In a series analysing who will line up in each position for all 16 teams in the opening round of the Telstra Premiership in 2020, NRL.com looks at minor premiers the Melbourne Storm.

NRL.com says: The departures of Will Chambers and Curtis Scott leave the centre stocks thin, with Marion Seve the obvious choice to partner Justin Olam. Christian Welch won't be back for round one after a knee reconstruction with Tom Eisenhuth or Albert Vete most likely to fill the last bench spot. Cooper Johns will push for a halves spot as the season goes on.

Brandon Smith suffered a facial fracture during his Man of the Match performance for the Maori All Stars in February. Highly-rated young rake Harry Grant is a capable replacement on the bench.

Jamie Soward says: I don't think it will happen but I'd love to see Cameron Smith go to halfback. He already runs the team and they've been lacking a dominant No.7 since Cooper Cronk left.

It also has the advantage of managing his work rate. That means Jahrome Hughes misses out for me while I also think young Cooper Johns could earn a chance in the halves as the season goes on.