THURSDAY APRIL 18th 2024 ALLIANZ STADIUM SYDNEY
After securing significant victories, the Roosters and Storm are eager to showcase their championship prowess as they commence Round 7 at Allianz Stadium, two formidable contenders in the league.
Melbourne Storm’s Strong Record
Melbourne are sitting pretty at second on the ladder after stealing another narrow victory off the Bulldogs on Friday to boast a 4-1 record after the first six rounds
Having clinched all four victories at AAMI Park, Thursday night’s face-off presents a significant chance for Craig Bellamy’s team to demonstrate their ability to maintain winning momentum away from home, following their defeat to the Knights in Newcastle during Round 3.
Line-up Changes and Return of Players
Kiwi giant Nelson Asofa-Solomona comes in for his first game of the season at prop with Tui Kamikamica side lined by a calf injury. Joe Chan makes his return to the squad, taking the bench spot vacated by Tepai Moeroa, who sustained a back injury during the Bulldogs match.
On the other hand, the Roosters will enter the game with heightened morale following a confidence-boosting triumph against Newcastle. Despite missing several key players, they secured their fourth win of the season.
The Importance of Joey Manu
Joey Manu’s standout performance provided a ray of hope for the Roosters, and Trent Robinson will be banking on the Kiwi superstar to maintain his momentum with ample opportunities and space once James Tedesco and Sam Walker recover from their concussions.
Manu has confirmed at the end of the 2024 season he is saying sayonara and off to Japan to play rugby union. See my story in a previous article.
Captain James Tedesco makes his comeback from concussion, prompting Joey Manu’s shift back to the centres and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s move to the wing. Sitili Tupouniua is unavailable due to a head injury, with Egan Butcher taking his spot on the bench. Halfback Sam Walker is included among the reserves as he progresses through concussion protocol. While I may not personally hold Sam Walker in high regard, it’s worth noting that I’m not the coach.
LATE MAIL THURSDAY. Sam Walker has failed in his bid to return from concussion protocols via the reserves.
Roosters hooker Brandon Smith is poised for a significant showdown against his former team, potentially offering the crucial energy around the ruck that the Roosters will rely on.
Roosters vs. Storm Head-to-Head
Since 2019, the Roosters haven’t secured a victory against the Storm in Sydney.
The Storm have emerged victorious in eight of their last nine encounters with the Roosters.
Player Performances
Roosters winger Daniel Tupou has impressively found the try line five times in six games so far in 2024.
Storm winger Xavier Coates has been particularly prolific, scoring seven tries in his last three matches against the Roosters.
In 2024, the Roosters have yet to string together consecutive wins.
Referee and Team Lineups
Referee: Ashley Klein, Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy, Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski,
Senior Review Official: Adam Gee
Roosters
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Michael Jennings 4. Joseph Manu 5. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 6. Connor Watson 7. Luke Keary 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Nat Butcher 12. Angus Crichton 13. Victor Radley, 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Egan Butcher 17. Terrell May, 18. Fetalaiga Pauga 19. Dylan Napa 20. Max McCathie 21. Benaiah Ioelu 22. Sam Walker
Storm
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 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. Joe Chan 17. Alec MacDonald , 18. Grant Anderson 19. Jack Howarth 20. Kane Bradley 21. Jonah Pezet 22. Chris Lewis
Prediction
Following dominant victories over Brisbane and South Sydney in the initial three rounds, the Roosters have witnessed a dip in their performance over the last three matches. Despite a win against the Knights, they suffered defeats against Penrith and Canterbury. While the losses have been close, the Roosters have notably struggled in the first halves, a factor that has significantly impacted their overall performance.
The Storm have made an artform of close games in 2024, having no match decided by more than eight points and each of their last three decided by two points. In typical Storm fashion though, they have claimed four victories to sit alongside Cronulla at the top of the table. The reunification of the first-choice spine of Papenhuyzen/Munster/Hughes/Grant for the first time since 2022 in recent weeks gives the Storm an edge that most opponents can’t match. Storm in a close finish.
If betting I found a 5.5 points start for both sides at $1.49. Always handy a points start.
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