NRL TEAMS - 2024 Round 4
3 days ago | LeagueUnlimited Media
Former Grand Final foes face off in Victorian Capital.
Leaving it until the final five minutes to knock off the Knights last week, Melbourne will be looking for an improved performance against a Canterbury side embarrassed at Belmore last Monday. Well below the high standards associated with the Storm last week, coach Craig Bellamy will have his side raring to go as they look to post as many wins as possible before the impact of the representative period causes damage to Melbourne's finals aspirations. Fijian flyer Marika Koroibete returns to the Storm lineup after missing last week through suspension, replacing match-winner Richie Kennar on the left wing. Having lost their past five matches against Canterbury, Melbourne will be eager to change recent history and continue their early season dominance.
After disappointing with their performance against the Raiders last Monday, the Bulldogs will be out to make immediate amends as they venture down South to tackle the Storm. Capable of blowing teams away and struggling to score points from game-to-game, coach Des Hasler will be hoping for greater consistency from his side as he resumes his long-standing professional rivalry with Craig Bellamy. In the only change from the side beaten 22-8 by Canberra, match-winning centre Kerrod Holland returns in place of the injury-prone Chase Stanley, while Lloyd Perrett has been named on an extended bench.
Last meeting: Round 16 2015 - Bulldogs 20 Storm 4
Who to watch: Overshadowed by brother Jesse for much of his career, second rower Kenny Bromwich has made his mark for the Storm so far this season. Primarily used off the bench for most of his career, the 24-year-old Kiwi has stepped up since given the chance to start in the forward pack due to a shortage of backline players. Working tirelessly in defence and proving potent with the ball in hand, Bromwich has developed into an unsung hero for the Storm and will be out to impress on Monday night.
Having shown glimpses of brilliance throughout his career, young Bulldogs halfback Moses Mbye will be keen to bounce back after a mixed showing against Canberra last Monday. Most dangerous when running the ball, the young Queenslander has struggled to replicate the steadying influence provided by Trent Hodkinson last season, but at his best Mbye is capable of turning a game in an instant. With Kerrod Holland returning to first grade, Mbye won't have to concern himself with goal-kicking duties, allowing the halfback to focus on outclassing Melbourne veteran Cooper Cronk and getting the Bulldogs a much-needed two points.
The favourite: Having managed to come away with two points despite being well below their best against Newcastle, Melbourne are expected to come away with the win at home.
My tip: With Canterbury unable to find consistency in their performances so far in 2016; expect the Storm to produce a strong showing at home. Storm by 12.
1. Cameron Munster 2. Young Tonumaipea 3. Will Chambers 17. Ben Hampton 5. Marika Koroibete 6. Blake Green 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Jordan McLean 11. Kevin Proctor 4. Tohu Harris 13. Dale Finucane
Interchange: 12. Kenneath Bromwich 15. Tim Glasby 16. Felise Kaufusi 12. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
1. William Hopoate 2. Curtis Rona 3. Josh Morris 4. Kerrod Holland 5. Sam Perrett 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Moses Mbye 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Lichaa 10. James Graham 11. Josh Jackson 12. Tony Williams 13. Greg Eastwood
Interchange: 14. Sam Kasiano 15. Tim Browne 16. David Klemmer 17. Adam Elliot
Referees: Jared Maxwell, Matt Noyen; Sideline Officials: Russell Turner, Clayton Sharpe; Video Referees: Ben Galea, Ashley Klein, Bernard Sutton;