Round 20: Roosters v Storm preview
Turning for home - who's on the path to September?
For the best part of half a decade, when the Roosters and Storm faced off, both teams were perched high on the ladder, a win for either side vital to ensure they were looking to advance their case for a top eight berth - or better.
Fast forward to 2023 and sadly, the Tricolours appear a shadow of their former selves. Backed by many to be a premiership force before the season kicked off, the boys from Bondi are languishing in the chasing pack and their finals chances are quickly evaporating with every below-par performance.
This week they head to the SCG for the first time since they "farewelled" the venue last August - forced next door from their new Allianz Stadium home ground due to the restrictions placed by the FIFA Women's World Cup which is just days from commencing.
Melbourne have sensationally managed to keep themselves in the top four most of the season in spite of a mounting injury toll, and the complete absence of livewire fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen - who has been missing since this time last season.
While they're almost certainly finals-bound, their last performance was less than inspiring, giving up an early lead against Penrith to lose 34-16 at their temporary home base of Marvel Stadium. While losing to the reigning premiers loses you no friends, by the same token the ease in which the Panthers carved up Melbourne's defensive line would definitely be a concern for coach Craig Bellamy.
There are positives for the hosts ahead of Saturday's clash, with Billy Smith and Joseph Suaali'i returning to the side after concussion protocols ruled them out a fortnight ago, and more importantly former Melbourne hooker Brandon Smith makes his long-awaited return from injury via a bench berth. James Tedesco and Lindsay Collins are both named to back up from Wednesday night's Origin match as of Teamlist Tuesday.
The Storm's lineup is far more settled, with only positional changes from the team that fell to Penrith a fortnight ago. Xavier Coates, Cam Munster and Harry Grant are all expected to back up after Origin III after being named on Tuesday.
Last meeting: Round 6 2023 - Storm 28 Roosters 8
Who to watch: Two of the more aggressive men in the NRL competition are on opposing sides of the coin for this clash.
Between them, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Nelson Asofa-Solomona have an Match Review Committee record that would make anyone's eyes water. Both will be key to their sides' fortunes on Saturday evening at the SCG.
It's been a big month or two for JWH. While on the field he and his team would admit they've been below par, he's just sold his Mosman for an eye-watering price and has reportedly secured a deal at the Tricolours for one more season - a deal that has seen Matt Lodge take off to Manly after failing to hold Trent Robinson's interest across a year at Bondi. The Roosters' better performances this season have coincides with Waerea-Hargreaves' best games, so if he's on, look out.
Asofa-Solomona is equally perplexing. Sometimes his giant frame and incredible impact are all the Storm needs to get on the front foot - and too often at other times he's a liability. Errors and ill discipline from the forward - who Bellamy has used at prop and in the back row at varying times this season - are often momentum-killers for the Victorian club. Hold the ball, hold your nerve, NAS - and you'll be helping your team to an important win.
For the spectacle, it might be good for fans to see these two double-barrels go at it off the ball, but its the form of each in-play we hope to see doing the talking.
Favourite: Melbourne are well backed to win this game.
My tip: The Roosters just haven't given me a reason to tip them here, and Melbourne are a much better side on paper - and will be on the field. Melbourne by 16.
