Josh Mercer previews the round five clash between the Melbourne Storm and the Sydney Roosters. This is what we have to look forward to.
Embed from Getty ImagesTEAM NEWS
Venue: AMMI Park, Date: Friday 17th of April Time: 7:55 pm
Storm Team
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen
2. George Jennings
3. Reimis Smith
4. Justin Olam
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Cameron Munster
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Brandon Smith
10. Christian Welch
11. Felise Kaufusi
12. Kenneath Bromwich
13. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
14. Harry Grant
15. Tui Kamikamica
16. Tom Eisenhuth
17. Nicho Hynes
18. Aaron Pene
19. Dean Ieremia
20. Chris Lewis
21. Brenko Lee
Team Changes
IN: Aaron Pene, Brenko Lee, Dean Ieremia.
OUT:
Roosters Team
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Josh Morris
4. Joseph Manu
5. Brett Morris
6. Drew Hutchison
7. Sam Walker
8. Isaac Liu
9. Ben Marschke
10. Siosiua Taukeiaho
11. Angus Crichton
12. Sitili Tupouniua
13. Victor Radley
14. Adam Keighran
15. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
16. Nat Butcher
17. Lindsay Collins
18. Fletcher Baker
19. Matt Ikuvalu
20. Jesse Marschke
21. Daniel Suluka-Fifita
Team Changes
IN: Adam Keighran, Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Jesse Marschke, Lindsay Collins.
OUT: Freddy Lussick
Referee: Adam Gee
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Storm
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Storm were too good for the Bulldogs, running out 52-18 winners. Everything seemed to stick for the defending premiers, and while the Bulldogs were able to score three tries, they were never in with a chance. Ryan Papenhuyzen once again was the star for the Storm as was Felise Kaufusi.
Roosters
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Roosters were able to get the win last Saturday night against the Sharks; however, they had to do it the hard way. With the Roosters trailing 18-4 early in the second half, Drew Hutchison got the comeback started while young half Sam Walker used some sublime passing for tries to Daniel Tupou and Brett Morris while also scoring a try himself.
PREVIEW
The Roosters won’t be afforded the same luxury as last week against the Storm; if they find themselves down by 14 points early the Storm will put 50 on them like they did against the Bulldogs. The Roosters halves face a harder test this weekend: the more experienced Hutchinson will have to help Walker out and stop him from being overawed. Walker may well find himself a target of the Melbourne forwards given his small stature, and it will be up to the Roosters forwards to help him out as much as they can.
The Roosters will be boosted by the return of Lindsay Collins who missed last week’s win due to a concussion. Though he does have a few mistakes in him, Collins is a fearless runner of the ball and that will be what the Roosters need against a full-strength Storm. Adam Keighran will also be a welcome addition to the side. Returning after being injured in the first round, Keighran’s presence will help in the hooking role, especially since Sam Verrills is not going to be back for some time: they’re also missing Jake Friend (retired) and Freddy Lussick (after an injury against the Sharks).
KEY STAT
The Roosters do not have a very good success rate at AAMI Park, only winning three from eight for a percentage of 38.
PREDICTION
Storm by 18.
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