4:05 pm SATURDAY,SEPTEMBER 14th 2024 AAMI PARK, MELBOURNE
Storm Set to Welcome Sharks as Finals History Awaits
The 2024 NRL minor premiers, the Melbourne Storm, are set to give the Cronulla Sharks a special welcome as both teams look to write their own chapter in finals history.
Storm’s Stellar Form and Injury Returns: A Force to Be Reckoned With
Both teams staunchly ended the regular season, with the Storm dispatching a hapless Brisbane Broncos 12-50 at Suncorp stadium. The Sharks showed no mercy in taking it to the Maly Sea Eagles 20-40 at 4 Pines Park.
The stars were out for the Storm last round, only minus Ryan Papenhuyzen, but it didn’t matter as they grindded salt into the wounds of the Broncos at Suncorp. After a loss in the previous round, coach Craig Bellamy was eager to get his team firing ahead of the finals. With another standout performance from Jahrome Hughes, the Storm demonstrated they’re finding top form at just the right time. Ryan Papenhuyzen is back from injury, while Christian Welch is available after missing the last round due to illness. Faalogo has picked up a hamstring injury and is likely to be out for two weeks.
Storm
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 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. Tui Kamikamica 17. Alec MacDonald , 18. Grant Anderson 19. Lazarus Vaalepu 20. Kane Bradley 21. Joe Chan 22. Ativalu Lisati
Sharks Look to Prove Doubters Wrong in Crucial Finals Clash
The Sharks showed they are genuine contenders, with a solid performance from the players all around. Coach Craig Fitzgibbons may have played his cards for a reason in a game that didn’t demand a full team. With the Sharks exiting their last two finals campaigns without a win, it might be tempting to dismiss their chances before kickoff. However, their strong showing against Manly proves they’ve earned their spot and deserve respect. Oregon Kaufusi returns to the front row for Saturday’s clash, with Royce Hunt moving to the bench. Fan favorite Tom Hazelton, nursing a knee injury from the last round, is named in the extended squad, while Toby Rudolf is set to make his 100th NRL appearance.
Hynes and the Sharks enter this clash after a run of inconsistent form, but their dominant away victory against the Sea Eagles last week was undoubtedly a statement. Adding to their confidence is the fact that the Sharks have already beaten Melbourne this year—despite being significantly understrength in that matchup.
Throughout all the finals coverage, the Sharks have embraced a mindset of proving the doubters wrong. Showing everyone that they’re able to contend just as much as the Storm, Panthers and Roosters can. Saturday night will be the most accurate indicator possible as to whether they can back up that claim.
Sharks
1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey , 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes , 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Jack Williams 16. Royce Hunt 17. Siosifa Talakai, 18. Braden Hamlin-Uele 19. Chris Veaila 20. Jayden Berrell 21. Samuel Stonestreet , 22. Thomas Hazelton
Referee. Gerard Sutton, Touch Judges, Michael Wise, Dave Munro, Bunker. Chris Butler.
Sharks Strive to Break Finals Curse Against Dominant Storm
The Storm have won six of their last eight encounters with the Sharks.
The Sharks are on a six-game losing streak in finals matches.
The Storm have secured victory in six of their last eight finals games at AAMI Park.
Sharks prop Toby Rudolf is set to make his 100th NRL appearance.
Storm winger Xavier Coates has an impressive record, scoring 29 tries in 25 games at AAMI Park.
Storm’s Home Advantage and Past Success Make Them Favourites
The anticipated return of fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen from a leg injury is a huge boost for the Storm, while the Sharks will welcome back prop Oregon Kaufusi after he was rested during Sunday’s commanding win over Manly.
Another chapter in this storied rivalry will unfold on Saturday, with the winner moving just one step away from the grand final, while the loser will face the victor of the Cowboys vs Knights clash in a do-or-die battle.
As a top-four finals clash, picking a clear favorite is tough. However, history leans in favor of the Storm, who have won six of their last eight finals games at AAMI Park. In contrast, the Sharks are battling to break their finals curse, having failed to secure a win in their last six postseason appearances. The pressure is on Cronulla to prove themselves and earn the respect of punters.
Prediction.
Craig Bellamy is a master at navigating the business end of the season, and with his team hitting peak form heading into the finals, they present a daunting challenge for any opponent. For me, it’s Storm all the way.
Comments