Mathew Williams previews and gives a prediction for the NRL Finals week one clash between the Brisbane Broncos and the Melbourne Storm.
Related: NRL Finals Stats Broncos Vs Storm
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Brisbane Broncos Vs Melbourne Storm
Venue: Suncorp Stadium
Date: Friday September 8, 7:30pm
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Broncos: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Brendan Piakura 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Keenan Palasia 18. Corey Oates 19. Martin Taupau 20. Corey Jensen 21. Jock Madden 22. Tristan Sailor
Storm: 1. Nick Meaney 2. William Warbrick 3. Marion Seve 4. Young Tonumaipea 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch 11. Trent Loiero 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Josh King 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Tom Eisenhuth 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Ryan Papenhuyzen 18. Tyran Wishart 19. Tariq Sims 20. Tepai Moeroa 21. Reimis Smith 22. Grant Anderson
Referee: Grant Atkins
Embed from Getty ImagesMATCHDAY PREVIEW
The Broncos may have finished above them on the ladder, but the Storm will be looking to make it three-from-three when they go head-to-head against their more fancied opponents in front of a hostile crowd at Suncorp Stadium (and extend their winning streak against Brisbane to 15).
The two only faced each other a week ago, but when they take the field on Friday night the make up of the sides will be vastly different. Both sides took the opportunity to rest up and refresh their key players to ensure they were fit and firing coming into the business end of the competition.
Brisbane’s decision to rest such a large contingent may have cost them a chance at the minor premiership, but coach Kevin Walters made the decision with a much larger goal in mind. Walters welcomes back 11 players into the fold, including the experienced Adam Reynolds and inspirational leader Patrick Carrigan, in what will be a huge boost for the home side.
Storm coach Craig Bellamy took a similar approach to Walters by resting his players, and brings an incredible 13 players back into his 17 as they look to show they can compete with the heavyweights in the competition. Ryan Papenhuyzen will provide X-factor off the bench and will look to wreak havoc on the tiring Broncos forwards with his speed and footwork.
There is incredible talent all across the park and each and every one of them will be eager to stamp their mark on the match and give their side the edge. Getting the all important result here is the difference between being one win away from a grand final appearance and having to get there the hard way.
Whether its the game-breaking ability of Cameron Munster, the guile of Harry Grant around the ruck, the powerful running of Payne Haas, or the electric speed and swagger of Reece Walsh, there will be plenty on show to ensure the fans are on the edge of their seats right up until the final whistle.
LAST TEN MATCHES
Storm 10, Broncos 0.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Broncos by four points.
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