NRL SATURDAY : ROUND 25 MELBOURNE STORM v REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS

5:30 pm SATURDAY AUGUST 24th 2024 AAMI PARK MELBOURNE

Melbourne Storm Set to Defend Top Spot Against Struggling Dolphins

Saturday night at AAMI Park will see top-of-the-ladder Melbourne Storm take on the Dolphins, who have struggled to find their early season form, as they slump out of the top 8.

Storm Reinforce Top Spot with Gritty Performance Against Panthers

Melbourne reinforced their status as the top team on the ladder with a gritty performance against the Penrith Panthers last round, narrowly falling 24-22 to the Panthers on their home turf.

Storm Overcome Controversy and Injuries in Clash with Panthers

In a clash that saw blood, sin bins and officiating controversy, the Storm managed to hold off the Panthers elite and register the win. Admittedly, the loss of Nathan Cleary to a shoulder injury would have dented the hopes for the Panthers 15 minutes before the end of the game. Still, just as likely, Penrith should have tightened the screws when the Storm were down to 12 after Nelson Asofa-Solomona was sent off for a high shot.

Munster and Asofa-Solomona Lead Storm’s Push for Finals

Nelson Asofa-Solomona made a significant impact by taking out both Daine Laurie and Cameron Munster in one move. Munster, despite a lingering groin injury from a mishap in the shower while in Fiji, showed no signs of trouble and delivered a performance that has both him and the team poised for a strong finals run.

Bellamy Addresses Player Rotation and Injury Concerns

Storm coach Craig Bellamy was disappointed the team gave up a 10-0 lead on the Panthers and will surely tighten this up for the next game. When asked about resting players, he indicated that it would be up to the individuals and that he wouldn’t prevent anyone from playing. However, Bellamy has already made a decision regarding Grant Anderson, who will miss a match due to a head knock sustained in the previous round. . His place is the super utility, Tyran Wishart.

Storm

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Tyran Wishart 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. Sualauvi Faalogo 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Alec MacDonald 22. Christian Welch 18. Marion Seve 19. Kane Bradley

Dolphins Struggle Continues as They Fall to Bulldogs

The Dolphins faced the Canterbury Bulldogs in Bundaberg last round and struggled to make an impact, losing 30-10. The team’s second-half performance was particularly disappointing, highlighting a troubling trend that has seen them fall from finals contention to a desperate fight for a spot in the top eight. When questioned about the team’s decline in intensity, coach Wayne Bennett attributed it to other teams rising to the challenge. He also said the team doesn’t lack belief but rather that they lack execution.

Dolphins Aim to Rebound with Improved Defense and Execution

The Dolphins have let themselves down in their second-half performances, and instead of keeping themselves in the contest, they have just let teams run over them. However, as with any team, maintaining strong set completions and tenacious defense will keep you in the game. This approach could have you pressuring the opposition on their goal line with just a minute remaining, even if you’re trailing by only two points. Mark Nicholls returns from concussion protocols to take a spot on the bench.

Dolphins

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Max Plath 16. Ray Stone 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Kenny Bromwich 14. Oryn Keeley 15. Mark Nicholls 17. Sean O’Sullivan 22. Josh Kerr 18. Mason Teague 21. Kurt Donoghoe

Referee. Gerard Sutton. Touch Judges, Drew Oultram, David Munro, Bunker, Matt Noyen.

Prediction.

The Dolphins are expected to deliver a solid performance, but the Storm are in top form and will be determined to protect their path to the finals. Despite the Dolphins coming close in previous encounters, they have yet to defeat the Storm. With their current form, they may have a chance to refine their attack, but the Storm’s strength and momentum at AAMI Park make them the likely winners.

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