Josh Mercer previews the Round 13 clash between the Melbourne Storm and the Gold Coast Titans. This is what we have to look forward to.
Embed from Getty ImagesTEAM NEWS
Venue: Sunshine Coast Stadium, Date: 5/6, Time: 7:35 pm
Storm Team
1. Nicho Hynes
2. George Jennings
3. Reimis Smith
4. Justin Olam
5. Dean Ieremia
6. Cooper Johns
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Brandon Smith
10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
11. Tom Eisenhuth
12. Kenneath Bromwich
13. Dale Finucane
14. Aaron Booth
15. Tui Kamikamica
16. Chris Lewis
17. Aaron Pene
18. Jordan Grant
19. Isaac Lumelume
20. Trent Loiero
21. Ryley Jacks
Team Changes
IN: Dean Ieremia, Isaac Lumelume, Jordan Grant, Kenneath Bromwich, Ryley Jacks.
OUT: Josh Addo-Carr, Felise Kaufusi.
Titans Team
1. Jayden Campbell
2. Anthony Don
3. Brian Kelly
4. Patrick Herbert
5. Phillip Sami
6. Ashley Taylor
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Jarrod Wallace
9. Mitch Rein
10. Jaimin Jolliffe
11. Kevin Proctor
12. Sam Stone
13. Sam McIntyre
14. Tyrone Peachey
15. Erin Clark
16. Jai Whitbread
17. Joseph Vuna
18. Tanah Boyd
19. Esan Marsters
20. Greg Marzhew
21. Darius Farmer
Team Changes
IN: Ashley Taylor, Darius Farmer, Greg Marzhew, Jai Whitbread, Jayden Campbell, Joseph Vuna, Sam Stone, Tyrone Peachey.
OUT: Alexander Brimson, Beau Fermor, David Fifita, Moeaki Fotuaika, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui.
Referee: Chris Butler
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Storm
Embed from Getty ImagesFor the seventh time this season the Storm put 40 points or more on a team by defeating the Broncos 40-12. Nicho Hynes and Brandon Smith were the stars for the Storm, breaking the defence at will. Cooper Johns also had a good game and scored his first NRL try.
Titans
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Titans got off to good start against the Sharks last week scoring the first try after three minutes, however it was all downhill after that as the Sharks cut them to shreds to win the game 38-12. While the Titans had two players sin binned, the Sharks did as well so that can’t be used as an excuse.
PREVIEW
Beating the Storm this weekend is going to be a tough ask for the Titans. While both teams are missing key members, the Storm has done without those same key players for the last few weeks and have still managed to win and win big at times.
The key for the Titans will be to target the Storms inexperienced players, however, those players have come from the Storm system and it is easier said than done. The good news for the Titans is that Ashley Taylor comes into the side which will give the Titans a boost. The Titans will need to keep an eye on Nicho Hynes and Brandon Smith who tore the Broncos to sheds last week.
KEY STAT
Both teams have very good completion rates so far this season, the storm’s completion rate is 79% while the Titans is 77%.
PREDICTION
Storm by 20
Follow Nothing But League on Twitter and Facebook.
Join our NRL Writing Team. Check out the details here.