Warriors v Storm preview - 2017 Round 2

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Travelling Storm clouds gather over Shaky Isles

Two first start winners face off at Mt Smart Stadium in the second instalment of the NRL's new 'Friday 6pm' experiment - which becomes Friday night football in Auckland with the time difference across the Tasman. The Warriors got home over a stoic Knights outfit on Sunday, and as a result have a short turn-around to contend with. Melbourne meanwhile will be well rested, with seven days between matches after their gritty 12-6 win over Canterbury at a rain-soaked Belmore.

In terms of playing stocks - the Warriors have named a largely unchanged side, with only Blake Ayshford from their 21-man squad last week omitted, in favour of hulking winger Manu Vatuvei. Across the squad there are concerns for Charlie Gubb (concussion) and Issac Luke (ribs). The Storm have lost Jesse Bromwich (thumb) for up to a month, the ensuing reshuffle putting Tim Glasby into the front row and earning Joe Stimson a promotion.

Melbourne have also opted to keep Young Tonumaipea - unused last week - on the bench in favour of Cameron Munster at fullback and Ryley Jacks in the #6 jumper.

The key difference for these two sides coming off Round 1 wins was the method - Melbourne shot to an early lead before putting up a defensive wall against the 'Dogs, while the Warriors were forced to score points to get past an eager, youthful Knights outfit.

Last meeting: Round 8 2016 - Storm 42 Warriors 0

These two last met on ANZAC Day, where the Warriors fell in a deep hole just two months into the season. Overall from 38 clashes the Storm hold a 20-16 advantage with two draws - but at Mt Smart the split is even, with both teams picking up nine wins from eighteen games.

Who to watch: Newly minted captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will be keen to stamp his authority on Friday night, and what better way to lead his charges to a victory over last year's Grand Finalists? Providing a try assist for Solomone Kata last week and eating up 251 running metres, his power from the back will be an important tool to evade the Storm's solid defence.

In a game packed with speedsters, boy isn't Josh Addo-Carr quick? Switching from black & gold to purple & navy in 2017, Addo-Carr gave the Bulldogs defenders plenty of nightmares, creating the play that led to the Storm's first for Cheyse Blair... then backed it up with a second half line break that had Bulldogs fans howling him down as Will Hopoate closed him down in cover. If he gets any space on Friday night, it'll take a lightning fast Warrior to stop him from crossing the line.

The favourite: It's all Melbourne, despite the loss of Jesse Bromwich.

My tip: Melbourne's defence should get them home here, even if the Warriors manage to find some points. Storm by 8.

1. Roger Tuivasa-sheck 2. Tuimoala Lolohea 3. David Fusitua 4. Solomone Kata 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Mafoa'aeata Hingano 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Albert Vete 9. Issac Luke 10. Charlie Gubb 11. Bunty Afoa 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering 14. Erin Clark 15. Jacob Lillyman 16. Sam Lisone 17. Bodene Thompson

1. Cameron Munster 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. William Chambers 4. Cheyse Blair 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Ryley Jacks 7. Cooper Cronk 14. Christian Welch 9. Cameron Smith 10. Jordan McLean 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane 8. Tim Glasby 15. Joe Stimson 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 19. Vincent Leuluai

Referees: Grant Atkins, Chris Butler; Sideline Officials: Anthony Elliott, Jason Walsh; Video Referees: Luke Patten, Jared Maxwell;