Storm v Roosters preview

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Rampant Melbourne attempt to keep streak alive against vengeful Eastern Suburbs.

If you looked at this game before the start of the season it would have had match of the season stamped all over it mainly due to the great campaigns of both sides in 2015. That hasn't been the case this year for one of these sides, with the other picking up where they left off in 2015.

This is still set to be a very entertaining clash regardless of what the table says, especially with the Roosters inching closer and closer to their next win. They have been close in previous weeks but poor communication and lack of polish at the end of their attacking plays has haunted them.

They will be desperate to avenge their embarrassing 46-0 drubbing at Allianz Stadium earlier in 2016.

The Storm were pushed all the way last week against a fighting Newcastle side who were unlucky not to get anything from the game. This game again personified the fight, desire and class of the Storm particularly when they are put in positions that other teams would lose from. They have kept the pressure on the Cronulla Sharks and will fancy themselves to continue their good form in this back half of the season and secure the minor premiership.

Last meeting: Round 14 2016 - Roosters 0 Storm 46

Roosters fans don't need to be reminded of their previous meeting with the Storm where the tri colours were played off the park. The last 6 meetings between the two have been split 3-3 though and I fancy this match will be a lot closer than their Round 14 blowout. The Storm need just 48 points to score 2000 points at AAMI Park a venue where the Roosters have won twice in 5 visits.

Who to watch: For the home side they welcomed the return of Cameron Munster last week who set up a try and was heavily involved. The loss of Billy Slater hasn't been felt as heavily as many thought with Munster moving seamlessly into the number 1 jumper and helping the Storm attack function like a well oiled machine. His vision, speed and right foot step are his best attributes. Look for his combination with Cooper Cronk to blossom and for him to be a focal point in those sweeping left hand plays that Melbourne like to implement.

The Roosters have looked a different side since the returns of Mitchell Pearce and Boyd Cordner. Focus will be on Cordner to get things going in their forward pack. He ran for 130m in a beaten side last Monday night and his combination with Pearce is gradually starting to get back to where it was in 2013-2015. Don't be surprised to see a Mitchell Pearce short pass on the inside to Cordner close to the line on Saturday Night.

The favourite: Storm big favourites at home against a Roosters side that has only won 3 games all year.

My tip: I saw enough from the Roosters last week that proved they can cause an upset this week. Pearce is getting better each week and Latrell Mitchell is a freak of nature at the back. They need to win it in the forwards however so the likes of Hargreaves and Cordner will need to have huge games. You would think the Storm need to have a bad game sooner or later and the fatigue on some of their key players is showing, think this may be one of those games that they lose at the death. Roosters by 4.

1. Cameron Munster 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Will Chambers 4. Cheyse Blair 5. Marika Koroibete 6. Blake Green 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 16. Matt White 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Tohu Harris 13. Dale Finucane
Interchange: 14. Kenneath Bromwich 15. Christian Welch 10. Felise Kaufusi 17. Young Tonumaipea

5. Blake Ferguson 2. Daniel Tupou 12. Mitchell Aubusson 4. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 1. Latrell Mitchell 6. Connor Watson 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Dylan Napa 11. Boyd Cordner 13. Sio Siua Taukeiaho 16. Isaac Liu
Interchange: 14. Sam Moa 15. Aidan Guerra 17. Ryan Matterson 18. Kane Evans

Referees: Gavin Badger, Adam Devcich; Sideline Officials: Rohan Best, Shane Rehm; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Ben Galea, Jason Robinson