1998 Melbourne Storm season

January 2023 June 2013 1998 #6C0094 #ffd700 NRL NRL 3rd 17 1 6 546 372 Semi-final Loss Chairman John Ribot Coach Chris Anderson Glenn Lazarus (18 matches) Tawera Nikau (9 matches) Olympic Park 12,716Crowds Regular season home matches in Melbourne only 20,522 (Round 4)Crowds Regular season home matches in Melbourne only Scott Hill (14), Marcus Bai (14) Craig Smith (51) Craig Smith (110) 1999 yes List of Melbourne Storm seasons The 1998 Melbourne Storm season was the first in the club's history. They competed in the NRL's inaugural Premiership with the new team reaching the top of the ladder in round 15 and finishing the regular season in third place, only one win behind minor premiers Brisbane. Their first season was a major surprise to many, with critics such as The Sydney Morning Herald's rugby league writer Paul Kent saying in March of their prospects: "with their purple chests, the slash of gold, the Storm form one of the more strikingly visible outfits in the competition. Kind of like a Violet Crumble. Their performances won't be nearly as tasty."Kent Paul How your team rates — League 98 Sydney Morning Herald Fairfax Media 9 March 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 37 (Sport)Magnay Jacquelin Kicking up a Storm The Age Fairfax Media 7 August 1998 Melbourne, Victoria 4 (Sport) Adopting coach Chris Anderson's new "flat-line" attack, the big Storm forwards laid a platform for their young halves Scott Hill and Brett Kimmorley to wreak havoc on opposing teams. Melbourne's front-rowers Glenn Lazarus, Robbie Kearns and Rodney Howe were all selected to play for New South Wales in the 1998 State of Origin series. A late season injury to captain Lazarus combined with a lack of finals experience saw the Storm knocked out in the play-offs. The club though had proven they were to be taken seriously, and they had easily produced the best debut season of any new team in the game's history.Melbourne Storm History https://www.melbournestorm.com.au/about/storm-history/ melbournestorm.com.au Melbourne Storm 7 March 2018 Season summary 11 January – Melbourne sign former Hunter Mariners players Brett Kimmorley, Scott Hill, John Carlaw, and Paul Marquet to mostly complete their roster ahead of the season. Melbourne had previously signed two former Mariners players Robbie Ross and Richard Swain. The signature of Kimmorley was particularly crucial for the new club, with the Illawarra Steelers keen to sign the former Super League Australia test halfback.Toohey Barry Storm's $3m Mariners coup The Daily Telegraph News Corporation Australia 11 January 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 56Weidler Danny Kimmorley poised to join Storm Sun Herald Fairfax Media 11 January 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 93 21 January – Captain Glenn Lazarus was officially ruled out of playing in the pre-season fixtures. Lazarus had broken his ankle in July 1997 and was not able to return for his former club during the 1997 season.Lazarus to miss pre-season The Daily Telegraph News Corporation Australia 21 January 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 71 25 January – Bookmakers install Melbourne as the $2.50 favourite to win the inaugural NRL wooden spoon.Rothfield Buzz Wooden spoon odds - What's the Buzz The Daily Telegraph News Corporation Australia 25 January 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 142 7 February – Wearing white jerseys, Melbourne win their first preseason trial match against Adelaide Rams in Hobart in front of 2,500 fans at the North Hobart Oval.Middleton David Rugby League 1999 October 1998 Harper Sports Sydney 0732267773 Brett Kimmorley scored the first try in club colours.2002 Melbourne Storm Info Guide Melbourne Storm 112League novices play up a Storm Sunday Tasmanian 8 February 1998 Hobart, Tasmania 39 In the absence of Glenn Lazarus, New Zealand international Tawera Nikau captained the Storm squad.Ritchie Dean Nikau named Storm skipper The Daily Telegraph News Corporation Australia 3 February 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 62 Ahead of the match, the team visited the site of the Port Arthur massacre to pay their respects to the victims.Chung Colin Storm players in day of mixed feelings The Mercury 7 February 1998 Hobart, Tasmania 41 true #FFFFF0 left 30em This is an historic occasion for rugby league.Everybody in rugby league believed the game would one day come to Melbourne and I'm just proud to be part of the organisation which finally made that hope come through. John Ribot, Melbourne Storm launch, 1998Frilingos Peter Melbourne taken by storm The Daily Telegraph News Corporation Australia 13 February 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 118 right 12 February – At the club's season launch, John Ribot reveals the official uniform of navy blue jerseys with a stylised white and purple chevron design, worn with navy blue shorts and socks.Westlake Michael Club to rally Vics behind tradition Courier Mail News Corporation Australia 13 February 1998 Brisbane, Queensland 37 It was reported that Ribot was looking to sell up to 51% of his ownership in the club back to News Limited in order to "share around the bills."Ritchie Dean Ribot looks to offload The Daily Telegraph News Corporation Australia 12 February 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 88 Ribot later said that his intention was always to form a consortium to run the club.Sell talk is storm in a cup, says Ribot The Mercury 13 February 1998 Hobart, Tasmania 55 At the launch, former News Limited chairman Ken Cowley was appointed the Storm's foundation chairman. 28 February – In their final preseason match in front of 6,000 spectators at Albury, Melbourne were level at 12-all against the Canberra Raiders at half time, before the experienced Raiders team scored a 34–16 victory.DeKroo Karl Raiders Finish With A Flurry Canberra Times 1 March 1998 Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 18 Five-eighth Scott Hill suffered an arm injury in the match, but was later cleared of serious injury.Storm waits on injury test The Age 3 March 1998 Melbourne, Victoria 8 (Sport) Round 1 – Melbourne upset Illawarra Steelers to record their inaugural premiership victory, with Scott Hill scoring the club's first tries. Hill's second try, converted by winger Craig Smith with two minutes remaining in the match, gave Melbourne their first lead of the match.Mascord Steve New boys storm in Sun Herald Fairfax Media 15 March 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 107 The Storm were only the fourth non-foundation team to win on debut, and only the second to win away from home.Cowley Michael Sporting weekend at a glance Sydney Morning Herald Fairfax Media 14 March 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 58Bell Cameron New boys create a Storm – Melbourne's stunning first-up victory The Daily Telegraph News Corporation Australia 15 March 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 64 Brett Kimmorley would later receive a warning letter from the NRL Judiciary following a high tackle on Illawarra's Craig Wilson, while Aaron Moule suffered a dislocated shoulder which kept him out for two months.Johnson Philip Warning for Storm player The Age Fairfax Media 17 March 1998 Melbourne, Victoria 2 (Sport) Round 3 – Melbourne extend their undefeated start to the season, earning a 26–18 win against the 1997 Super League runners-up Cronulla Sharks. Interchange forward Russell Bawden scored two tries in the match, while hooker Danny Williams was reported for a reckless tackle on Dean Treister.Crawley Paul Triple Storm warning Sun Herald Fairfax Media 29 March 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 103Adams Tony Cop that The Daily Telegraph News Corporation Australia 29 March 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 57 Williams was later suspended for three matches.Williams pays price for high tackle on Shark The Age Fairfax Media 1 April 1998 Melbourne, Victoria 5 (Sport) Round 4 – A record crowd of 20,522 watch unbeaten Melbourne play their first home game at Olympic Park. With chaotic scenes outside the ground, fans are allowed to sit on the running track after half time due to overcrowding.Magnay Jacquelin Storm's dream start amid ticket chaos The Age Fairfax Media 4 April 1998 Melbourne, Victoria 24 (Sport)Hadfield Warwick Storming their way to history – League newboys prove their mettle The Australia News Corporation Australia 4 April 1998 Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 68Reed Ron Too much of a good thing The Daily Telegraph News Corporation Australia 4 April 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 146 Paul Marquet scored the first try for the club at their redeveloped home venue.In the Marquet for firsts The Daily Telegraph 5 April 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 58 Round 5 – On Good Friday, the Auckland Warriors inflict the Storm's first defeat of the season in a 16–12 victory in New Zealand.Krishnamurhti Sri Storm tamed at last The Advertiser 11 April 1998 Adelaide, South Australia 102 Melbourne had led early after referee Bill Harrigan missed a forward pass from Tawara Nikau to Marcus Bai for the Storm's first try.Committed Kiwis inject life into Test Courier Mail News Corporation Australia 11 April 1998 Brisbane, Queensland 82 The Storm had a chance late in the match to steal the win after the Warriors were penalised, only for Melbourne to lose possession.Sanders Dave The bubble bursts – Warriors hand Storm first loss The Daily Telegraph 11 April 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 124 Round 6 – Late tries to Marcus Bai and Rodney Howe saw Melbourne break a 22–all tie after 65 minutes, to defeat Parramatta 32–22.Magnay Jacquelin Storm wins fifth game, with a little bit of luck The Age Fairfax Media 20 April 1998 Melbourne, Victoria 7 (Sport) Following the match, prop forwards Glenn Lazarus and Rodney Howe were selected in the Australia squad for the match against New Zealand.Magnay Jacquelin Melbourne props make Test squad The Age Fairfax Media 20 April 1998 Melbourne, Victoria 7 (Sport) Round 7 – Returning to Olympic Park, Melbourne hold out against a depleted Penrith team, scoring a 22–14 victory. John Carlaw scored two tries in the first half, while both Rodney Howe and Glenn Lazarus backed up from their appearances for Australia against New Zealand the previous evening's test match in Auckland.Magnay Jacquelin Showers fail to dampen Storm The Age Fairfax Media 26 April 1998 Melbourne, Victoria 5 (Sport) Howe had been rushed to hospital following the test match with suspected broken ribs, but played through the pain.Adams Tony Bai of the STORM The Daily Telegraph News Corporation Australia 26 April 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 59 Round 8 – Melbourne thrash the lowly Western Suburbs Magpies 54–16 at Olympic Park, with Robbie Ross scoring two tries and Craig Smith converting all nine tries to score 18 points. The Storm led 30–4 at half time after the visitors scored the opening try of the match.Melbourne run riot again The Australian News Corporation Australia 2 May 1998 Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 63Hinds Richard Sorry Magpies blown away by one hell of a Storm Sydney Morning Herald Fairfax Media 2 May 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 63 Round 9 – In the last of three straight home matches, two length of the field intercept tries to Dragons winger Nathan Blacklock helped St George to an upset 18–14 win over Melbourne to end the club's unbeaten run at Olympic Park. Melbourne led 14–12 at half time after tries to Russell Bawden and Danny Williams, but were shut out in the second half.Magnay Jacquelin Dragons' fire calms Storm The Age Fairfax Media 9 May 1998 Melbourne, Victoria 21 (Sport)Saints weather Storm Illawarra Mercury 9 May 1998 Wollongong, New South Wales 80Hadfield Warwick Saints rain on Storm parade The Australian News Corporation Australia 9 May 1998 Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 68 Disappointed club executives later meeting with broadcaster Nine Network after the match was not shown live or replayed on either free-to-air or pay television.Magnay Jacquelin Clouds gather over lack of TV exposure Sun Herald Fairfax Media 10 May 1998 Melbourne, Victoria 115Zwar Adam Storm strikes television snub Courier Mail News Corporation Australia 10 May 1998 Brisbane, Queensland 140 Round 10 – Aaron Moule returned from injury, scoring a try in the club's 14–6 win over South Sydney.Melbourne storm home The Australian News Corporation Australia 16 May 1998 Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 68 Round 11 – Melbourne and Illawarra Steelers play out a 14–all draw, with Melbourne denied four second half tries after leading 14–4 at half time. Illawarra goalkicker Rod Wishart had a chance to win the match in the dying minutes, but his conversion attempt was waved away. Glenn Lazarus scored his first try of the season, meaning every member of the club's inaugural team had scored at least one try during the season.Magnay Jacquelin Storm blows its chances The Age 25 May 1998 Melbourne, Victoria 7 (Sport) Steelers player Shaun Timmins was sent off for a high tackle on Melbourne fullback Robbie Ross during the second half.Rivals left to rue errors Courier Mail News Corporation Australia 25 May 1998 Brisbane, Queensland 28 (Sport) Referee Paul Simpkins was later dropped from the next weekend of matches after a number of errors, including denying Melbourne a late try to Danny Williams, instead ruling that Williams was held up over the line without consulting his in-goal touch judge.Dark mood after try dismissed The Daily Telegraph News Corporation Australia 25 May 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 46 (Sport)Mascord Steve Axed ref pays price of incorrect calls Sydney Morning Herald Fairfax Media 27 May 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 46 Sport) Round 12 – Melbourne record the biggest win by a debut team in premiership history, thrashing Gold Coast Chargers 62–6 in that club's heaviest defeat in their history. Melbourne running in 11 tries to one in the match,Magnay Jacquelin Barnstorming victory The Age Fairfax Media 1 June 1998 Melbourne, Victoria 7 (Sport) with Robbie Ross and Scott Hill both scoring two tries.Coast lashed by a Storm Courier Mail News Corporation Australia 1 June 1998 Brisbane, Queensland 29 (Sport) In a bid for more television coverage, Melbourne moved the start time of the match forward to 12:30pm after the club's previous four matches were not broadcast.Westlake Michael Stone denies Storm over TV Courier Mail News Corporation Australia 31 May 1998 Melbourne, Victoria 157 Round 13 – Missing key forwards Rodney Howe and Glenn Lazarus after their efforts for NSW in State of Origin, Brett Kimmorley kicks the club's first field goal, in a 25–16 win over Balmain Tigers at Leichhardt Oval.The Storm shows it's not out of its depth The Age Fairfax Media 8 June 1998 Melbourne, Victoria 6 (Sport)Cowley Michael The Storm boys blow in to batter the pride of the city Sydney Morning Herald Fairfax Media 8 June 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 23 (Sport) Anthony Bonus became the twenty-second player used by the club, the former Parramatta Eels player last played first grade in 1996. Bonus had been living in Brisbane and playing for Norths Devils and only met the bulk of the Storm squad the day before the match.Melbourne bonus for Anthony Illawarra Mercury 8 June 1998 Wollongong, New South Wales 22 (Sport) Forward Robbie Kearns had spent a day in hospital in the lead-up to the match after suffering a bout of tonsillitis.Kearns to play against Tigers The Age Fairfax Media 7 June 1998 Melbourne, Victoria 8 (Sport) Round 14 – Melbourne take home the "Southern States Cup,"Saltau Chloe New man in Storm The Age Fairfax Media 12 June 1998 Melbourne, Victoria 4 (Sport)Partland Warren A new front in old war The Advertiser News Corporation Australia 13 June 1998 Adelaide, South Australia 152 defeating the Adelaide Rams 24–4.Magnay Jacquelin Hurricane force hits Adelaide The Age Fairfax Media 14 June 1998 Melbourne, Victoria 4 (Sport) Playing into a strong breeze in the first half, Scott Hill scored two tries, with Marcus Bai adding another for an 18–0 lead at the break.Storm bring Rams to earth The Daily Telegraph News Corporation Australia 14 June 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 73 Papua New Guinea rookie John Wilshere made his debut for the club after impressing for Norths Devils where he was the leading points scorer in the Queensland Cup competition. Round 15 – After defeating North Queensland Cowboys 10–8 in Townsville, Melbourne finish the weekend on top of the NRL ladder for the first time.Ricketts Steve Storm riding high, despite the odds Courier Mail News Corporation Australia 22 June 1998 Brisbane, Queensland 30 (Sport) Melbourne led 8–6 at halftime, with both teams only adding penalty goals in the second half.Referee booed as Storm hangs on The Age 21 June 1998 Melbourne, Victoria 4 (Sport) Craig Smith slotting a pressure penalty goal to break an 8–8 score with 10 minutes to go.Prentice Tim Late pressure goal gives Storm victory The Daily Telegraph News Corporation Australia Sydney, New South Wales 69 26 June – Rodney Howe is revealed as the third NRL player in 1998 to test positive to a banned substance.Dunne Jeff World's best prop forward fails drugs test -Third positive rocks code The Australian News Corporation Australia 26 June 1998 Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 20 (Sport)Frilingos Peter Howe in drugs shock Courier Mail News Corporation Australia 26 June 1998 Brisbane, Queensland 48 Round 16 – A controversial try after the final siren to Tony Tatupu hands the Auckland Warriors a 24–21 victory at Olympic Park. Video referee Peter Filmer watched the replay more than eight times, taking five minutes to make the decision, missing two offside Warriors players and a forward pass in the movement. The Warriors had led 14–4 at half time, after referee Moghseen Jadwat denied Melbourne a try to Robbie Ross due to a supposed forward pass.Magnay Jacquelin Another shock for Storm The Age Fairfax Media 28 June 1998 Melbourne, Victoria 7 (Sport)Warriors' last-ditch video try The Daily Telegraph News Corporation Australia 28 June 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 66 Round 17 – Brisbane Broncos defeat Melbourne 34–16 in front of a crowd of 35,119 — the highest attendance to watch Melbourne, and the second highest crowd in the 1998 regular season. Brisbane scored three tries in the final 10 minutes to put away the Storm after the match had been evenly poised for much of the contest.Magnay Jacquelin Broncos' late stampede blows away Storm thunder The Age 4 July 1998 Melbourne, Victoria 15 (Sport) 7 July – It's confirmed that Aaron Moule will miss the remainder of the season after he was forced to have surgery on his injured shoulder. Moule had missed two months of matches earlier in the season with the injury, returning to play seven matches through the middle of the season.Ricketts Steve Clubs in struggle as trio put out Courier Mail News Corporation Australia 8 July 1998 Brisbane, Queensland 50 (Sport) 9 July – Rodney Howe is suspended for 22 matches by the ARL drugs tribunal for taking two performance-enhancing drugs. Howe received the maximum penalty available under the ARL policy.Howe gets 22 weeks The Age Fairfax Media 10 July 1998 Melbourne, Victoria 1(Sport) Howe was accused of taking the anabolic steroid stanozolol to aid the recovery of a knee injury.Howe tells: why I took drugs - Steroids a quick fix for knee injury Illawarra Mercury 27 June 1998 Wollongong, New South Wales 96Mascord Steve Howe: I took it for knee injury Sydney Morning Herald Fairfax Media 27 June 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 58Prop gets 22 weeks as drug storm rages Courier Mail 10 July 1998 Brisbane, Queensland 1Frilingos Peter HOWE'S THAT — Maximum 22 weeks for third drug cheat The Daily Telegraph News Corporation Australia 10 July 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 128 Round 18 – After back-to-back losses, Melbourne bounce back with a 22–12 win against Manly. In the face of a lopsided amount of possession and penalties, the Storm were able to walk off with the two competition points, though Robbie Kearns (arm) and Glenn Lazarus (groin) both picked up injuries in the match. Kearns was also put on report by referee Brian Grant for a high tackle on Manly's Russell Gartner.Westlake Michael Storm front row in crisis The Daily Telegraph News Corporation Australia 11 July 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 145 Kearns was later cleared by the match reviewers. Earlier, the match had started over 20 minutes later than advertised due to heavy traffic delaying fans access to Olympic Park.Magnay Jacquelin Fired-up Storm batters Manly The Age Fairfax Media 11 July 1998 Melbourne, Victoria 18 (Sport) Following the match, club CEO Chris Johns was assaulted by a Manly supporter while celebrating the result at Crown Casino while talking with Manly players.Weidler Danny The last word Sun Herald Fairfax Media 19 July 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 111 Round 19 – Missing six players through injury or suspension, Melbourne suffered their worst defeat of the season so far, losing 34–10 to the North Sydney Bears. The match had been tied 10–all at half time, before the Bears ran away with it in the second half, scoring six tries to none.Adams Tony BLOWN AWAY — Bears send Storm crashing to worst ever loss The Daily Telegraph News Corporation Australia 18 July 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 144Mascord Steve Bears hand weak Storm worst defeat Sydney Morning Herald Fairfax Media 18 July 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 58 July 23 – Melbourne were forced to deny that a second player had tested positive to performance-enhancing drugs in the lead up to their match against the Newcastle Knights.Dunne Jeff Storm query players over drug rumour The Australian News Corporation Australia 24 July 1998 Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 22 (Sport) The club had come under fire for allowing Rodney Howe to continue training with the playing group and paying him while suspended. Round 20 – Marcus Bai scores the first hat-trick in club history in a 32–16 win against 1997 ARL premiers the Newcastle Knights, to cement a top four spot on the NRL ladder. Bai scoring two tries in the second half as the fog rolled in at Olympic Park with temperatures dropping.Keeble Brett It's a long road to batter AFL battlements Newcastle Herald 27 July 1998 Newcastle, New South Wales 58 Unfortunately for the Storm, both Robbie Ross and Glenn Lazarus picked up hamstring injuries in the match.Magnay Jacquelin Storm lashes Newcastle The Age Fairfax Media 25 July 1998 Melbourne, Victoria 17 (Sport)Westlake Michael Storm smash the Knights' hopes Courier Mail News Corporation Australia 25 July 1998 Brisbane, Queensland 78 Following the match, the club received a warning from the NRL after suspended forward Rodney Howe was seen sitting with the Storm players and officials on the bench.Hawse Adam Johns slams NRL over Howe The Daily Telegraph News Corporation Australia 26 July 1998 Melbourne, Victoria 62 26 July – Storm physiotherapist Tony Ayoub confirms that both Robbie Ross and Glenn Lazarus had underwent hyperbaric compression chamber treatment on their injured hamstrings, with Lazarus' injury confirmed as more serious than first suspected.Storm triumph at price The Daily Telegraph News Corporation Australia 27 July 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 36 true #FFFFF0 left 30em They just recruited very, very well.They picked some very good players and recruited an excellent coach, Chris Anderson. I rate him very highly.The other thing is — and I know this sounds strange in light of recent events — but the fact they signed Rodney Howe was also a key. With him, and Lazarus and Robbie Kearns, who also played rep football last year, they had the front-rowers who could go forward all day.And their halves, Scotty Hill and Brett Kimmorley, were also very highly rated. Former Australian coach Arthur Beetson discussing the Storm's first season success, 1 August 1998Mascord Steve STORM IS BREWING Sydney Morning Herald Fairfax Media 1 August 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 54 right Round 21 – Ignored by key broadcasters with the match between two top eight teams not broadcast on free-to-air television or radio, Melbourne exhibit a level of control against the Sydney City Roosters, comfortably winning 32–20 at the Sydney Football Stadium. Robbie Kearns scored a try on fulltime to seal the result.Geddes Jon Kearns try a salute to absent friends The Daily Telegraph News Corporation Australia 3 August 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 36 (Sport) Melbourne were without injured captain Glenn Lazarus and moved to equal first on the ladder with Brisbane and Newcastle following the result.Magnay Jacquelin Storm makes feathers fly The Age Fairfax Media 3 August 1998 Melbourne, Victoria 8 (Sport) 3 August – Marcus Bai met with Australian Prime Minister John Howard to hand over $15,000 worth of donations raised by the club and supporters in aid of the Papua New Guinea earthquake which had caused devastation to Bai's home country in July.Bai to deliver $15,000 for PNG The Australian News Corporation Australia 3 August 1998 Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 22 (Sport) Round 22 – Storm players sitting on the bench controversially hold up a paper mask of suspended prop forward Rodney Howe during the club's 20–10 win over the Cronulla Sharks at Olympic Park.Magnay Jacquelin Incensed Storm roars in Fairfax Media 8 August 1998 Melbourne, Victoria 15 (Sport) John Ribot later apologising for the "childish stunt,"Hadfield Warwick Storm face rap for mask contempt The Australian 8 August 1998 Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 64 with NRL board member and Parramatta CEO Denis Fitzgerald calling for 5,000 fines for each of the players.Rothfield Phil Slug them $5000 — Fitz The Daily Telegraph News Corporation Australia 9 August 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 59 The NRL later took no action against the club or the players involved.Frilingos Peter Storm escape penalty The Daily Telegraph News Corporation Australia 11 August 1998 Melbourne, Victoria 65 Round 23 – In diabolical weather conditions including torrential rain, and the Belmore Sports Ground field resembling a swimming pool, Melbourne were almost held scoreless for the first time, with a late try to stand-in captain Tawera Nikau the only points for the Storm. Halfback Brett Kimmorley was injured in the first half, not returning to the field after half time.Adams Tony Bulldogs weather stormy showdown Courier Mail News Corporation Australia 16 August 1998 Brisbane, Queensland 148Prentice Tim Dogs win battle of Belmore — Storm fail in the wet The Daily Telegraph News Corporation Australia 16 August 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 61 Round 24 – Melbourne secure a home final by finishing third on the NRL ladder, ending the regular season with a 16–12 win over Canberra Raiders. Brett Kimmorley, who was in doubt with concussion for the match, scored a try in the second half, leading the Storm around the field in a man of the match performance. Matt Geyer, filling in for the suspended Robbie Ross was also a key performer, fielding a number of kicks from Ricky Stuart in the windy conditions.Magnay Jacquelin Battered Kimmorley seals home final for Storm The Age Fairfax Media 22 August 1998 Melbourne, Victoria 21 (Sport)Hadfield Warwick Melbourne secure historic home ground final The Australian News Corporation Australia 22 August 1998 Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 68Westlake Michael Fairytale continues for Storm Courier Mail News Corporation Australia 22 August 1998 Brisbane, Queensland 80 23 August – In a poll conducted of 100 NRL players, Melbourne coach Chris Anderson received 83 votes to be the clear choice as the coach of the year.Koslowski Michael Johns the great - Stunned Knight wins player-of-the-year vote from peers Sun Herald Fairfax Media 23 August 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 106 27 August – Chris Anderson wins the Dally M Coach of the Year award, with Marcus Bai (wing) and Tawera Nikau (lock forward) making the Team of the Year. Brett Kimmorley finished second behind Newcastle halfback Andrew Johns in the count for the Dally M Medal.Keeble Brett Dally double - It's official: Johns simply the best Newcastle Herald 28 August 1998 Newcastle, New South Wales 64Mascord Steve Gloom lifts for Knights as Johns takes top award Sydney Morning Herald 28 August 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 40 (Sport) Preliminary qualifying final – Without captain Glenn Lazarus due to injury,Lazarus to miss Storm playoff The Age Fairfax Media 30 August 1998 Melbourne, Victoria 26 (Sport) a second half masterclass from Brad Fittler hands Melbourne a 26–12 loss in their NRL finals debut. The Storm had led 12–8 at half time, but struggled to contain Fittler in the second half.Prichard Greg That Hollow Feeling Big League Sydney, New South Wales Pacific Publications Pty Ltd 79 31 62–64Magnay Jacquelin Storm fronts but lacks puff The Age Fairfax Media 31 August 1998 Melbourne, Victoria 12 (Sport)Ricketts Steve Fittler whips up a storm Courier Mail News Corporation Australia 31 August 1998 Brisbane, Queensland 27 (Sport)Frilingos Roosters' stranglehold The Daily Telegraph 31 August 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 27 (Sport) Before the game, Melbourne announce their first ever jersey sponsorship deal with the Honda logo appearing on player's sleeves, the deal reported to be worth 1.5m over three years.Lynch Michael Honda sticks with Storm The Age Fairfax Media 8 September 1998 Melbourne, Victoria 5 (Business) Elimination quarter final – Melbourne win their first finals game, defeating Canberra Raiders 24–10 to advance to the third week of the five-week finals series. The Storm were again without captain Glenn Lazarus, with the veteran unable to shake a troublesome hamstring injury.Cockerill Ian Lazarus limps out of Canberra contention The Age Fairfax Media 5 September 1998 Melbourne, Victoria 17 (Sport) Melbourne jumped out to a 16–0 lead during the first half, and extended their advantage early in the second half.Raiders Fall To Storm Canberra Times 6 September 1998 Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 11Mascord Steve Storm Damage - Melbourne end run of Raiders Sun Herald 6 September 1998 Fairfax Media Sydney, New South Wales 120 Young centre Tony Martin scored two tries, fresh off signing a new contract to stay with the club.MARTIN CLASS STORMS TO FORE - Heavy blow as Raiders left Courier Mail News Corporation Australia 6 September 1998 Brisbane, Queensland 140 6 September – Despite the first year successes, it was revealed the club was poised to lose 15m due to start-up costs. The club was not expected to be profitable for some time.Hawse Adam Melbourne face financial loss The Daily Telegraph News Corporation Australia 6 September 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 57 Elimination semi final – Eventual premiers Brisbane Broncos knock Melbourne out of the 1998 NRL finals, in a game played at the Sydney Football Stadium. Melbourne putting in their worst performance of the season were down 10–2 at half time and were never in the contest, Matt Geyer crossing for a late consolation try.Mascord Steve Melbourne crushed by Broncos stampede The Age Fairfax Media 14 September 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 9 (Sport)Prichard Greg Storm leave worst to last The Australian News Corporation Australia 14 September 1998 Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 32 (Sport) Glenn Lazarus was still unavailable for the match, despite hope that he would be play when named in the team before the match.Storm expect Lazarus to be fit for elimination final Courier Mail News Corporation Australia 10 September 1998 Brisbane, Queensland 39 (Sport) Also unavailable was first choice goalkicker Craig Smith.Geddes John Storm missing a goal kicker The Daily Telegraph News Corporation Australia 12 September 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 157 19 September – Storm feeder team Norths Devils win the 1998 Queensland Cup Grand Final, featuring a number of players who played for Melbourne in 1998.Devils too fast in second term Courier Mail News Corporation Australia 20 September 1998 Brisbane, Queensland 153SCORCHING RUN HOME TAKES TITLE Northside Chronicle News Corporation Australia 23 September 1998 Brisbane, Queensland 70 Milestone games Round Player Milestone Round 1 See inaugural team Storm debuts Ben Roarty NRL debutRound 2 Robbie Ross 50th game Matt Geyer Storm debutRound 4 Wayne Evans Storm debut Ben Anderson NRL debutRound 7 Tony Martin Storm debutRound 13 Anthony Bonus Storm debutWade Fenton NRL debutRound 14 John Wilshere Storm debutRound 15 Daniel Frame NRL debutRound 16 Matt Rua NRL debutRound 19 Chris Anderson 200th NRL game coachedRound 20 Tristan Brady-Smith Storm debutPreliminary qualifying final Paul Marquet 150th game Jerseys 100px|thumb|1998 home jersey Melbourne's inaugural jerseys were navy blue jerseys with a stylised white and purple chevron design, with gold trim and collars, worn with navy blue shorts and socks. Until late in the season, there were no advertising logos, except that of manufacturer Nike. Unusually, Melbourne carried on the Super League innovation of having player names on the back of jerseys, ostensibly to assist new fans to identify players. The team wore the predominately blue jerseys in every game in 1998, except for the round 15 game against North Queensland Cowboys, when a predominately white jersey was worn with white shorts and socks. Midway through the season, the club signed a sponsorship deal with Fila worth an estimated 1.5m over three years.Prichard Greg Roosters hold best chance since '75 The Australian News Corporation Australia 23 May 1998 Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 63 Melbourne Storm announced a lucrative sponsorship deal with FILA sportswear company yesterday. The three-year deal is worth over $1.5 million Fixtures Preseason Date Rd Round Opponent Venue Result Mel. Melbourne score Opp. Opponent score Tries Goals Field goals Ref Reference7 FebruaryTrialAdelaide 16 Adelaide RamsNorth Hobart Oval, Hobart2622J Wilshere (2), T Brady-Smith, B Kimmorley, M BaiM Geyer 3/5 http://rleague.com/nrl98/a98cc.html 1998 NRL Country Carnival Results rleague.com 12 January 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20001025151851/http://rleague.com/nrl98/a98cc.html 25 October 2000 deadMelbourne Storm – How we got here http://www.melbournestorm.com.au/news/HowW.asp melbournestorm.com.au 30 September 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/19991023061444/http://www.melbournestorm.com.au/news/HowW.asp 23 October 1999Storm roars off to claim its first win The Age 8 February 1998 Melbourne, Victoria 8Storm off on right foot The Sydney Morning Herald Fairfax Media Publications Pty Limited 8 February 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 85Crawley Paul Raiders, Broncos take the honours The Sydney Morning Herald Fairfax Media Publications Pty Limited 1 March 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 9528 FebruaryTrialCanberra 16 Canberra RaidersLavington Sports Ground, Albury1634S Hill, R Swain, P MarquetM Geyer 2/3 Regular season Result by round table b Round Ground A/A/A/H/A/A/H/H/H/A/H/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H Result W/W/W/W/L/W/W/W/L/W/D/W/W/W/W/L/L/W/L/W/W/W/L/W Position 10/5/4/4/4/4/3/2/4/3/3/3/2/2/1/2/2/2/4/3/2/2/4/3 Points 2p/4p/6p/8p/8p/10p/12p/14p/14p/16p/17p/19p/21p/23p/25p/25p/25p/27p/27p/29p/31p/33p/33p/35p green1 Win yellow1 Draw red1 Loss Home Away Neutral Bye blue1 gold green2 red2 Rugby League Tables Matches Date Rd Round Opponent Venue Result Mel. Melbourne score Opp. Opponent score Tries Goals Field goals Ref Reference14 March1Illawarra 16 Illawarra Steelers WIN Stadium, Wollongong1412S Hill (2)C Smith 3/3https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-1998/round-1/illawarra-vs-melbourne/summary.html NRL 1998 – Round 1 20 July 202122 March2Western Suburbs 16 Western Suburbs Magpies Campbelltown Stadium, Sydney2616M Bai, P Bell, R Kearns, R Ross, D WilliamsC Smith 3/8https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-1998/round-2/western-suburbs-vs-melbourne/summary.html NRL 1998 – Round 2 20 July 202128 March3Cronulla 16 Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks Shark Park, Sydney2618R Bawden (2), M Bai, S Hill, R SwainC Smith 3/5https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-1998/round-3/cronulla-vs-melbourne/summary.html NRL 1998 – Round 3 20 July 20213 April4Norths 16 North Sydney Bears Olympic Park, Melbourne2416M Bai, S Hill, P Marquet, C SmithC Smith 4/5https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-1998/round-4/melbourne-vs-north-sydney/summary.html NRL 1998 – Round 4 20 July 202110 April5Auckland 16 Auckland Warriors Ericsson Stadium, AucklandLost1216M Bai, P BellC Smith 2/2https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-1998/round-5/auckland-vs-melbourne/summary.html NRL 1998 – Round 5 20 July 202119 April6Parramatta 16 Parramatta Eels Parramatta Stadium, Sydney3222M Bai, J Carlaw, R Howe, B Kimmorley, T Nikau, R RossC Smith 4/6https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-1998/round-6/parramatta-vs-melbourne/summary.html NRL 1998 – Round 6 20 July 202125 April7Penrith 16 Penrith Panthers Olympic Park, Melbourne2214J Carlaw (2), P Bell, R KearnsC Smith 3/6https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-1998/round-7/melbourne-vs-penrith/summary.html NRL 1998 – Round 7 20 July 20211 May8Western Suburbs 16 Western Suburbs Magpies Olympic Park, Melbourne5416R Ross (2), R Bawden, J Carlaw, S Hill, R Kearns, P Marquet, B Roarty, D WilliamsC Smith 9/10https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-1998/round-8/melbourne-vs-western-suburbs/summary.html NRL 1998 – Round 8 20 July 20218 May9St George 16 St George Dragons Olympic Park, MelbourneLost1418R Bawden, D WilliamsC Smith 3/4https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-1998/round-9/melbourne-vs-st-george/summary.html NRL 1998 – Round 9 20 July 202115 May10Souths 16 South Sydney Rabbitohs Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney146P Bell, A MouleC Smith 3/3https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-1998/round-10/south-sydney-vs-melbourne/summary.html NRL 1998 – Round 10 20 July 202124 May11Illawarra 16 Illawarra Steelers Olympic Park, MelbourneDraw1414G Lazarus, R RossC Smith 3/3https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-1998/round-11/melbourne-vs-illawarra/summary.html NRL 1998 – Round 11 20 July 202131 May12Gold Coast Chargers 16 Gold Coast Chargers Olympic Park, Melbourne626S Hill (2), R Ross (2), M Bai, R Bawden, B Kimmorley, P Marquet, T Martin, T Nikau, D WilliamsT Martin 6/8, B Kimmorley 2/3https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-1998/round-12/melbourne-vs-gold-coast/summary.html NRL 1998 – Round 12 20 July 20217 June13Balmain 16 Balmain Tigers Leichhardt Oval, Sydney2516R Bawden (2), A Moule, B RoartyB Kimmorley 2/4, T Martin 2/2B Kimmorleyhttps://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-1998/round-13/balmain-vs-melbourne/summary.html NRL 1998 – Round 13 20 July 202113 June14Adelaide 16 Adelaide Rams Olympic Park, Melbourne244S Hill (2), M Bai, B RoartyJ Wilshere 3/4, B Kimmorley 1/1https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-1998/round-14/melbourne-vs-adelaide/summary.html NRL 1998 – Round 14 20 July 202120 June15North Queensland Cowboys 16 North Queensland Cowboys Malanda Stadium, Townsville108R BawdenC Smith 3/4https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-1998/round-15/north-queensland-vs-melbourne/summary.html NRL 1998 – Round 15 20 July 202127 June16Auckland 16 Auckland Warriors Olympic Park, MelbourneLost2124S Hill, T Martin, T Nikau, R RossC Smith 2/5B Kimmorleyhttps://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-1998/round-16/melbourne-vs-auckland/summary.html NRL 1998 – Round 16 20 July 20213 July17Brisbane 16 Brisbane Broncos ANZ Stadium, BrisbaneLost1634M Bai, B Kimmorley, R RossC Smith 2/3https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-1998/round-17/brisbane-vs-melbourne/summary.html NRL 1998 – Round 17 20 July 202110 July18Manly 16 Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Olympic Park, Melbourne2212P Bell, W Evans, T Martin, C SmithC Smith 2/2, B Kimmorley 1/2https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-1998/round-18/melbourne-vs-manly/summary.html NRL 1998 – Round 18 20 July 202117 July19Norths 16 North Sydney Bears North Sydney Oval, SydneyLost1034J Carlaw, R SwainB Kimmorley 1/2https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-1998/round-19/north-sydney-vs-melbourne/summary.html NRL 1998 – Round 19 20 July 202124 July20Newcastle 16 Newcastle Knights Olympic Park, Melbourne3216M Bai (3), S Hill, B Kimmorley, R SwainB Kimmorley 4/7https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-1998/round-20/melbourne-vs-newcastle/summary.html NRL 1998 – Round 20 20 July 20212 August21Easts 16 Sydney City Roosters Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney3220P Bell, T Brady-Smith, J Carlaw, S Hill, R Kearns, P MarquetB Kimmorley 4/6https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-1998/round-21/sydney-city-vs-melbourne/summary.html NRL 1998 – Round 21 20 July 20217 August22Cronulla 16 Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks Olympic Park, Melbourne2010D Williams (2), M Bai, P BellB Kimmorley 2/4https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-1998/round-22/melbourne-vs-cronulla/summary.html NRL 1998 – Round 22 20 July 202114 August23Canterbury 16 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Belmore Sports Ground, SydneyLost48T NikauT Martin 0/1https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-1998/round-23/canterbury-vs-melbourne/summary.html NRL 1998 – Round 23 20 July 202121 August24Canberra 16 Canberra Raiders Olympic Park, Melbourne1612S Hill, B Kimmorley, T MartinB Kimmorley 2/3https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-1998/round-24/melbourne-vs-canberra/summary.html NRL 1998 – Round 23 20 July 2021 Source:https://afltables.com/rl/teams/melbourne/melbourne_by.html#1998 Rugby League Tables – Melbourne 20 July 2021 Finals #eeeeee Preliminary qualifying final Sunday, 30 August 15:00 AEST (UTC+10) Melbourne Storm Melbourne 16 Easts 16 Sydney City Roosters 12 – 26 12–8 0–18 Report 2Marquet 24Bai 34 2Smith 25 35 (2/3) 4Fittler 17Gourley 42Elsegood 58Barnett 64 5Cleary pen 3 18 43 59 65 (5/6) Olympic Park, Melbourne 18,247 Paul McBlane #eeeeee Elimination quarter final Saturday, 5 September 15:00 AEST (UTC+10) Melbourne Storm Melbourne 16 Canberra 16 Canberra Raiders 24 – 10 20–0 4–10 Report 5Martin 24 74Geyer 2Hill 17Bai 35 2Kimmorley pen 5 17 (2/6) 2Mullins 56Stuart 76 1Furner 57 (1/1)McNamara (0/1) Olympic Park, Melbourne 12,592 Steve Clark #eeeeee Elimination semi final Sunday, 13 September 15:00 AEST (UTC+10) Brisbane Broncos Brisbane 16 Melbourne 16 Melbourne Storm 30 – 6 10–2 20–4 Report 6Renouf 50 64Campion 26Lockyer 28Carroll 59Lee 73 3Lockyer 29 60 74 (3/6) 1Geyer 77 1Kimmorley pen 14 (1/2) Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney 20,354 Bill Harrigan Ladder 1998 NRL season 1998 Coaching Staff Head coach: Chris Anderson Assistant coaches: Greg Brentnall & Steve Anderson Football Manager: Michael Moore Head physiotherapist: Tony Ayoub Head Trainer: Steve Litvensky Trainer: Aaron Salisbury 1998 squad List current as of 21 July 2021Storm players (1998) http://www.melbournestorm.com.au/players/pla_2.htm melbournestorm.com.au 21 July 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/19990128034738/https://www.melbournestorm.com.au/players/pla_2.htm 28 January 1999 List of Melbourne Storm players Capfn1 Players are listed with the cap number as they appear on the Melbourne Storm honour board. Additional squad members do not have a cap number.Nat.Player namePositionFirst Storm GamePrevious First Grade RL clubfn2 This column denotes the previous RL club the player was signed to and played first grade RL for. If they are yet to debut then this is stipulated. If they were merely signed to the club but did not play then it is not counted.1AUSRobbie RossFB1998AUS Hunter Mariners2AUSCraig SmithWG1998AUS Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogsfn3 Reserve grade 1997, previous first grade experience with North Sydney Bears in 1994 3AUSAaron MouleWG, CE1998AUS South Queensland Crushers4AUSPaul BellCE1998AUS Perth Reds5PNGMarcus BaiWG1998AUS Gold Coast Chargers6AUSScott HillFE1998AUS Hunter Mariners7AUSBrett KimmorleyHB1998AUS Hunter Mariners8AUSRodney HowePR1998AUS Perth Reds9AUSDanny WilliamsLK, SR, HK1998AUS North Sydney Bears10AUSRobbie KearnsPR1998AUS Perth Reds11AUSPaul MarquetPR, SR1998AUS Hunter Mariners12AUSBen RoartyPR, SR, LK1998AUS Melbourne Stormfn4 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs reserve grade 199713NZLTawera NikauLK1998AUS Cronulla Sharks14AUSGlenn LazarusPR1998AUS Brisbane Broncos15NZLRichard SwainHK1998AUS Hunter Mariners16AUSRussell BawdenPR1998ENG London Broncos17AUSJohn CarlawCE1998AUS Hunter Mariners18AUSMatt GeyerWG1998AUS Perth Reds19AUSWayne EvansSR1998AUS Perth Reds20AUSBen AndersonFE1998AUS Melbourne Stormfn5 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs juniors 199721AUSTony MartinWG, CE1998ENG London Broncos22AUSAnthony BonusPR1998AUS Illawarra Steelersfn20 Previously released at the end of the 1996 ARL season by Parramatta, played reserve grade for Illawarra in 1997.23AUSWade FentonSR, PR1998AUS Melbourne Storm24PNGJohn WilshereCE1998AUS Perth Reds25AUSDaniel FramePR, SR1998AUS Melbourne Stormfn6 Woy Woy Roosters26NZLMatt RuaPR, SR1998AUS Melbourne Stormfn7 Manly Warringah Sea Eagles reserve grade 199727AUSTristan Brady-SmithWG1998AUS Perth RedsAUSRyan BakerSRYet to debut–fn8 Perth junior, played for Australian Schoolboys rugby league team in 1997AUSRyan GundryPRYet to debut–fn9 Perth Reds junior in 1997NZLChris McCauslandFEYet to debut–fn9TGA David PalaviHKYet to debut–fn10 Canberra Raiders junior, former Australian Schoolboys rugby union team player Inaugural Team The first Melbourne Storm team to take to the field in Round 1 of the 1998 NRL seasonhttps://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-1998/round-1/summary.html NRL 1998 Round 1 23 July 2020 Melbourne Storm #440085 white #092340 #FED102 NRL 1998 Round 1 23 July 2020 Inaugural Team  1 AUS FB Robbie Ross  2 AUS WG Craig Smith  3 AUS CE Aaron Moule  4 AUS CE Paul Bell  5 PNG WG Marcus Bai  6 AUS FE Scott Hill  7 AUS HB Brett Kimmorley  8 AUS PR Rodney Howe  9 AUS HK Danny Williams 10 AUS PR Robbie Kearns 11 AUS SR Paul Marquet 12 NZL SR Ben Roarty 13 NZL LK Tawera Nikau Interchange 14 AUS Glenn Lazarus y 15 NZL Richard Swain 16 AUS Russell Bawden 17 AUS John Carlaw Coach Chris Anderson Representative honours This table lists all players who have played a representative match in 1998. List of Melbourne Storm representatives Player 1998 ANZAC Test State of Origin 1 State of Origin 2 State of Origin 3 October Test Matches Rodney Howe Australia New South WalesNew South Wales Robbie KearnsNew South WalesAustralia Glenn LazarusAustralia New South WalesNew South Wales Statistics This table contains playing statistics for all Melbourne Storm players to have played in the 1998 NRL season. Statistics sources:https://afltables.com/rl/teams/melbourne/melbourne1998_sc.html 1998 Melbourne Point Scorers afltables.com 21 July 2021https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-1998/melbourne/summary.html Melbourne Storm – NRL 1998 rugbyleagueproject.org 21 July 2021 List of Melbourne Storm records NameAppearancesTriesGoalsField goalsPointsBen Anderson Ben Anderson (rugby league) 40000Marcus Bai 27140056Russell Bawden 2780032Paul Bell Paul Bell (rugby league) 2570028Anthony Bonus 10000Tristan Brady-Smith 31004John Carlaw 2460024Wayne Evans Wayne Evans (rugby league) 171004Wade Fenton 20000Daniel Frame 70000Matt Geyer 112008Scott Hill Scott Hill (rugby league) 26141058Rodney Howe 121004Robbie Kearns 2640016Brett Kimmorley 27522266Glenn Lazarus 181004Paul Marquet 2750020Tony Martin Tony Martin (rugby league) 2168040Aaron Moule 82008Tawera Nikau 2740016Ben Roarty 2530012Robbie Ross Robbie Ross (rugby league) 2190036Matt Rua 60000Craig Smith Craig Smith (rugby league, born 1973) 172510110Richard Swain 2530012Danny Williams Danny Williams (rugby league, born 1973) 2060024John Wilshere 1030627 players used – 104 85 2 588 Scorers Most points in a game: 18 points Round 4 – Craig Smith (9 Goals) vs Western Suburbs Magpies Most tries in a game: 3 Round 20 – Marcus Bai vs Newcastle Knights Winning games Highest score in a winning game: 62 points Round 12 vs Gold Coast Chargers Lowest score in a winning game: 10 points Round 15 vs North Queensland Cowboys Greatest winning margin: 54 points Round 12 vs Gold Coast Chargers Greatest number of games won consecutively: 4 Round 1 – Round 4 Round 12 – Round 15 Losing games Highest score in a losing game: 21 points Round 16 vs Auckland Warriors Lowest score in a losing game: 4 points Round 23 vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Greatest losing margin: 24 points Round 19 vs North Sydney Bears Elimination Preliminary Final vs Brisbane Broncos Greatest number of games lost consecutively: 2 Round 16 – Round 17 NRL Judiciary A number of Melbourne players were cited by the match review committee for incidents through the 1998 season, with the following results from the NRL Judiciary. + Round Player Offence & grade ResultNRLJudiciary 100 demerit points equals one match suspension. Ref Reference Round 1 Brett Kimmorley High tackle Warning Round 3 Danny Williams Reckless tackle (Grade 3) 3 matches (375 demerit points) Round 12 Glenn Lazarus Careless tackle (Grade 3) 0 matches (99 demerit points)Guilty, but Lazarus to play The Age Fairfax Media 3 June 1998 Melbourne, Victoria 2 (Sport) Round 15 Danny Williams Careless tackle 4 matches (425 demerit points)Swanton Will Storm fury as Williams outed The Daily Telegraph News Corporation Australia 24 June 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 85 Round 16 Scott Hill Careless tackle (Grade 3) 1 match (150 demerit points)Potter Dave Deadline triggers scramble or a stroll The Daily Telegraph News Corporation Australia 30 June 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 65 Round 18 Ben Roarty Careless tackle (Grade 2) 2 matches (250 demerit points)Swanton Will City player shortage The Daily Telegraph News Corporation Australia 15 July 1998 Sydney, New South Wales 63 Round 23 Robbie Ross Dangerous throw (Grade 1) 1 match (125 demerit points)DeKroo Karl Storm Loses Star For Canberra Match Canberra Times Fairfax Media 19 August 1998 Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 15 Elimination semi final Tawera Nikau Striking (Grade 2) 1 match Bronco Ryan cops a 3-week holiday - Commissioner forced to defend judiciary Illawarra Mercury 16 September 1998 Wollongong, New South Wales 68 N/A Rodney Howe Doping 22 matches Feeder team Upon entry to the NRL, Melbourne Storm signed an affiliation agreement with Queensland Cup team Norths Devils to act as a feeder club and to provide Melbourne players who were not selected to play first grade a match each weekend.Devil hope for big year Northern News 22 January 1998 Brisbane, Queensland 42 Players would fly to Brisbane each week after training in Melbourne to play Queensland Cup, with a number of other junior players also moving to Brisbane to play with the club. The arrangement bore immediate results as the side coached by Mark Murray won the minor premiership. Featuring a number of players who had played for Melbourne in 1998, Norths Devils would go on to win the 1998 Queensland Cup Grand Final 35–18 against Wests Panthers, with Matt Geyer scoring three tries in the match.Devils too fast in second term Courier Mail News Corporation Australia 20 September 1998 Brisbane, Queensland 153 1998 Queensland Cup 1998 Queensland Cup Pos PositionTeam Pld Games played W Won D Drawn L Lost PF Points for (total points scored) PA Points against (total points conceded) PD Points difference (points scored minus points conceded) Pts Competition points1Norths Devils 16 Norths Devils (P)221615872394+47833 Awards and honours Melbourne Storm Awards Night Held on Friday, 2 October:Sport briefs The Age 3 October 1998 Melbourne, Victoria 17Kearns takes Storm award Illawarra Mercury 3 October 1998 Wollongong, New South Wales 74 Melbourne Storm Player of the Year: Robbie KearnsNRL Honour Board http://www.melbournestorm.com.au/default.aspx?s=nrl-honour-board melbournestorm.com.au Melbourne Storm 10 February 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130928161940/http://www.melbournestorm.com.au/default.aspx?s=nrl-honour-board 28 September 2013 Melbourne Storm Rookie of the Year: Ben Roarty Clubman of the Year: Robbie Kearns Mick Moore Chairman's Award: Chris Anderson Hit of the Year: Marcus Bai Dally M Awards Night Held at Fox Studios Australia on Thursday, 27 August.Rickettes Steve Johns scoops the pool Courier Mail News Corporation Australia 28 August 1998 Brisbane, Queensland 48 Dally M Coach of the Year: Chris Anderson Dally M Winger of the Year: Marcus Bai Dally M Lock of the Year: Tawera Nikau Additional Awards Rugby League Annual – Players of the Year: Marcus Bai Rugby League Annual – Team of the Year: Marcus Bai (WG) Notes References 1998 Category:1998 NRL season by club Category:1998 in sport in Melbourne