NRL GAME THIS WEEKEND ROUND 15, NZ WARRIORS v MELBOURNE STORM

Rugby League

5:30 pm SATURDAY, JUNE 15th, 2024 GO MEDIA STADIUM, AUCKLAND,NZ

Warriors Host Storm in Anticipated Rematch

The last time they met back in Round 2 the Warriors and Storm played out one of the most thrilling games of the season to date.

Incredible Finish in Round 2 Encounter

An incredible try by Xavier Coates with seconds on the clock completed an incredible Storm comeback win in which they scored 12 points in the final two minutes to extend their winning run over the Warriors to 15.

Melbourne Heads to Auckland

This Saturday, Melbourne heads across the Tasman for the return leg, aiming to protect their spot atop the NRL Telstra Premiership ladder against a Kiwi side that is unbeaten in their past three games and looking to move back into the top eight.

Warriors’ Recent Form

The Warriors defeated the Cowboys away from home last weekend in clinical fashion, with the final score being 42-12. This follows an extended stint of many key players missing from the squad who are slowly making their return. After a rough start to the season, the Warriors currently sit in 10th place with six wins, six losses, one draw, and one bye.

Shaun Johnson’s Return

Shaun Johnson finally makes his return for the Warriors, after suffering a pec injury during Round 10. This shifts Te Maire Martin back into the five-eighth position, with Chanel Harris-Tavita dropping to the bench to make way for Freddy Lussick.

Injury Updates

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who suffered a hamstring strain in Round 10, has been named in the extended squad but is unlikely to play until Round 16.

Te Maire Martin’s Season

 Returning to the five-eighth role after temporarily filling in for SJ at halfback, Te Maire Martin has had an excellent season so far. Playing in every Warriors game since Round 5, he has made eight try assists, nine line break assists, four forced dropouts, whilst also scoring two of his own tries.

Storm’s Form and Changes

The Storm were effective, though far from perfect, in their 36-28 victory over the Knights in Round 14, while the Warriors trounced the Cowboys 42-12 in their last outing.

Historical Advantage for Storm

Craig Bellamy’s men have won five of their past six visits to Go Media Stadium. The one loss came against the Wests Tigers in a game played there as part of an Auckland double-header in 2018, not against the Warriors.

Reimus Smith Out

Due to Reimus Smith suffering a concussion against the Knights, he is unable to play. Dean Ieremia will come into the centre for his first game of 2024. Apart from this change, the Storm make no other alterations to their line-up.

Historical Matchup Stats

The Warriors last defeated the Storm in 2015 at Mt Smart Stadium.

The Storm have won their past 15 games against the Warriors.

Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has scored six tries in his last five games against the Storm.

Storm winger Xavier Coates has scored nine tries in his last five games against the Warriors.

Warriors prop Addin Fonua-Blake has scored four tries in his last five games.

Team Line-ups

WARRIORS

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry , 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Shaun Johnson,  8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Marata Niukore , 12. Mitchell Barnett 13. Tohu Harris 14. Chanel Harris-Tavita 15. Dylan Walker,  16. Jazz Tevaga 17. Kurt Capewell 18. Tom Ale 20. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck , 21. Taine Tuaupiki 22. Freddy Lussick 23. Jacob Laban

STORM

1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. Grant Anderson 3. Dean Ieremia 4. Nick Meaney,  5. Xavier Coates 6. Tyran Wishart 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant,  10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Bronson Garlick,  15. Christian Welch 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Joe Chan 18. Young Tonumaipea , 19. Jack Howarth 20. Lazarus Vaalepu 21. Chris Lewis 22. Kane Bradley

Referees: Gerard Sutton. Touch Judges. Phil Henderson, Paki Parkinson, Bunker, Liam Kennedy.

Prediction

The Warriors are a hard nut to crack especially at home in front of a sold out stadium, but the Storm are equally tough. They have game breakers every where which means the Warriors will have to play out of their skin to win. Conditions will probably suit the Warriors with the weather around 13/14 degrees at kick off, probably a bit of rain, and greasy, slippery, conditions. I will be brave and back the Warriors, and for insurance I will take a 5.5 points start. UP THE WAHS.

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