Storm v Cowboys preview

Melbourne Storm v North Queensland Cowboys
AAMI Park - Saturday 7:40pm

Two of the games premier halfbacks do battle to determine which side makes it through to the Premiership decider.

Having been embarrassed by Newcastle late in the season, the Melbourne Storm have responded in the possible way to secure a home Preliminary Final. The Storm will be buoyed be their recent performance against the Cowboys where they were able to produce a comprehensive defensive-oriented performance, ultimately running out 14-6 victors at AAMI Park. While coach Craig Bellamy has retained the same squad that defeated the Roosters a fortnight ago, the likelihood of winger Marika Koroibete taking his place on Saturday night remains unclear. Should the Fijian flyer fail to recover from a lacerated achilles, departing outside back Mahe Fonua is favourite to take his place before joining Hull FC next season.

After trouncing Cronulla last week in Townsville, the Cowboys will be full of confidence as they look to secure a place in the Grand Final a decade after their last appearance. Coach Paul Green has named the same side that downed the Sharks 39-0 last week, with former Storm utility Rory Kostjasyn preferred ahead of Ray Thompson on the bench. Having won three of their past five meetings against Melbourne, North Queensland will be desperate to get off to a strong start to avoid the disappointment of bowing out of the competition so close to the decider.

Last meeting: Round 25 2015 - Melbourne Storm 14 North Queensland Cowboys 6

Who to watch: Throughout his career Cooper Cronk has been responsible for a number of match-winning plays for the Storm. An expert at nailing a field goal in a tight situation, the Queensland halfback will be well aware of the need to produce a first class kicking game given the experience of his opposite number seven. Claiming Man of the Match honours in the last Preliminary Final contested by the Storm, Cronk will play a major role in getting the Storm into their first premiership decider since 2012.

If the Cowboys are to make the Grand Final Johnathan Thurston has to produce his best football. For all the accolades Thurston has achieved throughout his career, he desire to bring the Cowboys their maiden premiership burns brightly within the brilliant playmaker. Capable of anything, as shown by his remarkable tunnel-ball pass last week, Thurston will have a huge role to play in the Cowboys success on Saturday night.

The favourite: After demolishing Cronulla last Saturday, the Cowboys are expected to account for the Storm and progress to only their second Grand Final appearance.

My tip: At the start of the season the idea that the Storm would be challenging for a place in the Grand Final seemed unfathomable. When Billy Slater was ruled out halfway through the year, I thought Craig Bellamy would be lucky to get his side into the finals. To make it this far is an achievement unto itself, but I feel the Storm's luck is about to come to an end. The Cowboys ability to score points should prove to be the difference in a tightly fought contest. Cowboys by 6.

1. Cameron Munster 2. Marika Koroibete 3. Will Chambers 4. Kurt Mann 5. Matt Duffie 6. Blake Green 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Tim Glasby 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Tohu Harris 13. Ryan Hinchcliffe
Interchange: 14. Kenneath Bromwich 15. Dale Finucane 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Jordan McLean 18. Christian Welch 19. Dayne Weston

1. Lachlan Coote 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Justin O'Neill 4. Kane Linnett 5. Antonio Winterstein 6. Michael Morgan 7. Johnathan Thurston 8. Matthew Scott 9. Jake Granville 10. James Tamou 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Ethan Lowe 13. Jason Taumalolo
Interchange: 14. Rory Kostjasyn 15. John Asiata 16. Scott Bolton 17. Ben Hannant 19. Ray Thompson

Referees: Matt Cecchin, Ben Cummins; Sideline Officials: Steve Carrall, Nick Beashel; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Ben Galea;

Check out all the action live in our Match Centre