Round 8: Storm v Warriors ANZAC Day preview
It's time again for the annual ANZAC Day clash between the Melbourne Storm and New Zealand Warriors. Melbourne have dominating in this clash, with the Warriors last winning an ANZAC Day match in 2014 against them, but will this be the year where they finally end the drought?
Melbourne are hot and cold with both their defence and attack, with a woeful performance against Manly last week that led them to a 18-8 loss.
The Warriors have come out to impress this season, having only lost two games so far this season, currently sitting in 3rd position on the ladder.
For the Storm, Nick Meaney returns after missing Round 7 due to delayed concussion symptoms, allowing for Cameron Munster to return to the halves. Nelson Asofa-Solomona also returns to the side after experiencing a knee injury and will be taking the place of suspended Tui Kamikamica.
After a two-match suspension Marata Niukore returns to the Warriors side, Josh Curran is dropped to the bench and subsequently Taine Tuaupiki to the reserves list. Wayde Egan was cleared from concussion protocols however the club decided to give him a rest for this round.
Last meeting: Round 20 2022 - Warriors 12 Storm 24
Who to watch: Melbourne missed the presence of Nick Meaney in the side last week, and I believe he is an important member of their spine (also the only player in the starting 17 who has a high goal kicking succession rate). I'm hoping to see him add some flare back into the side and inject himself a bit more into the game.
Shaun Johnson has been playing some of his most in-form footy of his career, and I'm sure he will continue to back this up against the Storm. Johnson now sits on 17 Dally M points, sitting just 3 points behind the ladder leaders. Johnson has been excelling in try assists, kick metres and linebreak assists for the start of the season, and I'm hoping he will only add to these numbers on Tuesdaynight.
The favourite: The Storm is favoured to take home this annual victory, to make it 14 wins against the Warriors in a row.
My tip: I think it'll be a tough game and won't be anything like the 70-10 win we watched Melbourne bring home last year. The Warriors have had an outstanding start to their season, and Melbourne are still struggling in some areas. However, after last week's embarrassment I believe that the Storm will step up and want to claim victory once again. Melbourne by 2.
