Hooker Grant takes over as Melbourne Storm skipper

Harry Grant has followed in the footsteps of Melbourne great Cameron Smith, with the star hooker taking over the Storm captaincy for the 2024 NRL season.

The Storm ushered in a new era with the 25-year-old replacing prop Christian Welch as the Storm’s sole skipper and continuing coach Craig Bellamy’s preference for a forward as his on-field leader.

Cameron Munster and Jahrome Huges will be Grant’s vice-captains, while Ryan Papenhuyzen, Tui Kamikamica and Josh King have joined the wider leadership group.

“It really is an honour to be given the opportunity to lead this group of players and our club,” Grant said.

“We have had some legends captain Storm and for my name to be listed next to someone like Cameron Smith, Robbie Kearns, Stephen Kearney and so many others is surreal.”

Grant made his debut for the Storm back in 2018 and has played 62 games.

He spent the 2020 season on loan to the Wests Tigers, where he featured 15 times.

The Queenslander has played the last four years of State of Origin and also eight Test matches for Australia, including at the 2022 World Cup.

Grant is the second hooker to captain Melbourne, with club legend Smith leading the Storm from 2006 until his retirement at the end of the 2021 season.

Welch and Jesse Bromwich shared the role in 2022, before the latter departed for the Dolphins for the 2023 season.

Grant said he didn’t intend to change his style despite being the official leader.

“As a group, not too much changes,” he said.

“We will just keep being the people we are and keep playing the same way.

“I spoke to the boys and told them I might get things wrong at times and say the wrong thing or not have the answer, but hopefully I can lead with my actions.”

Melbourne will open their campaign against premiers Penrith on March 8 as they look to improve on last year’s preliminary final finish.