Check out the match preview and prediction for the NRL Finals Week 1 clash between the Melbourne Storm and Cronulla Sharks.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Melbourne Storm Vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Date: Saturday September 14, 4:05pm
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen, 2. William Warbrick, 3. Jack Howarth, 4. Nick Meaney, 5. Xavier Coates, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Nelson Asofa-Solomona, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Josh King, 11. Shawn Blore, 12. Eliesa Katoa, 13. Trent Loiero, 14. Tyran Wishart, 15. Christian Welch, 16. Tui Kamikamica, 17. Alec MacDonald, 18. Grant Anderson, 19. Lazarus Vaalepu, 20. Kane Bradley, 21. Joe Chan, 22. Ativalu Lisati
Sharks: 1. William Kennedy, 2. Sione Katoa, 3. Jesse Ramien, 4. Kayal Iro, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Braydon Trindall, 7. Nicho Hynes, 8. Toby Rudolf, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Oregon Kaufusi, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Teig Wilton, 13. Cameron McInnes, 14. Daniel Atkinson, 15. Jack Williams, 16. Royce Hunt, 17. Siosifa Talakai, 18. Braden Hamlin-Uele, 19. Chris Vea’ila, 20. Jayden Berrell, 21. Samuel Stonestreet, 22. Thomas Hazelton
Referee: Gerard Sutton
Embed from Getty ImagesMATCHDAY PREVIEW
In 2021, Ryan Papenhuyzen struggled for match fitness.
It’s a tale that we’ve unfortunately heard a number of times before. Over the years, Papenhuyzen’s absence has opened the door for a number of players to excel in the fullback jersey at the Storm. This year it has been Sua Fa’alogo, last year it was Nick Meaney. But in 2021 – it was Nicho Hynes.
The 24-year-old had come through the Manly system as a half, and played as a half in the QLD Cup. But Melbourne needed someone to do the job, and they believed in their man.
Hynes dazzled the competition in that season, and it was clear that the suitors would soon start knocking on the door for his signature. Still – it was a surprise when incoming Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon announced the signing of Hynes… as a halfback.
Fast forward to 2024, and Nicho the halfback has guided his team to second, fifth and fourth-placed finishes – picking up a Dally M medal in the process. In the post-Gallen era, he’s become the cult hero upon which Sharks fans place their faith.
All that is to paint a picture of just how poetic it is that Nicho is called upon to end the finals hoodoo this Sharks side is experiencing – it’s a challenge that brings him back to where his time in the NRL began.
Hynes and the Sharks come into this game off the back of some patchy form, but a commanding win away from home against the Sea Eagles last week was absolutely a statement. Not to mention the fact that the Sharks have gone down to Melbourne this year once already and won – in a game where they were significantly understrength.
In all finals media so far, the Sharks have adopted a mindset of proving everybody wrong. Showing everyone that they’re able to contend just as much as the Storm, Panthers and Roosters can. Saturday night will be the most accurate indicator possible as to whether they can back up that claim.
As for the Storm, their relentless dominance throughout their history has continued through to this season (wrapping up the minor premiership in round 25 and tuning up for the finals with a huge win over Brisbane last weekend). Despite injuries throughout the season, the side they’ve named for this game is their full-strength 17. They’re my pick to be premiers and, in my opinion, their ascent to the premiership will start on a strong note in this game.
Craig Bellamy is a specialist come this end of the season, and with his side firing on all cylinders coming into the finals, they’re a scary prospect for any team unfortunate enough to stand in their path.
Enjoy your finals footy.
Check out the NRL Finals Stats Number Crunch here.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Check out all the NRL Predictions here.
Storm by 10 points.
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