Round 26: Storm v Titans preview
The Storm will be looking to cement a top four spot with the Titans wanting to bounce back after a poor loss.
Melbourne currently sit fourth, two points clear of the Raiders and Sharks, but two points behind the Warriors in third. With a match up with Brisbane next week, a win here will be crucial.
They come off an unconvincing 38-28 victory against the Dragons where they trailed 18-4 at one point with defence leaving plenty to be desired. Still, they've scored 86 points in the last two games and their attack looks red hot.
The Titans have struggled this year and sit thirteenth after many agonisingly close losses. Whilst finals are out of reach, and even catching Manly in twelfth is unlikely, they have plenty to play for - trying to hold off the Dolphins on equal points, and the Bulldogs only a win behind.
They were poor last week, losing 14-40 to a undermanned Panthers team, where many expected an upset. They've been one of the worst defensive teams in the comp, conceding an average of 27 points per game. To beat Melbourne, that must change.
In team news, Nelson Asofa-Solomona moves into lock for the Storm, replacing Josh King who has been rested. Star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen is a step closer to making his first grade return, being named in the reserves after 13 months of rehab and 3 appearances for the Falcons in the Hostplus Cup.
The Titans have been rocked by a knee injury to young gun Jayden Campbell, which puts him out for the rest of the season. He is replaced at five-eighth by Kieran Foran who returns from a sternum injury. Jojo Fifita has also returned from an ankle injury, to fill the wing spot vacated by Philip Sami, who will also miss the rest of the season with a foot injury sustained last week.
Last meeting: Round 3 2023 - Titans 38 Storm 34
Who to watch: Titans second rower David Fifita has been in fine form, scoring a try last week to add to his season tally of 8. One on one at the line, Fifita is near unstoppable. Gold Coast will also undoubtedly be hoping for a strong outing from the returning Foran. An experienced campaigner, he'll be expected to take control given their rookie halfback.
Returning from injury last week, Eliesa Katoa did not disappoint. Scoring twice, with 6 tackle breaks, Katoa was impossible to contain. Expect a similar showing on Saturday from one the best line runners in the comp. In his rookie NRL season after representing New Zealand in rugby sevens, Will Warbrick has slotted onto the wing perfectly. A hat-trick last week brought his season try-scoring tally up to 15. Warbrick's speed and athleticism is certainly worth keeping an eye on.
Favourite: A surprise to nobody, the Melbourne Storm are clear favourites.
My tip: Both sides have struggled with defence in recent weeks, but the Titans problem goes deeper than that. Whilst they are capable of producing an upset, I expect Melbourne to run through them in a high scoring clash. Melbourne by 20.
