5:30 pm SATURDAY, AUGUST 3rd,2024 AAMI PARK, MELBOURNE
Melbourne Storm vs Dragons: Top Spot on the Line at AAMI Park
The Melbourne Storm are looking to solidify their place atop the NRL ladder as they host a desperate Dragons outfit on Saturday night.
Storm Seek First Minor Premiership Since 2021
The Storm currently sit four points clear of Penrith in their bid for their first minor premiership since 2021, and a win on Saturday will bring them one step closer to the J.J. Giltinan Shield.
Storm Cruise to Win Despite Below-Par Performance
Melbourne were below their best last weekend, but that didn’t stop them from cruising to a comfortable 32-14 win over Parramatta.
Cameron Munster Looks to Build on Successful Return
Five-eighth Cameron Munster made a successful return from a groin injury and is looking to take another step forward on Saturday.
Storm,
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Grant Anderson 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King, 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero, 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Lazarus Vaalepu , 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Alec MacDonald, 18. Tristan Powell 19. Chris Lewis 20. Sualauvi Faalogo 21. Reimis Smith 22. Tepai Moeroa
The Dragons are seeking an immediate rebound after a heavy defeat to the Panthers last Sunday, as they strive to keep their finals hopes alive.
The loss dropped St George Illawarra to 10th on the table, but they remain level on points with the eighth-placed Dolphins.
Fullback Tyrell Sloan returns to the NRL side after being dropped to NSW Cup last weekend. The youngster’s replacement Mathew Feagai lasted just 20 minutes on Sunday before he left the match with a head knock.
Dragons,
1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Zac Lomax 3. Moses Suli 4. Max Feagai 5. Christian Tuipulotu, 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Jack de Belin 11. Luciano Leilua, 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tom Eisenhuth , 14. Hame Sele 15. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 16. Ryan Couchman 17. Blake Lawrie, 18. Lyhkan King-Togia 19. Michael Molo 20. Jack Bird 21. Mikaele Ravalawa , 22. Connor Muhleisen
Referee. Grant Atkins, Touch Judges, Drew Oultram, Michael Wise ,Bunker, Matt Noyen
Storm Dominance and Dragons’ Struggles
The Storm have won five of their past six games against St George Illawarra.
The Dragons have not won in Melbourne since 1999.
The Storm have won 17 of their past 18 games at AAMI Park.
Dragons winger Christian Tuipulotu has scored six tries in his past four games.
Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes has scored a try in all six games he has played against the Dragons.
Prediction
The Storm were at their ruthless best against the Eels last week, with Cameron Munster making a rusty return, while the Dragons were no match for the Panthers. Munster will be better for the run, and the Storm will be eager to maintain their significant lead at the top of the ladder. While the Dragons are capable of springing an upset, I won’t be tipping against the Storm.
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