Round 22: Storm v Raiders preview
Last weekend was Super Sunday between the top four sides, this week is redemption time for the 3rd placed Canberra Raiders as they head to bleak city to take on Melbourne, ready to collect another Minor Premiership on Saturday afternoon.
Melbourne continued to do their thing, as they dispatched South Sydney Rabbitohs to remain six-points clear at the top of the ladder. That victory came under the cloud of another exhibit of hand-wringing over the Storm's wrestling tactics.
Whatever tactics the Storm have used, they have been effective in their continued dominance in a NRL competition which preaches parity. Sometimes you need to appreciate the efforts of Cam Smith, Jahrome Hughes and the like as they maintain a standard, sides like the Raiders are trying to aspire to.
Back to this weekend's game - Melbourne hold some heavy weight over the Green Machine. They have won six of the last seven encounters which included their 12-point win earlier this season. Knowing that victory on Saturday can secure the trophy, Craig Bellamy will have them primed to blow away the Raiders.
The spotlight is firmly on the Raiders. Despite having such a stellar season, Canberra don't hold a victory against any of the other top four sides. Saturday is their last chance to snap that record against probably the end boss of the NRL.
Traveling to Australia's second city, Canberra are stung by their execution in the defeat to the Roosters. Welcoming back Joey Leilua is a big boost and alongside the strong core of a backline that has helped them to 76 tries this season - only bettered by Roosters and Storm - look to upset the applecart.
One wildcard the Raiders do have is John Bateman. Plenty has been written about the English forward, he has been a sensation in his first season in the NRL and his match-up against Nelson Asofa-Solomona and the Bromwich brothers will be a delight to watch for the spectators.
Last meeting: Round 2 2019 - Raiders 10 Storm 22
Who to watch: The Melbourne Storm fullback factory (MSFF) continues to churn out the quality prospects with Nicho Hynes the latest to get a chance. Incumbent Jahrome Hughes takes back over for this top of the table clash. Hughes has been impressive this season with 8 tries, 8 try-assists with ten line breaks and will relish a chance to match up against Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad on a bright Sunday afternoon.
Coming up against another contender, Canberra need to show their credentials despite the honourable losses. It might come down to the play of their halves - Aidan Sezer and Jack Wighton - controlling the contest, limiting where the Storm playmakers are getting the ball otherwise it might be another frustrated afternoon for the Green Machine.
The favourite: At home and leading the competition by a fair margin, Melbourne are favoured.
My tip: It is Melbourne, playing in Melbourne. I can't go past the Minor Premiers-elect at home. Storm by 10.
