Check out the match preview and prediction for the Preliminary Final clash between the Storm and Roosters.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Melbourne Storm Vs Sydney Roosters
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne.
Date: Friday, September 27, 19:50.
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen, 2. Will 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. Kane Bradley, 20. Lazarus Vaalepu, 21. Joe Chan, 22. Sualauvi Faalogo
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 4. Joseph Manu, 5. Dominic Young, 6. Luke Keary, 7. Sandon Smith, 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 9. Connor Watson, 10. Lindsay Collins, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Sitili Tupouniua, 13. Victor Radley, 14. Spencer Leniu, 15. Naufahu Whyte, 16. Nat Butcher, 17. Terrell May, 18. Zach Dockar-Clay, 19. Siua Wong, 20. Fetalaiga Pauga, 21. Jake Elliott, 22. Michael Jennings
Referee: Grant Atkins
Embed from Getty ImagesMATCHDAY PREVIEW
The Storm are unchanged from their big 37-10 win over the Sharks in the first week of finals. Sua Fa’alogo could be a late inclusion, named on the extended bench after missing that clash due to a hamstring injury.
The Roosters will also roll out with the same team that proved far too strong for the Sea Eagles in last week’s semi-final. The Roosters won that battle 40-16 against a dangerous Manly side, and now face an even tougher test as they look to make their first grand final since 2019.
The Storm have won both matches between the two sides, most recently a 24-8 triumph back in round 20. These two teams also faced off in last year’s finals, Melbourne stealing a thriller thanks to a Will Warbrick try in the dying minutes. Both sides boast aerial threats across the backline, with all four wingers capable of stunning finishes. Pressure will be on the halves to deliver pinpoint kicks for their outside backs.
Particular pressure lies on Luke Keary. While Sandon Smith was solid last week in place of the injured Sam Walker, Keary will be called upon once again to lead the team around. Star fullback James Tedesco will also be key, as he looks to back up a best-on-ground performance from a week ago. He was everywhere in the Roosters’ win, scoring two tries, setting up two more, while adding two line-breaks and three line-break assists.
If the Storm can neutralise the threat of Tedesco, they will likely ensure a victory. Dally M hopeful Jahrome Hughes will look to lead from the front, his combination with Eliesa Katoa on the right edge proving a handful for most opponents all year. Cameron Munster has yet to reach his top form since returning from injury, but he can explode at any time, and the Roosters will need to nullify his dangerous running game in attack.
Recent history is in favour of the Storm, having won 10 of the past 11 matches against the Roosters. While Tedesco is in close to career-best form, with no Walker, coming up against a full-strength Storm outfit at home should prove too tough a test.
Check out the NRL Finals Stats Number Crunch here.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Check out all the NRL Predictions here.
Storm by 12 points.
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