NRL Round 7 Preview - Storm v Warriors

Melbourne Storm v New Zealand Warriors
Etihad Stadium, Sunday 25 April 2010 (ANZAC Day) - 6:00pm kickoff

A great test for young Warriors halfback James Maloney. James has excelled in his first year across the Tasman after leaving the Storm and his performances have led the Warriors to two away wins already this year. On Sunday, Maloney and his team head to Melbourne to play an angry Storm side who have lost their last two. Making matters worse in what represents a huge danger sign for the visitors; Cameron Smith is filthy at his own form from last week
 
The Storm have too much firepower in attack to average just 16 points per game in 2010 and although this might be an issue, their defence is rock solid. Keep an eye on Cooper Cronk in this match. Cooper never stops talking on the field and his attitude is reflected in the Storms recent success. This Sunday, his attitude will be to win at any cost and this will filter through to the rest of the team. The Warriors will not go quietly but will find it difficult to score points.

Man of the Match Prediction: Cooper Cronk
Tip: Melbourne 22-6


*N.B. Please note the preview of this match was submitted before the Melbourne Storm salary cap penalty was announced and imposed.


Storm: 1. Billy Slater 2. Luke MacDougall 3. Dane Nielsen 4. Greg Inglis 5. Anthony Quinn 6. Brett Finch 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Cameron Smith (c) 10. Jeff Lima 11. Adam Blair 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Ryan Hinchcliffe
Interchange: 14. Todd Lowrie 15. Kevin Proctor 16. Ryan Tandy 17. Bryan Norrie
Reserves: 18. Hep Cahill 19. Brett White
Warriors: 1. Wade McKinnon 2. Brent Tate 3. Joel Moon 4. Jerome Ropati 5. Bill Tupou 6. Lance Hohaia 7. James Maloney 8. Sam Rapira 9. Aaron Heremaia 10. Jesse Royal 11. Lewis Brown 12. Jacob Lillyman 13. Michael Luck (c)
Interchange: 14. Ian Henderson 15. Russell Packer 16. Ukuma Ta'ai 17. Ben Matulino

Referees: Gavin Badger & Brett Suttor; Sideline Officials: David Abood & Dave Munro; Video Referee: Chris Ward