Josh Mercer previews the Thursday night clash between the Melbourne Storm and the Sydney Roosters. This is what we have to look forward to.
FORM LINE
Melbourne Storm
The Storm racked up a massive win over a Warriors side that had unfortunately lost their coach. The Storm have been a bit inconsistent this year: one week they will look like the Storm of old and defeat a promising side like Newcastle, and the next week they will get beaten or come close to losing to a lower-ranked side. The big win did come at a cost, as they lost Cameron Munster to a knee injury.
Sydney Roosters
The Roosters racked win number five when they overcame a Dragons fightback in the first half. The win came at a cost, with the Roosters losing lock Victor Radley and back up hooker Sam Verrills for the season, both to ACL injuries.
SQUAD NEWS
Melbourne Storm
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Justin Olam 4. Paul Momirovski 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Ryley Jacks 7. Jerome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Christian Welch 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane 14. Brandon Smith 15. Tino Faasuamaleaui 16. Tom Eisenhuth 17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 18. Cooper Johns 19. Marion Seve 20. Albert Vete 21. Chris Lewis.
Sydney Roosters
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Josh Morris 4. Joey Manu 5. Brett Morris 6. Luke Keary 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Jared Waera-Hargraves 9. Jake Friend 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Angus Crichton 13. Nat Butcher 14. Poasa Faamausili 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Mitchell Aubusson 17. Lindsey Collins 18. Daniel Fifita 19. Ryan Hall 20. Freddy Lussick 21. Lachlan Lam.
KEY STAT
Since 2016 the sides have met five times on a neutral ground (Eden Park and Adelaide Oval) with the Roosters in front three games to two. This game is taking place at Suncorp Stadium.
BATTLE TO WATCH
Ryan Papenhuyzen v James Tedesco
The battle of the fullbacks will be an entertaining one to watch. James Tedesco will return to the side after sitting out the Dragons win due to a concussion he received during the win over the Eels. Both are exciting players who know how to find their way to the try-line, which will add to what should be an entertaining game.
GAME DETAILS
Roosters by eight.
Date:ย 2nd July, 2020
Venue:ย Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off:ย 7:50pm
