NRL, ROUND 20, JULY 15th, 2023 SYDNEY ROOSTERS v MELBOURNE STORM
SCG STADIUM,SYDNEY
The SCG Stadium in Sydney is set to witness an epic battle when the Sydney Roosters and Melbourne Storm collide in a highly anticipated NRL Round 20 encounter. With both teams aiming to secure vital points, this clash promises to be a spectacle that fans won’t want to miss.
The Roosters have endured a challenging season thus far, managing to win only seven of their 16 games. With a -92 points differential, they find themselves just outside the top eight as the final third of the season approaches. Under Trent Robinson’s decade-long tenure, the Roosters have only missed the finals once, but the current situation puts their postseason hopes in jeopardy.
However, the Roosters have reason for optimism as some key players return to their lineup. Brandon Smith, former Melbourne star, will face his former club, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this encounter. With the likes of Billy Smith, Egan Butcher, and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii also making their comeback, the Roosters have a genuine opportunity to turn their season around.
On the other hand, the Melbourne Storm find themselves in a favorable position after the Origin period, comfortably sitting in fourth place and trailing the league leaders Penrith by just two points. Although they suffered a loss against the Panthers in their previous outing, the Storm should be well-rested following their bye week.
Coach Craig Bellamy has named a formidable lineup, including Cameron Munster, Harry Grant, and Xavier Coates, who are set to back up from their Origin duties. The Roosters, too, will have James Tedesco and Lindsay Collins available for selection. The stage is set for an intense battle between these star-studded teams.
The Roosters, aiming to revive their season, will look to harness the magic of the SCG, a venue that has witnessed many historic moments. However, their current form raises concerns, particularly in terms of their lackluster attack. While Luke Keary has shown glimpses of his former brilliance, the team’s overall performance has been inconsistent. While Sandon Smith provides stability, he is yet to establish himself as a match-winning halfback at the NRL standard.
In a late-breaking development, Roosters’ captain James Tedesco will be rested for the Round 20 clash after a stellar performance in Origin III. Consequently, Joseph Manu will assume the fullback role, with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii stepping into the centres. Additionally, Fetalaiga Pauga will join the starting lineup on the wing.
When these two sides met earlier in the season, the Melbourne Storm delivered a commanding 28-8 victory, fueled by a Xavier Coates hat-trick. The Storm has had the upper hand in recent clashes, winning six of their last seven encounters against the Roosters. However, as Waerea-Hargreaves and Asofa-Solomona prepare to collide on Saturday night, both teams will be solely focused on the present rather than dwelling on past results.
The stage is set for an exhilarating contest as the Sydney Roosters and Melbourne Storm lock horns in NRL Round 20. With playoff aspirations on the line, expect an intense battle as these formidable teams fight tooth and nail for victory.
Roosters team:1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Joseph Manu 5. Joseph Suaalii 6. Luke Keary 7. Sandon Smith 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Turpin 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Victor Radley 12. Nat Butcher 13. Nathan Brown 14. Brandon Smith 15. Egan Butcher 16. Siua Wong 17. Naufahu Whyte 18. Drew Hutchison 19. Terrell May 20. Corey Allan 21. Fetalaiga Pauga 22. Dylan Napa
Storm: 1. Nick Meaney 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Justin Olam 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch 11. Trent Loiero 12. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 13. Josh King 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Tom Eisenhuth 16. Tariq Sims 17. Bronson Garlick 18. Grant Anderson 19. Alec MacDonald 20. Jayden Nikorima 21. Marion Seve 22. Chris Lewis 23. George Jennings
Referee: Grant Atkins
Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Storm have won six of the last seven meetings
Storm have won three of their last four games
Roosters have lost six of their last eight games
Storm have won three of their four games in Sydney this season
Joseph Manu has scored four tries in his last three games
Will Warbrick has scored a try in four of his last five road games
PREDICTION
I like the Storm here , 1-12, @ $2.90
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