JUNE 17th, 2023 WEST TIGERS v MELBOURNE STORM
CAMPBELLTOWN SPORTS CENTRE,CAMPBELLTOWN,SYDNEY
Wests Tigers vs. Melbourne Storm NRL Round 16 Clash: Injury Woes and Origin Challenges
Prepare yourself for an epic showdown as the Wests Tigers square off against the mighty Melbourne Storm in a high-stakes encounter during Round 16 of the NRL. The highly-anticipated match will unfold at the iconic Campbelltown Sports Centre in Sydney, promising a thrilling display of rugby league action.
The Wests Tigers have displayed significant improvement over the past six weeks, yet they find themselves sharing the bottom rung of the ladder with the Dragons. With their finals hopes hanging in the balance for the 12th consecutive season, the Tigers are determined to turn their fortunes around.
Unfortunately, the Tigers’ recent loss to the Titans was compounded by the untimely injuries to two of their star players, Api Koroisau and Luke Brooks. This setback significantly diminishes their attacking prowess for the next few games, including the upcoming clash against the Storm. The Tigers will have to dig deep and find alternative strategies to compensate for the absence of these key players as they face formidable opponents.
Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Brent Naden 4. Asu Kepaoa 5. Junior Tupou 6. Starford To’a 7. Brandon Wakeham 8. Fonua Pole 9. Jake Simpkin 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Shawn Blore 13. John Bateman 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Tommy Talau 16. Alex Twal 17. Alex Seyfarth 18. Will Smith 19. Justin Matamua 20. Aistasi James 21. Brandon Mansfield 22. Triston Reilly
On the other side of the field, the Melbourne Storm arrive fresh from a resounding victory over the Sharks. However, they find themselves navigating the demanding Origin period, which sees their dynamic trio of Cameron Munster, Xavier Coates, and Harry Grant on duty with Queensland. In their absence, Kiwi halfback Jahrome Hughes shoulders the responsibility of leading the team and rallying the troops.
If the Storm can triumph in Tigertown this week, their sights will be set on crucial matchups against Manly and Penrith. The return of Munster, Grant, and Coates before their Round 19 bye will provide a much-needed boost to the Storm’s campaign.
Historically, the Storm have been dominant in their clashes against the Tigers, winning eight of their past ten encounters. In their previous meeting at AAMI Park in Round 4, Melbourne secured a 24-12 victory, with an impressive ten of their starting 13 players surpassing 100 running meters.
Wests Tigers will face the Storm with a reconfigured lineup due to Luke Brooks’ hamstring injury. Brandon Wakeham will shift to the No.7 jersey, Starford To’a assumes the five-eighth role, and Brent Naden returns to strengthen the center position. Asu Kepaoa and Tommy Talau also undergo positional changes, with Kepaoa joining the centers and Talau moving to the interchange. Additionally, Jake Simpkin takes over the hooker duties in the absence of Api Koroisau, while teenager Tallyn Da Silva makes his NRL debut from the bench. Fonua Pole’s inclusion in the starting side at prop follows Stefano Utoikamanu’s Blues call-up, while Alex Seyfarth has been added to the bench.
The Storm will present a significantly altered lineup, with Cameron Munster, Harry Grant, Xavier Coates, and Christian Welch unavailable. Reimis Smith returns in the centers, and George Jennings makes a long-awaited comeback to the wing. Tariq Sims joins the starting side, replacing the injured Eliesa Katoa, while Jonah Pezet assumes the five-eighth role. Bronson Garlick takes over the hooker position, and Nelson Asofa-Solomona starts at prop. New faces on the bench include Aaron Pene and Alec MacDonald.
Storm team: 1. Nick Meaney 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Marion Seve 5. George Jennings 6. Jonah Pezet 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Trent Loiero 12. Tariq Sims 13. Josh King 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Tom Eisenhuth 16. Alec MacDonald 17. Aaron Pene 18. Justin Olam 19. Grant Anderson 20. Sualauvi Faalogo 21. Chris Lewis 22. Kane Bradley
Be prepared for a thrilling clash of skills and determination as the Wests Tigers confront the Melbourne Storm in what promises to be a hard-fought battle. Don’t miss out on the electrifying rugby league action at Campbelltown Sports Centre as these two teams vie for supremacy in Round 16.
Referee: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
Touch Judge: Jon Stone
Touch Judge: Darian Furner
Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
The Tigers’ tally of 166 offloads is second only to the Eels (180).
Storm fullback Nick Meaney has scored six tries in his past six games against Wests Tigers.
Wests Tigers have lost their past seven games at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
The Storm have won their past five games against Wests Tigers.
Tigers five-eighth Brandon Wakeham has landed his last 13 attempts at goal.
Storm fullback Nick Meaney requires 10 points to reach 500 career points.
Tigers winger David Nofoaluma has scored 17 tries in 25 games at Campbelltown Stadium
Referee: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
Touch Judge: Jon Stone
Touch Judge: Darian Furner
Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
PREDICTION
Even with a number of Storm players on Origin duty the Storm will be too good here on a cold night in Sydney. Storm by 7.5 points.
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