Round 2: Storm v Warriors preview
Rob gives his thoughts on this weekend's meeting between the Melbourne Storm and the Warriors at AAMI Park, Melbourne / Wurundjeri.
Preliminary finalists meet in early season tussle
The Melbourne Storm will be out to extend an emphatic record over the New Zealand Warriors when the trans-Tasman rivals clash at AAMI Park on Saturday evening.
Hosting a fixture in March that has historically been played on ANZAC Day over the past 15 years, the Melbourne Storm will be looking to claim their 15th win in succession over the Warriors.
Defeating reigning premiers Penrith 8-0 last Friday to maintain Craig Bellamy's unbeaten record in opening round fixtures, the Storm coach has gone with an unchanged line up with star playmaker Cameron Munster still sidelined with a groin injury.
Versatile outside back Nick Meaney will make his 50th appearance for Melbourne after joining the club two seasons ago.
The New Zealand Warriors will be hoping to break a decade long drought in Melbourne as they chase their first win of the season.
Getting off to a strong start last Friday before going down 16-12 to Cronulla at home, coach Andrew Webster has stuck solid with the same 17 despite concerns over the fitness of Wayde Egan and Kurt Capewell.
Managing just three wins from 13 appearances at AAMI Park over the years, the Warriors have struggled to win their first match in Australia historically with ten victories from 29 attempts.
Last meeting: Round 8 2023 - Storm 30 Warriors 22
Who to watch: Crossing for a decisive four-pointer in last week's record extending win, outside back Reimis Smith will be looking for greater consistency in 2024. Enduring a difficult run with back-to-back seasons cruelled by injury and time spent in reserve grade, the 26-year-old showed signs of the form that saw him regarded as a prospective Kiwi international with just under 100 running metres and three tackle breaks in the opening round win. Entering his fifth season with the Storm after beginning his career with Canterbury-Bankstown, Smith will be looking to make an impact in the final year of his current deal.
Producing a scintillating solo effort in the opening quarter of last week's loss at home, Luke Metcalf will be content to trade in the highlight reel moments for a win on the scoreboard. Beating out more accomplished playmakers for the right to start the season in the number six jersey, the 25-year-old speedster was among the Warriors best attacking threats with six tries in 12 appearances during an injury-interrupted first season at the club. Set to extend his time in New Zealand for a further two years, look for Metcalf to play a key role if the Warriors are to claim a rare win in the Victorian capital on Saturday night.
Favourite: Off the back of an opening round win built on defence, the Storm are expected to maintain their resolve on home soil.
My tip: Holding one of the longest winning streaks over any team in the league, the Storm should make it 15 straight against the Warriors on Saturday evening. Storm by 12.
