SATURDAY,MAY 11th,2024 AAMI PARK, MELBOURNE
Clash for the Top
The clash between the Sharks and the Storm at AAMI Park on Saturday night promises not only bragging rights but also sole possession of the top spot on the ladder.
Battle of Titans: NRL’s Best Defense Faces Tough Challenge
With both teams holding impressive 7-1 records after nine rounds, they have established themselves as the standard against which all others are measured.
The Sharks boast the NRL’s best defense, conceding just under 14 points per game, while the Storm rank third in that category, giving up an average of 17 points per game across their opening eight matches.
History and Rivalry: Melbourne vs. Cronulla
In the 45 encounters between the sides since the Storm joined the competition in 1998, Melbourne holds a 29-16 advantage. However, the Sharks clinched the one that mattered most with a 14-12 victory over Craig Bellamy’s men in 2016.
While the loss of fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen to an ankle injury is a setback for the Storm, young talent Sua Fa’alogo is poised to step up and continue contributing to his already impressive highlight reel.
On the contrary, the Sharks are relatively unscathed as they prepare for their toughest challenge since their Round 1 showdown in Auckland, where they displayed resilience to defeat the Warriors 16-12.
Kiwi Test playmaker Jahrome Hughes has been omitted from the squad due to a calf injury he played through last week. Tyran Wishart steps in at halfback in his place. Dynamic youngster Sualauvi Fa’alogo seizes the opportunity at fullback in light of another injury setback for the unfortunate Ryan Papenhuyzen, while Grant Anderson joins the lineup on the wing. Tui Kamikamica has been listed in the wider reserves and could potentially make his comeback from a calf issue.
The ladder-leading Sharks have made just one change, with Royce Hunt stepping in to replace Toby Rudolf, who is sidelined due to a knee injury, on the bench. Back-rower Teig Wilton is available after accepting an early guilty plea for a careless high tackle charge earlier in the week, resulting in a fine.
Line-ups and Key Players
Storm
1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Nick Meaney 5. Grant Anderson 6. Tyran Wishart 7. Cameron Munster 8. Christian Welch 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero, 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Joe Chan 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Alec MacDonald , 18. Kane Bradley 19. Jack Howarth 20. Dean Ieremia 21. Chris Lewis 22. Tui Kamikamica
Sharks
1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Thomas Hazelton 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes, 14. Jack Williams 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Royce Hunt 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele, 18. Tuku Hau Tapuha 19. Mawene Hiroti 20. Samuel Stonestreet 21. Kade Dykes 22. Billy Burns
Match Facts
The Storm have emerged victorious in six of their last seven encounters against the Sharks.
The Sharks have been unable to secure a win at AAMI Park since 2018.
The Storm have maintained an impressive winning streak of 14 consecutive games at AAMI Park.
Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo has found the try line four times in his last three matchups against the Storm.
Storm hooker Harry Grant has notched up four tries in five games against the Sharks.
Referee: Grant Atkins
Touch Judges: Phil Henderson, Nick Pelgrave
Bunker: Adam Gee
Prediction.
The Storm clinched a narrow victory last week against the Titans, but suffered setbacks with the loss of two crucial members of their star-studded spine, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Jahrome Hughes. Meanwhile, the Sharks showcased their strength yet again by defeating the Dragons. Now, they’re gearing up to face a series of formidable opponents, a stretch that will truly test their championship aspirations.
Before the injuries, I would have easily favoured Melbourne in this matchup, but the absence of two key players is a significant blow to their prospects. The Storm will start as favourites at home. LATE NEWS. Since writing this article, Nico Hynes is out with a calf strain. Advantage Melbourne. But I am going with the Sharks with a 7.5 points start @$1.50
Comments