2003 Melbourne Storm season
{{Infobox rugby league team season
| year = 2003
| team_colour = #6C0094
| font_colour = #ffd700
| league = NRL
| league_link = NRL
| league_rank = 5th
| league_wins = 15
| league_draws = 0
| league_losses = 9
| points_for = 564
| points_against = 486
| playoff_result = Semi-final Loss
| CEO_title = Executive Director & CEO
| CEO = John Ribot
| coach_title = Coach
| coach = Craig Bellamy
| captain = Stephen Kearney (25 Games)
Robbie Kearns (1 Game)
| stadium = Olympic Park
| avg_attendance = 9,626
| high_attendance = 11,512 (Round 19)
| top_tries = Billy Slater (19)
| top_goals = Matt Orford (74)
| top_points = Matt Orford (180)
| prev_season = 2002
| next_season = 2004
| list = yes
| list_link = List of Melbourne Storm seasons
}}
The 2003 Melbourne Storm season was the 6th in the club's history. They competed in the NRL's 2003 Telstra Premiership and finished the regular season 5th out of 15 teams, before reaching the semi-final where they were knocked out by Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. It was Craig Bellamy's first season as head coach of the club.
Under new coach Craig Bellamy, the 2003 season for the Storm was one of regaining premiership credibility. Melbourne reached the finals for the first time since 2000 with evergreen Robbie Kearns and a confident Matt Orford showing the way.
A disappointing exit two weeks before the Grand Final was tempered by the rise of young Queenslanders Billy Slater and Cameron Smith. Unheard of at the start of 2003, the steady hooker and dummy-half Smith gave splendid service to Orford and his forwards. He was rewarded with a place in the Maroons Origin side and was unlucky to miss the Kangaroos train-on squad.
The silky and pacy moves of Slater in the centres and at fullback were attention getters for fans and keen judges of football talent alike. His debut season for the Storm realised a record 19 tries and talk of a big future in the game.{{cite web|title=Melbourne Storm History |url=https://www.melbournestorm.com.au/about/storm-history/ |work=melbournestorm.com.au |publisher=Melbourne Storm |accessdate=7 March 2018}}
Season Summary
- Pre season – Melbourne are one of four clubs fined for salary cap breaches during the 2002 NRL season. Melbourne's fine is $66,698 relating to previous contracts.
- World Sevens – Storm participate in the return of Rugby League World Sevens, losing all three of their pool matches at Aussie Stadium. Steven Bell captained the squad, which included a number of new recruits and players yet to make their NRL debut.{{cite news |last1=Mascord |first1=Steve |title=Love's labours not lost on fans as sevens returns |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |publisher=Fairfax Media Publications Pty Limited |date=1 February 2003 |location=Sydney, New South Wales |page=72}}
- 14 February – Stephen Kearney is appointed as Melbourne captain.
- 20 February – Reports emerge former trackwork jockey Billy Slater has secured a spot in Melbourne's squad ahead of the 2003 season.{{cite book |last1=Middleton |first1=David |title=Rugby League 2004 |date=2004 |publisher=Harper Sports |location=Sydney |isbn=0734407254}}
- 27 February – Willie Leyshon announces his retirement from rugby league after a succession of serious knee injuries. Leyshon blaming strength and conditioning coach Alex Corvo and physiotherapist Matt Natusch for ignoring his pleas for an altered training program due to his persistent knee injuries.{{cite journal |last1=Blaschke |first1=Ben |title=Forced to quit |journal=Big League |date=13 March 2003 |volume=84 |issue=1 |pages=10–11 |publisher=Text Pacific Pty Ltd |location=Melbourne, Victoria}}
- 5 March – A number of Sydney NRL clubs voice their opposition to the NRL's decision to grant salary cap concessions to Melbourne to help support relocated players.
- 12 March – NRL CEO David Gallop throws his support behind the proposal to allow Melbourne salary cap concessions to cover relocation expenses for players. Melbourne had put forward a proposal asking the NRL for a $265,000 concession on top of the $3.25m salary cap.{{cite news |last1=Honeysett |first1=Stuart |title=Anderson buys into salary cap storm |work=The Australian |publisher=Nationwide News Pty Ltd |date=13 March 2003 |location=Canberra, Australia |page=17}}
- Round 1 – Recovering from a 22–0 deficit, Melbourne stage an amazing comeback victory 36–32 over Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at Toyota Park. On his NRL debut, Billy Slater scores a stunning try to spark the comeback, with Steven Bell scoring a hat-trick.
- 18 March – Melbourne Executive Director John Ribot withdraws Melbourne's application for salary cap concessions for players living away from home, saying "Melbourne don't want to be the source of division among the other clubs." Parramatta Eels boss Denis Fitzgerald and Penrith Panthers boss Shane Richardson had been outspoken in the days since the proposal was first mooted, with Canberra Raiders also requesting salary cap concessions.
- Round 2 – {{rlp|PR}} forward Rodney Howe suffers a serious knee injury as an understrength Melbourne thrash Penrith 42–16. Head coach Craig Bellamy praises rookie Billy Slater who scored two tries in the win, saying "he's got something special about him. I wasn't quite sure when he was going to actually show it, but he's showed it pretty early. He's a special talent." Jake Webster becomes the first Melbourne-born player to debut with the club,{{cite news |last1=de Kroo |first1=Karl |title=Local teen steps into eye of Storm |work=Herald-Sun |publisher=Nationwide News Pty Ltd |date=22 March 2003 |location=Melbourne, Victoria |page=77}} but it would be his only appearance for the season after injurying his anterior cruciate ligament the following week playing for Norths Devils in the Queensland Cup.{{cite news |last1=de Kroo |first1=Karl |title=Storm injury hell |work=Herald-Sun |publisher=Nationwide News Pty Ltd |date=1 April 2003 |location=Melbourne, Victoria |page=56}}
- 23 April – Aaron Moule announces his retirement from rugby league due to niggling injury problems.
- Round 7 – In his Storm debut, Andrew McFadden is injured again, succumbing to a groin injury in the first half. McFadden's injuries keep him out of the line-up for the rest of the season.
- Round 8 – Returning after a two-week injury break, Matt Orford scores 16 points in Melbourne's dominate 46–6 victory over a depleted Newcastle Knights.
- 9 May – Robbie Ross undergoes surgery on a bulging disc injury, after playing five of the opening eight games of the season.
- Round 9 – Melbourne inflict Canberra Raiders' first defeat of the season 30–10, despite an injury in the warm-up to Junior Langi.
- Round 10 – In the last game of rugby league at Brisbane's ANZ Stadium, an injury to Matt Orford cruels Melbourne's quest for a first win over the Broncos since 2001.
- 6 June – Matt Geyer signs a two-year contract extension, to keep him in Melbourne until the end of the 2005 NRL season.
- 7 June – Scott Hill re-signs with Melbourne, inking a new five-year contract.
- Round 13 – South Sydney Rabbitohs beat Melbourne for the first time, with the league cellar-dwellers stunning Melbourne 41–14.
- Round 14 – Ending a two-game winless streak, Melbourne defeat Penrith 32–12 to end the Panthers' eight-game winning streak.
- Round 15 – {{rlp|FE}} Scott Hill suffers a shoulder injury in Melbourne's loss to Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. Hill had feared his season was over, but subsequent scans cleared him of a serious injury.
- Round 17 – 0–4 at the venue, Melbourne upset Canberra 18–8 to win their first game ever at Bruce Stadium.
- 9 July – Melbourne sign promising {{rlp|fb}} Steve Turner to a three-year contract from 2004.
- 11 July – John Ribot is forced to deny rumours the club would merge with Collingwood saying, "I don't think you'll see us merging. I've got more chance of flying to the moon."
- 19 July – Robbie Kearns signs on with Melbourne for a further two seasons.
- Round 19 – Brisbane Broncos pip Melbourne 26–22 in the club's first ever golden point game, after scores were tied 22–all after 80 minutes. Broncos winger Scott Minto scores the winning try three minutes into extra time.
- 27 July – Fan-favourite Marcus Bai announces he will be leaving Melbourne at the end of the season, taking up a two-year contact with Leeds Rhinos.
- Round 21 – Melbourne reclaim the Michael Moore Trophy, winning 14–12 over New Zealand Warriors with a 41-metre penalty goal from Matt Orford the difference.
- Round 23 – After his first game back from injury since June, Scott Hill is ruled out for the rest of the season after re-injuring his troublesome shoulder.
- 4 September – In a dispute with the RLPA, the NRL cancel the annual Dally M Awards. Both Billy Slater and Cameron Smith were among the favourites for the Rookie of the Year Award.
- Round 26 – In a rousing farewell, Marcus Bai scores and converts a try in his farewell appearance at Olympic Park. Melbourne thrash Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 40–10 to finish the season in fifth place, securing the club's first finals appearance since the 2000 NRL season.
- Qualifying Final – In a controversial 30–18 upset win over Canberra, referee Tim Mander cracks down on Melbourne players employing so-called 'grapple tackles' to slow down the play-the-ball. Coach Craig Bellamy accuses Canberra of making complaints to the NRL about the tackling style, claims rejected by both the NRL and Canberra coach Matt Elliott. The controversy overshadows Melbourne's first finals win since the 1999 NRL Grand Final, causing much media talk in the days after the game between Melbourne officials, referee's boss Robert Finch and league pundits.
- Semi Final – Melbourne are eliminated from the finals in a whitewash by Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, held scoreless in a 30–0 defeat. It is the first time in 158 NRL games that Melbourne had failed to score.
=Milestone games=
| class="wikitable" style="font-size:80%; width:30%;" | ||
| Round | Player | Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | Billy Slater | NRL debut |
| Round 1 | David Kidwell | Storm debut |
| Round 1 | Dallas Johnson | NRL debut |
| Round 2 | Jake Webster | NRL debut |
| Round 6 | Ryan Hoffman | NRL debut |
| Round 7 | Andrew McFadden | Storm debut |
| Round 8 | Peter Robinson | 50th game |
| Round 12 | Robert Tanielu | Storm debut |
| Round 13 | Nathan Sologinkin | Storm debut |
| Round 14 | Dustin Cooper | NRL debut |
| Round 15 | Marcus Bai | 150th game |
| Round 15 | Nathan Friend | Storm debut |
| Round 20 | Steven Bell | 50th game |
| Round 22 | Antonio Kaufusi | NRL debut |
| Round 24 | Matt King | NRL debut |
=Jerseys=
Melbourne signed up a new apparel partner for the 2003 season, with Canterbury of New Zealand the new manufacturer of club jerseys. The home jersey design was unchanged from the 2001-02 jersey, but for a white collar replacing the gold. The club's clash colours was changed to a mostly white design with a purple chevron and gold thunderbolts, worn with navy shorts.
Fixtures
=Pre Season=
| class="wikitable" style="font-size:80%; width:75%;" | |||||||
| Date | Round | Opponent | Venue | Result | Mel. | Opp. | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 February | Rugby League World Sevens | 16px Brisbane Broncos | Aussie Stadium, Sydney | {{Lost}} | 18 | 38 | |
| 1 February | Rugby League World Sevens | 16px Canberra Raiders | Aussie Stadium, Sydney | {{Lost}} | 8 | 24 | |
| 2 February | Rugby League World Sevens | {{flagicon|LBN}} Lebanon | Aussie Stadium, Sydney | {{Lost}} | 10 | 20 |
| class="wikitable" style="font-size:80%; width:100%;" | ||||||||||
| width="6%" | Date
! width="3%" | {{abbr|Rd|Round}} ! width="14%" | Opponent ! width="15%" | Venue ! width="5%" | Result ! width="3%" | {{abbr|Mel.|Melbourne score}} ! width="3%" | {{abbr|Opp.|Opponent score}} ! width="30%" | Tries ! width="12%" | Goals ! width="6%" | Field goals ! width="3%" | {{abbr|Ref|Reference}} | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 February | Trial | 16px South Sydney Rabbitohs | North Ipswich Reserve, Ipswich | {{Won}} | 44 | 24 | B Slater (2), R Ross, R Kearns, D Johnson, S Bell, S Tadulala, M Orford | M Orford (5), M Geyer | {{cite news |last1=Legg |first1=Garry |title=Storm warning |work=The Courier-Mail |publisher=Nationwide News Pty Ltd |date=23 February 2003 |location=Brisbane, Queensland |page=136}} | |
| 1 March | Trial | 16px Canberra Raiders | Morwell Recreation Reserve, Morwell | {{Lost}} | 4 | 6 | R Ross | {{cite news |last1=de Kroo |first1=Karl |title=Oh for a dry run - Rain leaves Storm defence untested |work=Herald-Sun |publisher=Nationwide News Pty Ltd |date=3 March 2003 |location=Melbourne, Victoria |page=48}} |
=Regular season=
==Result by round==
{{#invoke:sports rbr table|table|legendpos=b|header=Round
| label1 = Ground
| res1 = A/H/–/A/H/A/A/H/H/A/A/H/A/A/H/H/A/H/H/H/A/A/H/A/–/A
| label2 = Result
| res2 = W/W/B/L/W/L/L/W/W/L/W/L/L/W/L/W/W/W/L/W/W/L/W/W/B/W
| label3 = Position
| pos3 = 7/2/3/6/5/5/7/4/4/7/5/5/8/7/8/8/6/6/8/7/6/7/6/5/5/5
| label4 = Points
| pos4 = 2p/4p/6p/6p/8p/8p/8p/10p/12p/12p/14p/14p/14p/16p/16p/18p/20p/22p/22p/24p/26p/26p/28p/30p/32p/34p
| color_W = green1 |text_W = Win |color_D = yellow1 |text_D = Draw |color_L = red1 |text_L = Loss |text_H = Home |text_A = Away
| text_N = Neutral |text_B = Bye |color_B = blue1
| color1 = gold |color2-8 = green2 |color15 = red2
| source = [https://afltables.com/rl/seas/2003.html Rugby League Tables]
}}
==Matches==
- {{goldenpt}} – Golden Point extra time
- (pen) – Penalty try
=Finals=
{{Rugbyleaguebox |
bg = #eeeeee |
date = Qualifying final
12 September 2003 |
team1 = Canberra Raiders {{leagueicon|Canberra|16}} |
team2 = {{leagueicon|Melbourne|16}} Melbourne Storm |
score = 18 - 30
[http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/2234 NRL 2003 - Qualifying Final]. Rugby League Project. Retrieved 22 April 2021. |
points1 = Tries:
Jamaal Lolesi
Joel Monaghan
Michael Monaghan
Goals:
Clinton Schifcofske 3/4 |
points2 = Tries:
Marcus Bai (2)
Matt Geyer
Fifita Moala
Matt Orford
Cameron Smith
Goals:
Matt Orford 3/6 |
stadium = Bruce Stadium |
attendance = 14,094 |
referee= Tim Mander }}
----
{{Rugbyleaguebox |
bg = #eeeeee |
date = Semi final
21 September 2003 |
team1 = Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs {{leagueicon|Canterbury|16}} |
team2 = {{leagueicon|Melbourne|16}} Melbourne Storm |
score = 30 - 0
[http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/2239 NRL 2003 - Semi Final]. Rugby League Project. Retrieved 22 April 2021. |
points1 = Tries:
Nigel Vagana (2)
Corey Hughes
Willie Mason
Adam Perry
Goals:
Hazem El Masri 4/7
Field Goals:
Braith Anasta (2) |
points2 = |
stadium = Aussie Stadium |
attendance = 19,367 |
referee= Bill Harrigan }}
----
Ladder
{{main|2003 NRL season}}
{{Nrl2003ladder}}
2003 Coaching Staff
- Head coach: Craig Bellamy
- Assistant coach: Dean Lance
- Football manager: Greg Brentnall
- Physical Preparation Coach: Alex Corvo
- Physiotherapist: Matt Natusch
- Head trainer: Troy Thompson
{{cite book |title=2003 Melbourne Storm Info Guide |publisher=Melbourne Storm}}
2003 squad
List current as of 6 September 2021
{{Further|List of Melbourne Storm players}}
| width=100% |
| bgcolor=#6C0094 style="color:#FFFFFF"
!width=5%|Cap {{efn|name=fn1|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.}} !width=1%|Nat. !!width=30%|Player name !width=15%|Position !width=10%|First Storm Game !width=35%|Previous First Grade RL club {{efn|name=fn2|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.}} |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center|1 |align=center|{{flagicon|AUS}} |align=center|FB |align=center|1998 |{{flagicon|AUS}} Hunter Mariners |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center| 3 |align=center|{{flagicon|AUS}} |align=center|WG, CE |align=center|1998 |{{flagicon|AUS}} South Queensland Crushers |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center|5 |align=center|{{flagicon|PNG}} |align=center|WG |align=center|1998 |{{flagicon|AUS}} Gold Coast Chargers |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center|6 |align=center|{{flagicon|AUS}} |align=center|FE |align=center|1998 |{{flagicon|AUS}} Hunter Mariners |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center|8 |align=center|{{flagicon|AUS}} |align=center|PR |align=center|1998 |{{flagicon|AUS}} Perth Reds |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center|9 |align=center|{{flagicon|AUS}} |align=center|LK, SR, HK |align=center|1998 |{{flagicon|AUS}} North Sydney Bears |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center|10 |align=center|{{flagicon|AUS}} |align=center|PR |align=center|1998 |{{flagicon|AUS}} Perth Reds |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center|18 |align=center|{{flagicon|AUS}} |align=center|WG |align=center|1998 |{{flagicon|AUS}} Perth Reds |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center|28 |align=center|{{flagicon|NZL}} |align=center|SR |align=center|1999 |{{flagicon|AUS}} New Zealand Warriors |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center|34 |align=center|{{flagicon|TON}} |align=center|WG |align=center|2000 |{{flagicon|AUS}} Melbourne Storm |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center|37 |align=center|{{flagicon|NZL}} |align=center|SR |align=center|2000 |{{flagicon|AUS}} Melbourne Storm |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center|38 |align=center|{{flagicon|AUS}} |align=center|SR |align=center|2000 |{{flagicon|AUS}} Melbourne Storm |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center|42 |align=center|{{flagicon|NZL}} |align=center|CE |align=center|2001 |{{flagicon|AUS}} St George Illawarra Dragons |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center|43 |align=center|{{flagicon|AUS}} |align=center|HB |align=center|2001 |{{flagicon|AUS}} Northern Eagles |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center|44 |align=center|{{flagicon|AUS}} |align=center|CE |align=center|2001 |{{flagicon|AUS}} Melbourne Storm |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center|48 |align=center|{{flagicon|FIJ}} |align=center|WG |align=center|2001 |{{flagicon|AUS}} Melbourne Storm |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center|51 |align=center|{{flagicon|AUS}} |align=center|PR |align=center|2002 |{{flagicon|AUS}} Melbourne Storm |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center|53 |align=center|{{flagicon|AUS}} |align=center|SR |align=center|2002 |{{flagicon|AUS}} Melbourne Storm |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center|54 |align=center|{{flagicon|NZL}} |align=center|HB |align=center|2002 |{{flagicon|AUS}} Melbourne Storm |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center|55 |align=center|{{flagicon|AUS}} |align=center|HK |align=center|2002 |{{flagicon|AUS}} Melbourne Storm |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center|56 |align=center|{{flagicon|AUS}} |align=center|SR |align=center|2002 |{{flagicon|AUS}} Melbourne Storm |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center|57 |align=center|{{flagicon|ENG}} |align=center|PR |align=center|2002 |{{flagicon|ENG}} Wakefield Trinity Wildcats |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center|58 |align=center|{{flagicon|AUS}} |align=center|FB |align=center|2003 |{{flagicon|AUS}} Melbourne Storm |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center|59 |align=center|{{flagicon|NZL}} |align=center|SR |align=center|2003 |{{flagicon|AUS}} Sydney Roosters |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center|60 |align=center|{{flagicon|AUS}} |align=center|LK |align=center|2003 |{{flagicon|AUS}} Melbourne Storm |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center|61 |align=center|{{flagicon|NZL}} |align=center|WG |align=center|2003 |{{flagicon|AUS}} Melbourne Storm |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center|62 |align=center|{{flagicon|AUS}} |align=center|SR |align=center|2003 |{{flagicon|AUS}} Melbourne Storm |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center|63 |align=center|{{flagicon|AUS}} |align=center|HB |align=center|2003 |{{flagicon|AUS}} Parramatta Eels |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center|64 |align=center|{{flagicon|NZL}} |align=center|PR |align=center|2003 |{{flagicon|AUS}} Brisbane Broncos |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center|65 |align=center|{{flagicon|AUS}} |align=center|SR |align=center|2003 |{{flagicon|AUS}} Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center|66 |align=center|{{flagicon|AUS}} |align=center|WG |align=center|2003 |{{flagicon|AUS}} Melbourne Storm |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center|67 |align=center|{{flagicon|AUS}} |align=center|HK |align=center|2003 |{{flagicon|AUS}} Brisbane Broncos |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center|68 |align=center|{{flagicon|AUS}} |align=center|PR |align=center|2003 |{{flagicon|AUS}} Melbourne Storm |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center|69 |align=center|{{flagicon|AUS}} |align=center|CE |align=center|2003 |{{flagicon|AUS}} Melbourne Storm |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center|– |align=center|{{flagicon|AUS}} |Marc Brentnall |align=center|HB |align=center|Yet to debut |{{flagicon|AUS}} Melbourne Storm{{efn|name=fn77|Brentnall played in the 2003 World Sevens tournament}} |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center|– |align=center|{{flagicon|AUS}} |align=center|HB |align=center|Yet to debut |{{flagicon|AUS}} Melbourne Storm |
| bgcolor=#EFEFEF
|align=center|– |align=center|{{flagicon|AUS}} |Brett Finn |align=center|HK |align=center|Yet to debut |{{flagicon|AUS}} Melbourne Storm{{efn|name=fn34|Finn played in the 2003 World Sevens tournament, and the trial game against South Sydney Rabbitohs. He was later released and played for Souths in the 2004 World Sevens tournament.{{cite web |title=Rugby League: Sevens tournament made for speedsters |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/rugby-league-sevens-tournament-made-for-speedsters/EDMBUWD75QWFJ2JROIIRJNEVYI/ |website=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=24 October 2021}}}} |
Player movements
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
Losses
- William Leyshon to Parramatta Eels
- Keith Mason to St Helens (mid season)
- Henry Perenara to St George Illawarra Dragons
- Ian Sibbit to Warrington Wolves
- Richard Swain to Brisbane Broncos
- Shane Walker to Retirement
{{Col-2}}
Gains
- Nathan Friend from Brisbane Broncos
- David Kidwell from Sydney Roosters
- Andrew McFadden from Parramatta Eels
- Nathan Sologinkin from Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
- Robert Tanielu from Brisbane Broncos
{{Col-end}}
Representative honours
This table lists all players who have played a representative match in 2003.
{{further|List of Melbourne Storm representatives}}
| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; font-size:90%; text-align:center" | ||||||
| style="background:#bdb76b;"
! Player !! City vs Country Origin !! State of Origin 1 !! State of Origin 2 !! State of Origin 3 !! Midseason Test{{efn|name=fn31|Test between Australia vs New Zealand}} !! 2003 Kangaroo tour | ||||||
| style="text-align:center" | City (c) | New South Wales | New South Wales | New South Wales | – | Australia |
| Stephen Kearney | – | – | – | – | New Zealand | – |
| Cameron Smith | – | – | – | Queensland | – | – |
Statistics
This table contains playing statistics for all Melbourne Storm players to have played in the 2003 NRL season.
- Statistics sources:{{cite web|url=https://afltables.com/rl/teams/melbourne/melbourne2003_sc.html|title=2003 Melbourne Point Scorers|work=afltables.com|access-date=6 September 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-2003/melbourne/summary.html|title=Melbourne Storm - NRL 2003|work=rugbyleagueproject.org|access-date=6 September 2021}}
{{further|List of Melbourne Storm records}}
| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center;" | |||||
| style="width:12em"|Name | Appearances | style="width:3em"|Tries | style="width:3em"|Goals | style="width:3em"|Field goals | style="width:4em"|Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| style="text-align:left;"|{{sortname|Marcus|Bai}} | 26 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 46 |
| style="text-align:left;"|{{sortname|Steven|Bell}} | 22 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 40 |
| style="text-align:left;"|{{sortname|Dustin|Cooper}} | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| style="text-align:left;"|{{sortname|Nathan|Friend}} | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| style="text-align:left;"|{{sortname|Matt|Geyer}} | 26 | 14 | 5 | 0 | 66 |
| style="text-align:left;"|{{sortname|Scott|Hill|Scott Hill (rugby league)}} | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| style="text-align:left;"|{{sortname|Ryan|Hoffman}} | 13 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| style="text-align:left;"|{{sortname|Rodney|Howe}} | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| style="text-align:left;"|{{sortname|Dallas|Johnson}} | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| style="text-align:left;"|{{sortname|Antonio|Kaufusi}} | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| style="text-align:left;"|{{sortname|Stephen|Kearney}} | 25 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| style="text-align:left;"|{{sortname|Robbie|Kearns}} | 23 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| style="text-align:left;"|{{sortname|David|Kidwell}} | 26 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| style="text-align:left;"|{{sortname|Matt|King|Matt King (rugby league)}} | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| style="text-align:left;"|{{sortname|Junior|Langi}} | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| style="text-align:left;"|{{sortname|Andrew|McFadden}} | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| style="text-align:left;"|{{sortname|Keith|Mason|Keith Mason (rugby league)}} | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| style="text-align:left;"|{{sortname|Fifita|Moala}} | 12 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 32 |
| style="text-align:left;"|{{sortname|Aaron|Moule}} | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| style="text-align:left;"|{{sortname|Matt|Orford}} | 24 | 8 | 74 | 0 | 180 |
| style="text-align:left;"|{{sortname|Kirk|Reynoldson}} | 26 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| style="text-align:left;"|{{sortname|Peter|Robinson|Peter Robinson (rugby league)}} | 24 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| style="text-align:left;"|{{sortname|Robbie|Ross|Robbie Ross (rugby league)}} | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| style="text-align:left;"|{{sortname|Mitchell|Sargent}} | 23 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 10 |
| style="text-align:left;"|{{sortname|Billy|Slater}} | 26 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 76 |
| style="text-align:left;"|{{sortname|Cameron|Smith|Cameron Smith (rugby league, born 1983)}} | 24 | 4 | 8 | 0 | 32 |
| style="text-align:left;"|{{sortname|Nathan|Sologinkin}} | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| style="text-align:left;"|{{sortname|Semi|Tadulala}} | 12 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 16 |
| style="text-align:left;"|{{sortname|Robert|Tanielu}} | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| style="text-align:left;"|{{sortname|Glen|Turner}} | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| style="text-align:left;"|{{sortname|Marty|Turner}} | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| style="text-align:left;"|{{sortname|Jake|Webster}} | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| style="text-align:left;"|{{sortname|Danny|Williams|Danny Williams (rugby league, born 1973)}} | 25 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| class="sortbottom"
!33 players used !! — !! 104 !! 89 !! 0 !! 594 |
=Scorers=
Most points in a game: 16 points
- Round 8 - Matt Orford (1 try, 6 goals) vs Newcastle Knights
- Round 14 - Matt Orford (1 try, 6 goals) vs Penrith Panthers
- Round 23 - Matt Orford (1 try, 6 goals) vs Parramatta Eels
Most tries in a game: 3
- Round 1 - Steven Bell vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
- Round 23 - Billy Slater vs Parramatta Eels
=Winning games=
Highest score in a winning game: 50 points
- Round 23 vs Parramatta Eels
Lowest score in a winning game: 12 points
- Round 11 vs Parramatta Eels
Greatest winning margin: 40 points
- Round 8 vs Newcastle Knights
Greatest number of games won consecutively: 4
- Round 23 - Qualifying Final
=Losing games=
Highest score in a losing game: 28 points
- Round 4 vs Newcastle Knights
Lowest score in a losing game: 0 points
- Semi Final vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Greatest losing margin: 46 points
- Round 22 vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Greatest number of games lost consecutively: 2
- Round 6 - Round 7
- Round 12 - Round 13
Feeder Team
Melbourne Storm reserve players again travelled to Brisbane each week to play with Queensland Cup team Norths Devils. Coached by Gary Greinke, Norths missed the finals for the first time under the affiliation with Melbourne, with Cooper Cronk winning club's player of the year award.
{{main|2003 Queensland Cup}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" | ||||||||
| colspan="11" | 2003 Queensland Cup | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| width="20" | {{Abbr|Pos|Position}}
!Team !width="20" | {{Abbr|Pld|Games played}} !width="20" | {{Abbr|W|Won}} !width="20" | {{Abbr|D|Drawn}} !width="20" | {{Abbr|L|Lost}} !width="25" | {{Abbr|PF|Points for (total points scored)}} !width="25" | {{Abbr|PA|Points against (total points conceded)}} !width="30" | {{Abbr|PD|Points difference (points scored minus points conceded)}} !width="20" | {{Abbr|Pts|Competition points}} | ||||||||
| style="background:
|8 | style="text-align:left;"|{{leagueicon|Norths Devils|16}} Norths Devils
|22 | 10 | 1 | 11 | 615 | 589 | +26 | 21 |
Awards and honours
=Melbourne Storm Awards Night=
- Melbourne Storm Player of the Year: Robbie Kearns{{cite web|title=NRL Honour Board |url=http://www.melbournestorm.com.au/default.aspx?s=nrl-honour-board |work=melbournestorm.com.au |publisher=Melbourne Storm |accessdate=10 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928161940/http://www.melbournestorm.com.au/default.aspx?s=nrl-honour-board |archivedate=28 September 2013 }}
- Melbourne Storm Rookie of the Year: Cameron Smith
- Melbourne Storm Clubman of the Year: Marcus Bai
- Mick Moore Chairman's Award: Danny Williams
Notes
{{notelist}}