AUGUST 19th, 2023 MELBOURNE STORM v ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA Dragons
WIN STADIUM,WOLLONGONG,
In a clash of contrasting fortunes, the St George Illawarra Dragons are gearing up for their final appearance at WIN Stadium this season as they face off against the mighty Melbourne Storm on a Saturday evening.
Sitting at the 16th position following a challenging on-field season, the Dragons are determined to steer clear of any chance of claiming the wooden spoon by upsetting their long-standing rivals. Interim coach Ryan Carr, coming off a 26-14 defeat against the Rabbitohs, is welcoming back Zac Lomax and Francis Molo from injury and concussion.
With a mixed record of two wins out of six matches in Wollongong this season, Dragons’ Mat Feagai is celebrating his 50th appearance for the club. The lineup showcases Tyrell Sloan, Mathew Feagai, Moses Suli, Max Feagai, Mikaele Ravalawa, Talatau Amone, Ben Hunt, Francis Molo, Jacob Liddle, Blake Lawrie, Billy Burns, Dan Russell, Michael Molo, Connor Muhleisen, Ryan Couchman, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Zane Musgrove, Toby Couchman, and Paul Turner.
On the other side, the Melbourne Storm are in a prime position to secure a top-four finish and are eyeing a guaranteed second chance in September. Following an impressive 48-2 win over the Raiders, the Storm are on a roll. Under Craig Bellamy’s leadership, they have dominated the Dragons with 23 wins out of 31 clashes. Harry Grant is back in the starting lineup, with Reimis Smith preferred on the wing after a strong return to the top grade.
Historically, the Storm have had success in Wollongong, winning six matches plus a draw out of 12 visits. Their journey began with their first-ever premiership match at the venue against Illawarra in 1998. The lineup includes Nick Meaney, Reimis Smith, Marion Seve, Young Tonumaipea, Xavier Coates, Cameron Munster, Jahrome Hughes, Tui Kamikamica, Harry Grant, Christian Welch, Trent Loiero, Eliesa Katoa, Josh King, Bronson Garlick, Tom Eisenhuth, Tepai Moeroa, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Alec MacDonald, and William Warbrick.
Recent statistics paint a picture of Storm dominance. They’ve won four of the last five meetings between the teams, while the Dragons have struggled, losing eight of their last ten games. The Storm’s scoring prowess is evident with 42+ points in their last two meetings against the Dragons, as well as 46 and 48 points in their recent wins this season.
Jahrome Hughes has consistently scored against the Dragons in all five games he’s played, while Mikaele Ravalawa and Xavier Coates have been standout performers with eight tries each in their recent games.
Referees for the match are Peter Gough, with Sideline Officials Wyatt Raymond and Liam Kennedy, and Video Referee Ashley Klein.
Prediction:
The Melbourne Storm may not have been at their peak for a couple of seasons, but their reputation as one of the most formidable sides in the competition remains intact. With the potential return of Ryan Papenhuyzen and a powerful spine consisting of Cameron Munster, Harry Grant, and Jahrome Hughes, the Storm are a force to be reckoned with.
Recent performances attest to the Storm’s offensive prowess, having scored 46 and 48 points in their last matches. In contrast, the Dragons have had a challenging season, winning only five out of 21 games. Despite Zac Lomax’s return, it’s unlikely that the Dragons can pull off an upset in front of their home fans in Wollongong.
In conclusion, this game might not be the best choice for betting. The Storm’s superiority suggests a win by more than 13 points, making them the likely victors.
Storm: 1. Nick Meaney 2. Reimis Smith 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. Tepai Moeroa 17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 18. Alec MacDonald 19. William Warbrick
Dragons: 1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 22. Max Feagai 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Talatau Amone 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Billy Burns 12. Dan Russell 13. Michael Molo 14. Connor Muhleisen 15. Ryan Couchman 16. Ben Murdoch-Masila 17. Zane Musgrove 18. Toby Couchman 21. Paul Turner
Referees: Peter Gough; Sideline Officials: Wyatt Raymond, Liam Kennedy; Video Referees: Ashley Klein
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