JUNE 24th, 2023. MELBOURNE STORM v MANLY SEA EAGLES
AAMI PARK,MELBOURNE
In a highly anticipated NRL Round 17 showdown, the Melbourne Storm are set to host the struggling Manly Sea Eagles at the iconic AAMI Park. The Storm, riding the momentum of two consecutive victories against the Sharks and Tigers, aim to extend their winning streak while the Sea Eagles seek redemption and a chance to turn their season around.
Melbourne’s recent form has been impressive, securing commanding victories with 13+ point margins in their last two matches. They have dominated the competition, triumphing in four out of their last five encounters. Additionally, their home ground advantage at AAMI Park has been a fortress, as they have emerged victorious in their previous five fixtures on this hallowed turf.
The Storm’s arsenal receives a significant boost with the return of key players who missed their comfortable 28-6 win over the Tigers. The dynamic trio of Cameron Munster, Harry Grant, and Xavier Coates are expected to back up after their Origin commitments. Furthermore, the team welcomes back the influential Justin Olam and Christian Welch from injury. Under the masterful guidance of coach Craig Bellamy, the Storm currently sit in a formidable third position on the ladder and appear poised for a strong finish to the regular season, fueling their aspirations for another shot at the premiership.
However, the Sea Eagles find themselves grappling with a major setback. During the recent Origin clash, Tom Trbojevic suffered a torn pectoral muscle that is likely to sideline him for the remainder of the season. This injury deals a devastating blow to Trbojevic, who has struggled to maintain a consistent run of games since his Dally M Medal triumph a couple of years ago. Manly’s record without Trbojevic has been lackluster, with just four victories since Round 3.
Although the Sea Eagles emerged victorious against Melbourne earlier in the season on home turf, they face a formidable challenge in attempting to secure a double over the Storm in a single year, a feat they haven’t achieved since 2015.
As we analyze the statistics, it becomes evident that the Sea Eagles’ struggles extend beyond their encounter with Melbourne. They have lost four out of their last six away games and have suffered defeat by a margin of 13+ points in six out of their last seven games played outside New South Wales. In contrast, the Storm have displayed their dominance by winning their previous two matches with a comfortable 22-point lead or more.
Key players to watch in this high-stakes clash include Will Warbrick, who has showcased exceptional try-scoring prowess with eight tries in his last five games. Christian Tuipulotu has also made a significant impact, finding the try line in his last three encounters against the Storm. Furthermore, Justin Olam has proven to be a force to be reckoned with at AAMI Park, scoring tries in three out of his last four games played on this hallowed ground.
The Storm, fielding one of their strongest lineups of the season, provided their Origin stars back up, are poised to defend their home turf against Manly’s challenge. With the absence of Turbo, it seems unlikely that the Sea Eagles can overcome Melbourne’s might on their own turf.
The NRL Round 17 clash between the Melbourne Storm and Manly Sea Eagles promises to be a captivating battle. As the Storm look to extend their winning streak and consolidate their position among the league’s elite, the Sea Eagles face an uphill battle to resurrect their season without their talismanic leader. Only time will tell if the Storm’s surge can overpower the Sea Eagles’ struggles in this thrilling encounter at AAMI Park.
Storm team: 1. Nick Meaney 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Justin Olam 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tom Eisenhuth 9. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch 11. Trent Loiero 12. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 13. Josh King 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Tariq Sims 16. Aaron Pene 17. Tyran Wishart 18. Kane Bradley 19. Chris Lewis 20. George Jennings 21. Alec MacDonald 22. Jonah Pezet 23. Sualauvi Faalogo Storm have won their last five games at AAMI Park
Sea Eagles team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Josh Schuster 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Toafofoa Sipley 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ethan Bullemor 13. Sean Keppie 14. Karl Lawton 15. Josh Aloiai 16. Aaron Woods 17. Ben Condon 18. Samuela Fainu 19. Jakob Arthur 20. Morgan Harper 21. Ray Tuaimalo-Vaega 22. Tom Trbojevic
PREDICTION.
The Storm look far too good for me at home with all their stars back from Origin, and Manly will lose Trbojevic for the season as I see it. Storm 13 plus @$1.90 looks good. Warbrick anytime try scorer as a bonus.
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