. That's some helluva record. And the Storm maintained the winning streak in style with their largest winning margain in all of their Round 1 victories, punishing the Eels 52-4 in an impressive display with an undermanned team, missing 7 of their who would be considered regular team members including Coates, Loiero, Katoa and Blore just to name a few. Stormy Daniel reviews the big win over the Eels, covers off on the pathways results, what's making Storm news, your listener questions and Team list Tuesday. Who's in? Who's out for Storm's clash with the Dragons this Saturday evening at WIN Stadium - the venue Melbourne Storm played their inaugural game as an NRL club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can you smell that? Yes folks. That's Round 1. Rugba Leeg is back baby. The wait is over Storm fans. Stormy Daniel covers off on what's making Storm news, including the Lomax saga finally coming to and end....or has it? Eli Katoa speaks, Pathways report, including new feeder partnership with Sydney Rugby League club Mounties, the miraculous Round 1 record - is it under threat? Your listener questions and of course, the first official team list Tuesday for Season 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The pre-season challenge is done and dusted and so too is the long, arduous pre-season training, where this new Storm group have been building a base, hardening themselves for the 2026 Season and their Premiership campaign. Stormy Daniel touches on the second pre-season hit out against the Titans and despite the lopsided scoreline, Stormy Daniel reads very little into Melbourne's showing in the pre-season challenge, as history shows that all effort, emphasis and focus is on preparing for a hard and fast start in Round 1, where Bellyache will be looking to extend his unbeaten streak to 24 wins. Plus, your listener questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stormy Daniel speaks to the Storm's first pre-season challenge fixture which saw a cast of thousands take the field, many of Melbourne's pathway players from last year's Premiership winning Jersey Flegg team and a handful of second tier recruits who will make up the bulk of the Storm's inaugral Knock-On Effect NSW Cup team. Stormy Daniel addresses the latest revelations surrounding the ongoing Zac Lomax that has implicated friend of the podcast, Storm CEO Justin Rodski, reviews Round 2 of junior pathway results, your listener questions and TLT - team list Tuesday for Storm's second pre-season challenge fixture against the Titans on the Sunshine Coast this Saturday evening. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode, Stormy Daniel covers off on the unexpected, yet amazing news of Head Coach Craig Bellamy recommitting to the club, not for just another season, but until at least the end of 2028. A sure sign Bellyache is hungrier and more determined than ever to achieve success with the new emerging group of Melbourne Storm players, putting to bed media innuendo that 2026 would be Bellsa's last year before hanging up the clipboard. Not the case. Stormy Daniel will dissect the first Team list Tuesday of 2026, with plenty of young stars set to be named, given an opportunity to show their wares, impress the coaching staff and give Storm fans a glimpse of the talent coming through the pathways, junior pathways update - and of course, your listener questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stormy Daniel is back behind the mic to give a 2026 Season 2026 Preview. Gains and Losses. Storm's burning questions, biggest challenges and your listener questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A podcast episode that was a long time in the making. Addressing the hurt had to be done. Stormy Daniel reviews Season 2025 and reflects on the heartache of losing what is now back-to-back Grand Finals. Whilst it was somewhat cathartic, the disappointment remains. But as Coach Craig Bellamy says "Grand Finals are hard to make. They're even harder to win" meaning that whilst the team fell short of collecting the ultimate prize, all in all, it was a successful season. Storm fans need to acknowledge that and be proud a Top 2 finish and making yet another Grand Final. You would rather be there, than not. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

And just like that, Stormy Daniel is back for 2026. Stormcast Podcast returns for its fourth season - and begins by covering off on all the big off-season headlines, news and stories; answering listener questions, specifically around player movement, none bigger than the sudden and untimely departures of Ryan Papenhuyzen and Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Storm's surprising pursuit of wayward Origin and Test star in Zac Lomax. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

11th Grand Final in 20 seasons. 12th Grand Final appearance in 28 seasons, since Melbourne's inception into the NRL. Craig Bellamy, the man at the helm of this sustained success, who has made 22 out of 23 finals series since being appointed as Head Coach, will coach the Storm to both his and the club's 11th Grand Final appearance in 23 seasons. That's on average a staggering Grand Final appearance every 2 years. As the man himself often has said and reiterated it post game "Grand Finals are hard to make, they're even harder to win". Nothing is guaranteed. Melbourne will renew hostilities with the NRL Club they were born out of in the Brisbane Broncos. The rivalry started in 1998 and has grown ever since, with inaugural CEO, Football Manager and Captain in John Ribot, Chris Johns and the 'Brick with eyes' in Glenn Lazarus being Broncos alumni, Bellyache being a former assistant coach at Brisbane, to the pair facing off in the 2006 Grand Final and the dominance Storm have had over the Broncos in recent years. But all that accounts for nothing as a Grand Final is opportunity both teams will be not wanting to waste - no more than Melbourne, who are ruing the missed chance of being crowned Premiers last season. Will that be at the back of the players mind as they prepare for Sunday's clash? Will it be the motivation needed when the game is on the line and the players need to dig a little bit deeper, find something extra, knowing it could result in winning a premiership, as opposed to the heartache of losing a Grand Final, a feeling 15 of the 17 who run out for the Storm this Sunday night, know all too well after experiencing the disappointment of falling short last year. We'll all know if it is the motivation come the end of the 80th minute this Sunday night at Accor Stadium. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stormy Daniel joins Boldo and Franko from the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 'ET Stand Podcast' to talk through and preview the preliminary finals match between the Melbourne Storm and the Sharks. The boys look at the strengths, weaknesses and where the game could be won for both teams. Stormy Daniel shares his thoughts and opinions on how this Storm team will fair up against a Sharks team who has hit form at the right end of the season and is choc full of momentum and confidence, against a team who has been in this position many times before and will be relying on experience to get them victory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is it. It all comes down to this. 80 minutes. No more tomorrow's. The time is now. Melbourne head into the preliminary final against a foe, a rival, they know all too well, 2016 Grand Final combatants in the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, who are the form team of the NRL, winning 8 from their last 9 games, including their Week 1 and Week 2 Finals matches. The Sharks do not fear AAMI Park, not do they feat the Storm, having recently tasted success in Melbourne last season. 1 win a piece for both teams in 2025, Friday night's preliminary final will be the third occasion the pair face off, with the reward for the victors a ticket into the 2025 NRL Grand Final. Stormy Daniel previews the highly anticipated clash, giving his thoughts where the dangers and threat lie within this formidable Sharks outfit. What's making Storm news, throwback team list, your listener questions and the all important, TLT - team list Tuesday. Will he or won't he suit up? Referring to none other than the reigning Dally M Medalist, Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes. One thing is for sure. Storm need to find their best football now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does one measure success? Premierships right? Yes, but not its not the only metric. The ability to play finals, finish in the Top 4 and qualify for preliminary finals, which effectively positions a club with a chance of making a Grand Final should not be dismissed. If a sporting organisation in any professional code, in either hemisphere was to make finals 22 seasons out of 23, qualify for 10 preliminary finals in 11 years, 18 in total in the entire 27 year history, including 11 Grand Finals, that is the definition of consistency and sustained success. That is the Melbourne Storm and what they have yet again achieved in Season 2025. Storm are 80 minutes away from yet another Grand Final appearance should they be able to overcome their opponents in Week 3, which will either be the Raiders or the Sharks in a fortnight's time. Stormy Daniel reviews the qualifying final win against Canterbury. An undermanned, understrength Storm team managed to overcome a resilient Bulldogs team, who suffered adversity themselves in game, yet did not go away, took the lead twice in what was a ding-dong battle, sealed with an 80 metre intercept by a runaway Will Warbrick. A week off to rest up, reset, refocus and prepare for the preliminary final on Friday Night 26 September at AAMI Park. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Storm fans must feel like they're watching a car crash in slow motion unfold in front of their very eyes with Melbourne's recent fortnight, where form and performance has looked anything but a team who finished in the Top 2 and whom for 27 weeks have been premiership favourites. Stormy Daniel reviews the pricey loss to the Broncos and what has gone wrong on the eve of the finals, with Melbourne's defence vanishing and injuries to star halfback Jahrome Hughes, fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen (concussion) and lengthy suspension to Melbourne's x-factor who many are now calling a liability in Nelson Asofa-Solomona. Can the season be salvaged by winning week 1 and progressing to a preliminary final? What's making Storm news, throwback team list, your listener questions and TLT - team list Tuesday. Who's in? Who's out for Storm's Week 1 Finals clash against the resurgent Bulldogs, who are the best defensive team in the competition this season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What was supposed to be a night of celebration, well after the full-time siren, it was anything but after the Storm game up 40 unanswered points in the second half, leaving a subdued and somber dressing room and an embarrassed veteran coach to accept plaudits and presentation of the game ball by NRL CEO Andrew Abdo to which Bellyache addressed the crowd in true Bellyache fashion saying "Really appreciate everyone coming out today and I hope we go f***ing better next week". As do all Storm fans as attention now turns to the Broncos this Thursday night. Stormy Daniel reviews the Roosters loss, covers off on what's making Storm news, Throwback Team List, your listener question's and TLT - team list Tuesday. Who's in, who's out for the Suncorp showdown with the Broncos. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Top 4 showdown for a Top 2 finish between Melbourne and Canterbury-Bankstown. The Storm managed to overcome a determined Bulldogs side, who capitalised off a momentum shift through some ill discipline shown by Storm, handing the Bulldogs field position and possession, who were coming home strong. Melbourne's defensive effort managed to deliver the home side the win, to secure a Top 2 finish, resulting in a Home Final in Week 1 at AAMI Park. Stormy Daniel reviews the win over the Bulldogs, citing the team's poor discipline as an area they need to improve upon and clean up before Finals. What's making Storm news, Throwback Team List, your listener questions and TLT - Team list Tuesday. Who's in? Who's out for the milestone game for Bellyache, who will celebrate his 600th First Grade game as head coach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cometh the hour, cometh the magician. Harry Houdini pulled more than a rabbit (or should that be Panther) out the hot to get Storm a victory in Golden Point which Melbourne fans will remember for a long time to go. With a team still missing Hughes, Papenhuyzen, Howarth, Asofa-Solomona and Warbrick, a reshuffle to the backline and the smarts of the Storm skipper, were able to navigate a hard fought victory against the Premiership heavyweights and reigning Premiers in the Panthers; who were gunning for 10 wins in-a-row. Stormy Daniel reviews the win, whilst covering off on what's making Storm news, throwback team list, your listener questions, TLT - team list Tuesday. Who's in? Who's out for the all important clash with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Audio issues resolved. This is what should have been the end of the last Podcast episode. Preview of the Storm v Bulldogs clash. Strengths and weaknesses; where the game will be won and lost. Stormy Daniel believes it will be an arm wrestle with Melbourne winning by 6 in yet another ding, song battle royal between two of the competition's heavyweights. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stormy Daniel reviews the Round 23 victory over Brisbane. The Storm without question were at their defensive best against the Broncos on what was a gritty, grinding affair against Brisbane, who were coming off a 60 point destruction of Souths. Despite the Broncos suffering some in game adversity, losing both halves to hamstring injuries in the same sequence of play, the Storm were able to nulify the attacking threats of Walsh, Staggs and Haas. What's making Storm news, Throwback Team List, your listener questions and TLT - team list Tuesday. Who's in? Who's out for the Storm's greatest challenge and test against the resurgent Panthers, who are full of confidence and momentum, aiming for their 10th win in a row. The 2020 and 2024 Grand Final combatants do battle once more, with both teams needing no added motivation than to get up for this clash, to get one over the other heading into the finals and to score a psychological blow over their opponent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Friend of the podcast, Melbourne Storm CEO Justin Rodski once again, made himself available to chat with Stormy Daniel, providing Storm fans and members with a general club update. Justin discusses the season so far and current standing in this year's premiership season, Coach Craig Bellamy going around again, coaching better than ever and will bring up the 600 First Grade game milestone in a fortnight's time in Round 26 when Melbourne take on Sydney Roosters at AAMI Park. Recruitment and retention, the impending threat and poaching raid of new NRL franchise and speculative R360 concept, breaking the 40,000 membership barrier and Las Vegas in 2027. Is it time to start planning Storm fans? Tune in to hear this comprehensive chat with the Melbourne Storm boss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've said it before and we'll say it again. Winning doesn't have to be pretty. Good teams find a way to win and off the boot of Munster to find a high flying Xavier Coates was their way to victory. A scrappy, error ridden, ill disciplined display kept the Eels to close for comfort. Stormy Daniel reviews the win over the Eels, highlighting the issues plaguing the Storm's inability to find their best football yet in Season 2025. What's making Storm news, Throwback Team List, your listener questions and TLT - who's in, who's out for the blockbuster against the resurgent Brisbane Broncos. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.