Raiders v Storm preview

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Match of the Round as Raiders stare down ladder leaders

Having missed out on the play-offs last season with a seemingly dream run home, the Raiders have surprised many with the performances in 2016 to sit in outright third. Guaranteed to feature in September for the first time since 2012, coach Ricky Stuart will be priming his side for another massive scalp after downing the high-flying Sharks last Saturday. Set to field the same squad that triumphed over Cronulla 30-14, the Raiders will be hoping consistency in their roster continues to yield consistent results on the field. With both sides recording three wins apiece in recent clashes, look for the Canberra faithful to rally behind their side as they fight to cement their first top four finish in over a decade.

Proving their credentials as the best team of the NRL era once again, Melbourne produced the unlikeliest of wins against South Sydney last week, having been outplayed and yet still coming away with two points. With their 15-14 win in extra time moving them above Cronulla, the Storm sit in outright first and all but assured of a top two finish. Facing off against the NRL darkhorses, coach Craig Bellamy will be wary of the threat posed by the Raiders and has been able to field the same side that triumphed over the Rabbitohs last Saturday. Having been pushed all the way in their last two visits to Canberra, Melbourne will need a much-improved showing on Monday night, but with the likes of Smith and Cronk directing play the Storm will always be a threat.

Last meeting: Round 6 2015 - Raiders 10 Storm 14

Who to watch: Consistently improving every time he takes the field, Raiders captain Jarrod Croker has been a standout this season with his leadership on and off the field. Set to finish 2016 as the leading point scorer, the 25-year-old shapes as a key figure for the vastly improved Canberra side as they fight to secure their first top four finish since 2003. On track to become the youngest player to reach 200 first grade games next season, Croker will be out to lead his side to victory on Monday and cement their status as competition dark horses.

For the accolades he has accrued throughout his illustrious career, Melbourne captain Cameron Smith remains one of the best players in the competition. Stepping up to produce two high-pressure kicks to secure victory last week, the esteemed hooker will have his sights on another strong finish to the season, as the Storm pursue a premiership that seemed unlikely at the start of 2016. Currently sitting atop the premiership ladder, Smith will be aware of the importance of finishing as high as possible in order to give his side the best possible platform of success in September.

The favourite: Sitting atop the premiership ladder, the Storm are expected to prevail over the ever-improving Raiders.

My tip: In what shapes as one of the games of the season, look for a much-improved showing from the Storm as they move a step closer towards securing the minor premiership. Storm by 14.

1. Jack Wighton 2. Brenko Lee 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Joseph Leilua 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Blake Austin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Junior Paulo 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Shannon Boyd 11. Josh Papalii 12. Elliot Whitehead 13. Iosia Soliola
Interchange: 14. Kurt Baptiste 15. Luke Bateman 16. Clay Priest 17. Joseph Tapine

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 21. Matt White 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Tohu Harris 13. Dale Finucane
Interchange: 14. Kenneath Bromwich 15. Christian Welch 10. Tim Glasby 18. Ben Hampton

Referees: Matt Cecchin, Chris Sutton; Sideline Officials: Tim Roby, Phil Henderson; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Luke Patten, Steve Chiddy