Feel The Thunder Podcast

If you had said at the beginning of the season that last year's Grand Finalists would be playing in a dead rubber fixture in Round 26, most would have suggested you need to be admitted and undergo psychiatric testing. As hard as it is believe, knowing the hardship and adversity Melbourne Storm have endured in Season 2026, that the Broncos, the reigning Premiers are having a worse season. Despite both team's respective woes, one thing that you can guarantee, clashes between the two franchises are always an occasion that both sets of players get up for, acknowleding the rivalry and history that exists between the pair. Stormy Daniel reviews the 46-20 victory over the Broncos, including how the game was used by the NRL to trial a controversial kickoff rule, which has gone down like a lead balloon. Stormy Daniel covers off on the final pathways report for 2026, what's making Storm news, your listener questions and the final team list Tuesday of the season. Who's in, who's out for Storm as Melbourne hit the road for their last Round clash with 2016 Grand Final opponents the Cronulla-Sharks, who themselves have the hippy hippy shakes, leading into the finals and will be desperate to get a win going into week 1 of the Finals series. Can Storm be of nuisance value, upsetting the Sharks on their home deck? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stormy Daniel reviews the narrow defeat to the Panthers. Give any team a 22-nil lead after 40 minutes, let alone the opposition being the Panthers and the contest is over before the second half has even begun. Penrith were at their clinical best, taking the the Storm's defensive fragilities on the edges; the bugbear and major concern of Head Coach Craig Bellamy all season. But a spirited second half showing saw Melbourne score 14 unanswered points against the Premiership favourites, but Penrith's defence, specifically their goal line D was resolute as they managed to keep turning away Storm time and time again. The effort by Melbourne was evident, but lacking the class of the competiton's joint-leaders with missing personnel was the real difference between the two teams. Lacking the star power and polish on last play options have inevitably hurt Melbourne for most of Season 2026. Stormy Daniel also covers off on what's making Storm news, including pathways report, Tui Kamikamica retires whilst being honoured with inaugral contest between the Jersey Flegg Storm and Silktails which will become an annual clash, playing for the Tui Kamikamica Bowl; with the game recognising Kamikamica’s contribution to rugby league in both Fiji and Australia. Additional news included Storm welcoming leading global investment organisation, EQT, as a majority shareholder in the Club and what it means for the Victorian Rugby League club moving forward, with Chairman Matt Tripp speaking to EQT's investment, whilst believing Craig Bellamy is far from done as Storm's Head Coach beyond 2027 and his confidence of marquee man Cameron Munster remaining a one club player. Plus team list Tuesday as Storm prepare for their Round 26 clash with the last season's Grand Final opponents, the Brisbane Broncos. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The finals may be out of reach for Melbourne, but there is always plenty to play for; specifically when coming up against the club’s fiercest rival in Manly. With the Sea Eagles getting the victory in the first leg between the two combatants, it was Storm’s turn to square the ledge, coming from a 14-nil deficit, to run away victors, posting 42 unanswered points. Stormy Daniel reviews the great win in which Melbourne displayed plenty of resilience, down to 12 at one stage and getting the win still severely undermanned, missing a host of big names. Stormy Daniel cover off on the pathways results from Round 23, what’s making Storm News, including a surprise key signing for next season, your listener questions and team list Tuesday, as Storm turn their attention to a Panthers who will be smarting off the back of consecutive losses, in what is Melbourne’s final home game of the season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Melbourne Storm Recruitment Manager Paul Bunn drops in for a chat, discussing the 2026 season; the unprecedented challenges and adversity the club has faced, the resilience that has been shown, the strength and talent of the pathways coming through and why brighter days lie ahead for the Storm in 2027 and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The final nail in the coffin was delivered by the Bulldogs last Friday night, as Canterbury-Bankstown took full advantage of a undermanned Melbourne outfit, who were missing 10 of the regulars. The loss all but ends Storm’s finals aspirations; the second time in 17 seasons, that the club has not featured in September - and only the third occasion in Melbourne’s 28 year history as a franchise. Stormy Daniel reviews the defeat, praising the effort by one of those most inexperienced Storm teams that has ever graced an NRL field. The shining lights from the game were the debuts of young halfback Hayden Watson and Jai Bowden - both who have put pen to paper, committing to Melbourne until the end of the 2030 season, joining other young guns in Gabriel Satrick and Cooper Clarke. Stormy Daniel also covers off on all the Storm news, pathways report, your listener questions and team list Tuesday, as Melbourne head west to Perth, taking their Magic Round home game to HBF Park against arch rivals Manly, where they will be wanting to square the ledger after going down to the Sea Eagles in Round 17. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another week, another injury. The woes for the Melbourne Storm continue in what has been the tale of the tape for Season 2026. This time, Captain Harry Grant succumbed to a hamstring issue which will sideline him for the next few weeks. Stormy Daniel reviews the narrow loss to the Rabbitohs, where Melbourne had did enough to win the game only for a schoolboy like error by mercurial fullback Sua Fa’alogo to turn from hero to villain. Defensive fragilities were again on display which is an area Storm need to rectify and fix before the next season. Stormy Daniel gives an update on the club’s pathways teams, covers off on all the Storm News, including some speculated player movement, your listener questions and team list Tuesday. Could another debutant or two be about to pull on the purple jersey against the Bulldogs this Friday night? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Courageous. Gutsy. Resilient. Brave. Just some of the superlatives one could use to describe Storm’s performance against their Round 20 clash with the Roosters. Taking the field without their starting halves and losing representative winger Will Warbrick early on in the piece with a ruptured Achilles tendon, Melbourne did not lose any admirers to be in the contest for close to the entire 80 minutes. Stormy Daniel reviews the tremendous effort and showing by an understrength Storm outfit who almost did the impossible to cause what would’ve been an upset for the ages; as well as covering off on the pathways report, what’s making Storm news, your listener questions and team list Tuesday. Who’s in, who’s out, who’s available is more the question as the Storm hit the road back to Sydney to take on a desperate Rabbitohs team, needing to win to maintain their position inside the Top 8. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Winning ugly is still winning. They do not draw pictures on the premiership ladder, as Melbourne got in a scrap with the Gold Coast, showing belief and confidence to stay in the arm wrestle and not give up - characteristics that were missing during Storm’s long run of seven straight losses. Stormy Daniel reviews the 22-18 win over the Titans, with the win proving to be important for both their finals aspirations but also, proving to themselves they can win the tight games. Good teams are never beaten. Stormy Daniel covers off on Pathways results, all the Storm news - including a prospective $160 million sale of the franchise to a consortium in Hong Kong, your listener questions and team list Tuesday. Who’s in? Who’s out for Melbourne as they overcome a five-day turnaround to take on a tough Eastern Suburbs outfit who will have something to crow about after Storm dusted the Roosters back in Round 13. Can Melbourne overcome adversity to extend their dominance over the Chooks? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fresh off the 'Bye' Stormy Daniel returns to review the 'Battle of Brookvale' where Melbourne were dominated by a strong Manly outfit, which saw injuries force players out of position which the Sea Eagles exploited and took full advantage of. Stormy Daniel covers off on Pathways, what's making Storm news, your listener questions and team list Tuesday; Who's in? Who's out? Who's backing up for Storm's must win clash with the Titans, in order to keep their finals aspirations alive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Milestone games and Old Boys Day. Melbourne's clash with Canberra had all the hallmarks for a memorable Storm performance and delivered in-kind. 70 former Storm players ascended on AAMI Park on the club's annual reunion weekend and they were honoured accordingly by the current custodians. Although down 16 nil after 20 minutes, it was looking rather bleak, before cometh the hour, cometh Houdini, the injection of one Harry Grant, who started from the bench, flipped the script and changed the game for Melbourne, who ran riot, racking up 42 points against a Raiders team who were desperate to keep their finals chances alive with a win. Stormy Daniel reviews the victory over the Green Machine, covers off on the Pathways results, all the Storm news, your listener questions and team list Tuesday. Who's in? Who's out for Melbourne's clash with arch rivals Manly, in another instalment of the 'Battle of Brookvale'. Ps. It's Beanie for Brain Cancer Round. Make sure you get your beanies and support a worthwhile cause. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Where there is life, there is hope" - Melbourne's Round 14 win over the high flying Newcastle Knights, saw the Storm record their 4th win from the past 5 games, heading into the Bye. There has been a noticable turnaround in form, and it is visible to see there is a greater connection defensively, specifically on the edges which were being targeted early on during the Storm's recording seven-game losing streak. Stormy Daniel reviews the win over the Knights, covers off on all the Storm news from the past week, your listener questions and team list Tuesday. Who's in? Who's out? Who will back up from Origin as Melbourne look to continue their winning ways against a desperate Canberra side Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Where the hell has that been?" I'm sure were the words of the Melbourne Storm Head Coach Craig Bellamy, on what was arguable his side's most complete and consistent performance thus far in Season 2026. The kind of performance and defensive display we have become accustomed to seeing from a Melbourne Storm team, repelling and stopping a stacked Roosters team who have the capacity to blow teams away with their attacking strike. Stormy Daniel reviews the Round 13 clash against the boys from Bondi, covers off on the pathways results, what's making Storm news, your listener questions and team list Tuesday - who's in and who's out for the Friday night showdown with the resurgent Newcastle Knights are flying under the coaching of their new mentor in Justin Holbrook. Stormy Daniel will discuss where he thinks the game can be won for Melbourne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's the old saying, 'two steps forward, one step back'. Well it felt like more than one step back in what was a diabolical second half, resulting in Storm going down to a desperate Bulldogs team. Stormy Daniel share his thoughts on what went wrong and continues to plague these second half fade outs which have become all too common in Season 2026, which no doubt is driving the coaching staff mad as to why these performances continue to occur. Stormy Daniel covers off on pathways results, what's making Storm news, including the news that Melbourne will be featuring in the NRL's fourth instalment of Las Vegas, kicking off their 2027 campaign against Wests in Sin City. Your listener questions along with team list Tuesday - who has been named to take on the Sydney Roosters? Will the Storm's Origin contingent back up? They will need to if able, to overcome a strong Roosters outfit who are flying. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Consecutive wins for only the second time in Season 2026, Melbourne are starting to show signs of improvement within their game, especially defensively. With the return of experienced edge forwards in Blore and Lisati, both Storm edges have looked a lot more in sync, which is to be expected when you have experienced players in key positions who have done the repetitions and have a connection with the players on their outside as a unit. Stormy Daniel delves into why Melbourne's defence has improved over the past fortnight, with a untidy 34-8 win over the Eels at Magic Round. Pathways report, what's making Storm news, your listener questions and team list Tuesday - who's in? who's out? Who will be stepping up in the absence of Storm's Origin contingent, as Storm aim to make it three wins on the trot against a desperate Bulldogs team. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The unwanted losing streak of seven in-a-row is over and ended in sensational style with the Melbourne Storm jumping out of the blocks posting a 20-nil lead over Wests in the first half, with Storm scoring over a point a minute at one stage. It was the Melbourne of old, full of energry and enthusiam, helped by winning the ruck which gave their creative spine players to do what they do best when the Storm have momentum, run. And run they did, with all members of the spine getting on the try scorers sheet. Stormy Daniel reviews the big win over Wests, gives a pathways update and injury update and touches on Craig Bellamy's health battle and how it will not deter him or stop him coaching despite others outside the Storm suggesting he won't. Your listener questions and team list Tuesday - who's in, who's out for a Magic Round clash with the Eels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Melbourne have broken another club record, an unwanted one at that, extending their losing streak to now seven straight losses; the first time in Storm's 28 year history as a franchise. Stormy Daniel without sounding like a broken record, examines once again why Storm find themselves in this precarious position, with it being not just one particular issue, but many different factors contriburing to the run of bad form. Stormy Daniel covers off on pathways results from Round 9, your listener questions, team list Tuesday; who's in? who's out for the clash with Wests and what's making Storm news - that centring around the unsettling news surrounding Head Coach Craig Bellamy's health. Some things are more important than sport. Stormy Daniel on behalf of all Storm fans pays tribute to Bellyache, sending our well wishes, strength and love to the man that has built this extraordinary club and his loved ones during this difficult time. The outpouring of support for Bellamy speaks to the man he is and how revered and respected by everyone in the game. It speaks volumes as to why Melbourne Storm is the club it is. It mirrors the person that is Craig Bellamy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just when Storm fans thought the past five weeks could not get any worse, well, it did. The Rabbitohs inflicting the Storm's sixth straight loss and breaking a 28-year hoo doo of never winning a game in Melbourne, notching up the first victory in style against a hapless Storm outfit who's display was referred to as 'embarrassing' by Head Coach Craig Bellamy who also claimed it was "the most embarrassed I’ve ever been in my footy life". What went wrong? 34 missed tackles, 14 errors, a completion rate of 65% just to name a few issues. Stormy Daniel believes it is 'between the ears', it is now a mental battle. Storm have forgot how to win and what it takes to conjure up a victory and compete across 80 minutes. Whilst winning is habitual, so too is losing. Melbourne are in one helluva rut and need to scratch and claw their way out of this funk theyve found themselves in by grinding out a win through sheer hard work and doing the basics, the controllable's, the effort areas well. Forgot the flashy stuff. Get into an arm wrestle, get down and dirty and rediscover what it takes to win. Stormy Daniel covers off on the Pathways Report, what's making Storm news including injury update, your listener questions and TLT, team list Tuesday. Has Bellyache rang in the changes he intimated were coming? Will it be enough to take down a fast Dolphins outfit who will be desperate for a win themselves? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's worse than four straight losses? Five straight losses; the third time in Storm's proud history since inception in 1998, where Melbourne have suffered five-straight defeats, the second time since 2012, some 14 years ago. Stormy Daniel gives his assessment on what is going wrong and how can it be fixed so Melbourne can experience that winning feeling once more. Along with a review of the Raiders loss, Stormy Daniel covers off on the pathways report, what's making Storm news, your listener questions and previews team list Tuesday with an ANZAC Day encounter with the Rabbitohs, who will be looking at recording their first victory in Melbourne after 20 straight defeats against the Storm. Let's hope the trend can continue and Melbourne lift for the occasion, on what is the most significant day on our nation's calendar. Lest we forget. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When was the last time you have seen a Melbourne Storm completely man handled by a more physical opposition? Hardly never, if not, ever right? After running roughshod over the Warriors with 17 straight wins, back at AAMI Park, many pundits anticipate that streak would extend to 18. This current New Zealand team put that to bed with a dominant display over Melbourne, attacking with their defence, bashing the Storm, dishing out hits that can only be described as brutal. The Storm were devoid of answers. Melbourne struggling to match the Warriors physicality and were unable to win the ruck, seeing the Storm struggle to get outside of their own half and pressure New Zealand. A fourth straight loss, the first time since 2022 and Coach Craig Bellamy if he didn't already, now has quite the task on his hands to turn this situation around - and it doesn't get any easier with the Storm travelling to the nation's capital to take on a rejuventated Raiders team, who have the wood on Melbourne. Stormy Daniel reviews and shares his thoughts on the current predicament Storm are facing, covers off on Pathways, Storm news, your listener questions and TLT, team list Tuesday. Who's in, who's out for the desperate clash with the Green Machine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Good Friday turned into a Bad Friday for the Melbourne Storm after conceding 50 points for the first time in 23 seasons, the last occasion was way back in 2003 - almost a generation ago. The Storm are now up against history, endeavouring to overcome an 118-year statistic and record, with no team has been successful in winning the premiership after conceding 50 points in the regular season. But the main focus for a Storm team reeling from being smacked by the high flying Panthers is putting a stop to their three game losing streak with it not extending to a fourth loss on the trot. Stormy Daniel reviews the heavy loss to the competition leaders in Penrith, covers off on a pathways report, what's making Storm news, your listener questions and TLT - team list Tuesday. Who's in? Who's out for the Round 6 clash with the Warriors, who themselves are coming off back-to-back losses and will be just as desperate to get back in the winners circle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.