Warriors v Storm preview

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Can Melbourne overcome their bogey team? The Warriors look for a fresh start.

In what is shaping up as a very interesting game, the New Zealand Warriors head home for the first time in 2016 where they do battle with the Melbourne Storm. The Kiwi-based side have had a tough opening fortnight of the season with defeats to the Tigers and Broncos. They will be hoping their home advantage as well as their above average record against Melbourne will assist them in getting their first win of the season. Improved ball control and dominating the ruck will be the keys that Andrew McFadden's men will be focusing on. 

The Storm have been clinical the first two weeks of this season again showing why they are one of the most consistent and successful teams of the last decade. They lose Billy Slater but have his deputy in Cameron Munster to call upon which will help them greatly. 
Teams better not underestimate the Storm who have a very good roster and one of the best coaches in the business. Another win here would inspire even more confidence and build momentum for a Storm side that is already on the rise.

Last meeting: Round 18 2015 - Warriors 28 Storm 14

The Warriors are a current bogey team for the Storm and have won 3 of the last 4 clashes. In fact, the Storm haven't won at Mt Smart since 2012.

Who to watch: Look for another inspired effort by former Warriors captain Simon Mannering in Sunday's game. Despite handing the captaincy to Ryan Hoffman, he is a true leader and gives his heart and soul for his footy club. He controls the middle of the field for the Warriors and is one of the best defenders in the NRL for reading plays. Expect to see him pop up everywhere and make 40 plus tackles as well as continuously carting the ball forward in to the Melbourne pack, a truly invaluable player for the Warriors. 

For the Storm, they will rely heavily on the kicking game of Cooper Cronk to control field position and territory. Cronk will need his radar on from the get go to minimise the effect that Roger Tuivasa Sheck has at the back. His long kicking game helps the Storm play their grinding style of football that smothers oppositions, if he struggles with this then the Warriors could find themselves on top.

The favourite: Despite losing their opening two games, the Warriors are favourites here at home against the undefeated Storm.

My tip: I'm picking the upset here folks! Think the Warriors will finally turn up and put in an 80 minute shift. The Storm don't have a great record against the Warriors and the travel will work against them. Shaun Johnson to play out of his skin and get man of the match.  Warriors by 7.

1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Tuimoala Lolohea 3. Blake Ayshford 4. Solomone Kata 21. Jonathan Wright 6. Shaun Johnson 7. Jeff Robson 8. Jacob Lillyman 24. Jazz Tevaga 17. Albert Vete 11. Bodene Thompson 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering
Interchange: 14. Nathaniel Roache 15. Charlie Gubb 16. James Gavet 10. Ben Matulino

1. Cameron Munster 2. Young Tonumaipea 3. Will Chambers 14. Kenneath Bromwich 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: 18. Christian Welch 15. Tim Glasby 16. Felise Kaufusi 17. Ben Hampton

Referees: Henry Perenara, David Munro; Sideline Officials: Jason Walsh, Anthony Elliott; Video Referees: Ben Galea, Matt Cecchin, Luke Patten;