THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5th, 2024 SUNCORP STADIUM,BRISBANE
When these two teams faced off in Round 5, they were seen as evenly matched.
Brisbane started the season with two wins and two losses, confident they could build on their 2023 success. Melbourne, with two wins and one loss, aimed to secure a home victory against one of the league’s top-rated teams.
A Drastic Turn of Events: From Finals Hopefuls to Finalists
However, this Thursday tells a completely different story. Just a week after Kevin Walters confidently declared that his team “will make finals,” the Broncos find themselves entirely out of the running. Their 40-6 loss against crosstown rivals the Dolphins was nothing short of embarrassing, particularly for a side with so much quality, and so much to play for.
Broncos’ Motivation in Question
Their season was on the line, and they failed to show up. That raises concerns to me as to whether they’ll be motivated to show up to a dead rubber game between themselves and a well-rested Storm, but they owe a duty to their fans to do so. After what has been an abysmal year at Red Hill, the Broncos fans at least deserve to head into their early off-season with a positive taste in their mouths.
The Task Ahead: A Significant Upset Required
To achieve that, they’ll need to pull off a significant upset. Kotoni Staggs, Payne Haas, and Brendan Piakura are sidelined with injuries, while Xavier Willison is suspended. Stepping in to fill the gaps is veteran winger Corey Oates, who is reportedly not being extended into next season, making this likely his final game with the Broncos.
Late Blow: Reece Walsh Ruled Out
Reece Walsh also was going to play, but has been ruled out late.
Broncos
1. Tristan Sailor 2. Corey Oates 3. Selwyn Cobbo 4. Deine Mariner 5. Jesse Arthars , 6. Joshua Rogers 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Fletcher Baker 11. Jaiyden Hunt 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan, 14. Blake Mozer 15. Kobe Hetherington, 16. Benjamin Te Kura 17. Martin Taupau , 18. Josiah Karapani 19. Cory Paix 20. Reece Walsh 21. Vaa Semu
Storm’s Final Tune-Up Before the Finals
Meanwhile, for the Storm, this game offers an opportunity to shake off any rust before the finals. Despite facing a significant number of injuries throughout the year, Melbourne has maintained its trademark dominance. Craig Bellamy has once again extracted the best from role players like Nick Meaney, Tyran Wishart, and Josh King, positioning the team as premiership favorites once again.
Bellamy’s Rested Squad Returns with a Key Change
Bellamy chose to rest most of his squad last week after securing the minor premiership. Those players now return, joined by Xavier Coates, who may play his first game since round 17. Sua Fa’alogo steps into the fullback role, covering for the injured Ryan Papenhuyzen, in the only forced change to their lineup.
Storm
1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Grant Anderson , 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. Kane Bradley 19. Joe Chan 20. Lazarus Vaalepu, 21. Ativalu Lisati 22. Xavier Coates
Referee. Todd Smith, Touch Judges, Nick Pelgrave, Michael Wise, Bunker, Ashley Klein
Key Stats Favouring the Storm
The Broncos have lost six of their last seven games at Suncorp Stadium.
The Storm have triumphed in 15 of their last 16 encounters with the Broncos.
The Broncos have conceded 135 points across their last four games at Suncorp Stadium.
Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes has scored nine tries in 11 matches against the Broncos.
Broncos winger Deine Mariner has crossed the try line 11 times in his last 14 games.
Momentum Matters: More Than Just a Dead Rubber
It may sound strange, but this game for both sides is about momentum. Obviously the Storm are looking to carry their winning momentum through to the finals series. But the Broncos will want to prove to themselves that they do still have what it takes to beat the best. They’ll want to carry that belief into their preparations next year, and it’s that psychological factor that means that this ‘dead rubber’ does in fact carry a heap of weight.
Prediction
The Broncos were dreadful last week in a must-win game, allowing the Dolphins to dominate them. It’s difficult to imagine them bouncing back sufficiently to pose a challenge to the Storm. Despite resting several players last week, Melbourne still held their own against the Cowboys. They will approach this game as a crucial first step toward what they hope will be a premiership run.
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