Match Centre

Round 16: Storm v Sea Eagles preview

Key players return for the Storm as the host the struggling Sea Eagles.

Four key players return for the Melbourne Storm this Sunday as they host the 11th placed Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles. Both Cameron's, Smith and Munster, return for the defending minor premiers this weekend after both recovering from their respective injuries.

The Storm have played two matches without their two star players resulting in a convincing win over the Sydney Roosters and a 14-point loss to the Parramatta Eels last week. The Storm were also without Jesse Bromwich and Jahrome Hughes in their match against the Eels and despite losing, the Storm were still able to put up a fight against the third placed side. Their performance last Thursday night speaks volumes about the system that Craig Bellamy has put in place down in Melbourne as they currently sit in second place on the competition ladder. It was the Storm's first loss since June and with the aforementioned players all returning to the side this week, they should be able to get back to their winning ways. It's a timely return for Cameron Smith who replaces the injured Brandon Smith at hooker. Hughes and Munster swap into the halves for Ryley Jacks and Cooper Johns, whilst Jesse Bromwich pushes Tino Fa'asuamaleaui to the bench. Jesse's brother Kenny will miss out this week with a calf injury, giving Tom Eisenhut a start in the back row and the final change sees Marion Seve coming onto the wing for Sandor Earl who moves to the bench.

Manly's struggle with injuries continues as Moses Suli has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a Lisfranc injury. The Sea Eagles have been hampered for the majority of the season with injuries to key players which has seen the Sea Eagles slump to 11th on the ladder having won just two of their past nine matches. Des Hasler's side suffered an embarrassing 40-point loss to the Rabbitohs on Saturday night after having trailed 38-0 at the half time break. Manly will be looking to respond to their performance from the weekend and a win is needed to keep their season alive as they sit two wins outside of the top eight. Tevita Funa has been named at fullback, the third player to appear at the back for Manly since the injury to Tom Trbojevic. The Sea Eagles will be hoping that he can provide some spark in attack for a side that hasn't won any of their previous four matches. The have conceded 26 points or more in their in their past four matches, which will need to improve drastically if they're any hope of knocking off the Storm on Sunday afternoon. Reuben Garrick returns to the wing with Funa starting in the number one jersey whilst Jack Gosiewski starts at centre for the injured Moses Suli. Martin Taupau starts in the front row pushing Taniela Paseka to the bench. Joel Thompson returns in the back row after that gruesome tongue injury as Corey Waddell moves to the bench.

Last meeting: Round 1 2020 - Sea Eagles 4 Storm 18

Who to watch: The Melbourne Storm gave away an incredible eight penalties on Thursday night and returning skipper Cameron Smith will ensure that his side is more disciplined this Sunday afternoon. Smith has missed the last three matches after suffering an injury to his shoulder against the Newcastle Knights in round 12. Despite having to endure rehab, the break would've given Smith a chance to rest his body as the Storm aim to push deep into the season, hopefully ending in a third premiership for the game's record holder. The 37-year-old has had a great season having provided nine try assists and seven forced drop outs in his 12 appearances so far this season. The goalkicker is also kicking at 86.4%, the highest rate of his career since 2003. The skipper will be fired up for his return to NRL action and he'll be attempting to meticulously pick apart the injury ravaged Sea Eagles defence.

His former Queensland origin teammate, Daly Cherry-Evans has had another tough gig this year with his star teammate Tom Trbojevic missing the majority of the season once again. The 31-year-old halfback hasn't been able to guide his team to their expected destination this year, mainly due to his counterparts falling apart around him. Cherry-Evans is averaging 62 touches per game this season, up from 52 last year, highlighting that the Queensland halfback has been forced to play his hand more with the lack of creative options around him. Manly's halfback has also been credited with 11 try assists and eight forced drop outs this season, whilst averaging 78 run metres per game, a career high. The Manly skipper will be required to play one of his finest games on Sunday to keep his finals hopes alive.

The favourite: Melbourne are the favourites for this clash, having won 10 of their past 12 matches which is in complete contrast to Manly's two wins from their past nine. Cameron Smith and Cameron Munster returning for the defending minor premiers is a massive reason why the Storm are favourites combine with their 14-point win over the Sea Eagles in round 1 earlier this year.

My tip: Melbourne should win this match comfortably, Manly are really struggling for form at the moment and their defence has leaked a truckload of points over the past few weeks. The Storm are undefeated up on the Sunshine Coast and I expect this to continue. Too much firepower for the Sea Eagles to handle. Storm by 18.