Storm v Cowboys preview

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Two premiership favourites look to progress through to the Preliminary Finals in the game of the round.

Now personally I had always viewed the Storm as a Top 2 side for the 2016 season. This was largely due to my belief that Cameron Munster demonstrated in his 2015 stint silky skills that could surpass that of Billy Slater. His performances in 2016 have proven this correct. Munster has played 20 games this season for 10 try assists, 4 tries, a whopping 120 tackle busts and an average of 167 running metres a game. The whole Storm outfit as a whole has been impressive this season, rewarded with the prestigious J.J Giltinan Shield. Boasting the best defence in the competition, their ability to grind out games courtesy of this defensive resolve will be key in September football, which is often a lot tougher and more demanding than the regular season. The Storm have managed to hold onto most of their side from the 32-12 Preliminary Final loss to the Cowboys last season and vengeance may be looming.

The defending Premiers will look to go one step closer to achieving what has seemed ‘impossible' and claim consecutive premierships if they prevail on Saturday night. The Cowboys, despite finishing fourth this season, were particularly successful in balancing their attacking and defensive strengths, ranking second in both categories this season. And this has seen them claim a coveted Top 4 position and shake off the Premiers curse which plagued South Sydney in 2015. The fact that they have also been able to largely maintain the same side as the one that downed the Broncos in Golden Point last season is rather incredible and puts them in good stead for this year's finals series, as they visit AAMI Park on Saturday night against a side they have won 2 from 2 against in finals footy.

Last meeting: Round 21 2016 - Cowboys 8 Storm 16

Last finals meeting: Preliminary Final 2015 - Storm 12 Cowboys 32

Who to watch: The maestros Jonathan Thurston and Cooper Cronk face off but even more important is the battle up front. If he plays, the match-up between Matthew Scott and Jesse Bromwich up front could prove critical. In last year's Preliminary Final, Scott severely outplayed Bromwich, running 202 metres compared to Bromwich's measly 83. In fact, Melbourne only managed 1423 running metres in that game, 642 of which were ran by their back 5 with bench forward Dale Finucane the only man up front to break the century.

Jason Taumalolo also looms as a danger man for the Cowboys. Taumalolo ran for 170 metres in that game and has average just under that this season with 164 metres a game. Yet, his 6 tries and 71 tackle busts indicate his size and footwork could prove a damaging.

The favourite: Home ground advantage sees the Storm favourites over the reigning premiers

My tip: The Storm may have only lost 2 games at home this year, but the Cowboys won't be daunted by the journey south after their comfortable September victory last year. Both sides are relatively unharmed by injury and have won three of their past five, with the Cowboys looking to make it four straight. Either way, I expect this to go to Golden Point. So, who would you rather - Cronk or JT? The fantasy of claiming back to back premierships will suddenly gain momentum after Saturday night. Cowboys by 1.

Outcome: The winner of the Second Qualifying Final will progress through to the Preliminary Final. The loser will host the winner of the Brisbane v Gold Coast match.

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. Jordan McLean 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Tohu Harris 13. Dale Finucane
Interchange: 14. Kenneath Bromwich 21. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 10. Tim Glasby 17. Ben Hampton

1. Lachlan Coote 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Justin O'Neill 4. Kane Linnett 5. Antonio Winterstein 6. Michael Morgan 7. Johnathan Thurston 8. Matthew Scott 9. Jake Granville 10. James Tamou 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Ethan Lowe 13. Jason Taumalolo
Interchange: 14. Rory Kostjasyn 15. Coen Hess 16. Scott Bolton 17. Ben Hannant

Referees: Ben Cummins, Grant Atkins; Sideline Officials: Brett Suttor, Chris Butler; Video Referees: Ashley Klein, Luke Patten, Steve Chiddy