The Melbourne Storm will officially usher in a new era of leadership in 2024 with Harry Grant replacing Christian Welch as the side’s captain.
Joined alongside newly appointed vice-captains Jahrome Hughes and Cameron Munster, Grant will be under enormous pressure to lead this rejuvenated side back into Premiership contention.
Despite only playing 63 games for the Storm in his young career, Grant’s leadership hasn’t been questioned and with legendary coach Craig Bellamy in his corner, the future of the club’s captaincy looks bright.
Speaking to SEN Grant reflected on the mixed emotions of joining an elite list alongside the likes of Glenn Lazarus, Cameron Smith and Jesse Bromwich as Storm skipper.
“It’s an honour when you do reflect on the past and those players that have been in that position,” Grant told SEN Afternoons.
“But I don’t look too much into it, for me it’s a bit of a title that someone at the club has to have, we’ve got a great leadership group that I’ll definitely be leaning on.
“As much as it is a big honour and I’m very proud to have my name there alongside those guys, it’s more about playing well and continuing to do what I’ve been doing the last few years.”
Grant credited the strong leadership from above the playing group for setting a positive example on the playing group throughout the years.
“The clubs got some great leaders at the top, from our board down to our CEO, football manager and most importantly the coach that us as players, he sets the best example,” Grant added.
“For me, I’m not trying to be anyone else or but who the club want me to be, I’ll just be myself, I’m in this position, our leadership are in the position we’re in because of the people and players we are.
“(It took) years of work to get into the position we are now, as people, as players and as leaders, so I definitely don’t think I’ll be trying to be someone I’m not, I’ll just do it the way I feel comfortable.
“That’s probably going to be wrong at times, but I’ll guess I’ll learn from that and the experiences.”
Grant will make his official debut as Storm captain when his side host the reigning Premiers Penrith Panthers at AAMI Park next Friday night.