Storm v Titans preview

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First round winners out to make it two in a row.

Overcoming an early ten-point deficit to finish on top of the Dragons, Melbourne will be looking for an improved performance on Sunday night against the resurgent Titans. Retaining the same squad that prevailed on Monday night, the Storm will have their sights set firmly on starting well along with targeting the inexperienced Titans backline. Coming into the squad late after passing a fitness test, Cameron Munster will continue his development in the centres playing alongside Fijian flyer Marika Koroibete, while Billy Slater will be looking to run the ball more after recording less than 100 metres for only the third time since 2014. The Storm hold a strong winning record against the Titans, managing nine wins from 14 clashes.

Running out convincing winners against Newcastle last Sunday, the Gold Coast will be buoyed with confidence as they prepare for arguably the toughest road trip in the NRL. While coach Neil Henry has retained the same squad that downed the Knights 30-12, experienced duo William Zillman and Luke Douglas shape as late inclusions, most likely at the expense of John Olive and Eddy Pettybourne. With several new faces among their ranks, expect strong performances from front rowers David Shillington and Agnatius Paasi as they look to match the more fancied Storm forwards. Suffering a heavy loss in their last clash at AAMI Park, the Titans will be out to make a statement early in the season as they gauge their position amongst the other 15 clubs.

Last meeting: Round 22 2015 - Storm 36 Titans 14

Who to watch: Entering his fourth NRL season, Melbourne forward Tohu Harris has more than stepped up to the mantle left following the departure of Ryan Hoffman. Starring for the Storm with the most runs and in excess of 30 tackles, the Kiwi international will be pivotal in Sunday night's clash. Still only 24-years-old, Harris looks set to enjoy a stellar career in Melbourne and will be looking to test out the Titans defenders on the edge.

Coming across from South Sydney in the off-season, Chris McQueen will be out for an improved showing against Melbourne on Sunday. Renown for his ability to attack the line at speed, the former Queensland representative will need to be more involved if the Titans are to pull off an upset away from home. Capable of brilliance at his best, the Rabbitohs premiership winner may prove to be a strike weapon under Neil Henry that can help the Gold Coast re-establish themselves as a competitive force in the NRL.

The favourite: Playing at home the Storm are heavily favoured to account for the Titans.

My tip: While the Titans showed signs of promise against Newcastle, the Storm are a battle-hardened outfit that should come away with the two points. Storm by 14.

4. Cameron Munster 2. Young Tonumaipea 3. Will Chambers 5. Marika Koroibete 6. Blake Green 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Jordan McLean 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Tohu Harris 13. Dale Finucane
Interchange: 14. Kenneath Bromwich 15. Tim Glasby 16. Felise Kaufusi 19. Ben Hampton

1. David Mead 2. Anthony Don 3. Josh Hoffman 4. Nathan Davis 20. Nene Macdonald 6. Tyrone Roberts 7. Ashley Taylor 8. David Shillington 9. Nathan Friend 15. Ryan James 11. Zeb Taia 12. Chris McQueen 13. Greg Bird
Interchange: 10. Agnatius Paasi 16. Leivaha Pulu 17. Daniel Mortimer 18. Luke Douglas

Referees: Ashley Klein, Chris Sutton; Sideline Officials: Michael Wise, Shane Rehm; Video Referees: Steve Chiddy, Bryan Norrie, Luke Patten;