Round 14: Storm look to break curse agaisnt underperforming Knights
"How did the Knights lose? The Panthers didn't have anyone!" Ever since Melbourne Storm prop and then captain, Christian Welch uttered those fateful words, Newcastle have beaten them twice in two matches, it what is an embarrassing streak the Storm will be determined to break at home on Sunday.
Coming off the bye and a disappointing showing agaisnt Manly in Indigenous Round, Melbourne have Cronulla hot on their heels in the battle for top of the table. With the Sharks facing a daunting task of playing Brisbane away from home, without Nicho Hynes, this is a golden opportunity for the Storm to extend their lead at the front.
The clash will be particuarly appealing for the hosts, given the Knights defied positive expectations to get thoroughly outclassed by the Bulldogs in a 32-2 walloping. Despite a somewhat positive start to the season, Newcastle sit in a lowly 11th and with a tough matchup against Penrith coming up, it's do or die if Adam O'Brien's men want to make a finals push. Interestingly, he's named the same 17 as last week, backing his players but no doubt wanting to see much more from them.
For the hosts, both Origin stars in Harry Grant have been named to back up, although this is, as always, subject to change. With Will Warbrick missing out from a groin injury, Grant Anderson comes from the bench to start, and Bronson Garlick takes his place on the interchange to provide utility cover. Although Ryan Papenhuyzen seems to be recovering well from his ankle injury, Melbourne have taken the safe route, naming Sua Fa'alogo at fullback for another week.
Last Meeting: Round 3 2023 - Knights 14 Storm 12
Who to watch: After copping flack for his performance in recent weeks, Knights halfback, Jackson Hastings will be looking to show off his technical, not technological ability. As he shapes up for a game defining duel with his opposite number, Hastings will look to display his toughness in what shapes to be a gritty clash. Although Tyson Gamble is unlikely to return until round 22, asserting himself as Newcastle's dominant half will be critical for Jackson's job security.
Despite Melbourne having the stronger 17 on paper by quite a long way, the battle of the forward pack is far more intriguing. If Newcastle can dominate the middle, they may be in for a shot, and it starts up front with Adam Elliot. He's had an excellent season to date, showing off his strength and try scoring capability along the way. As passionate as anyone, Adam will be fired up and ready to go come Sunday.
Perhaps the solution to the strong starting pack of the Knights will come from Melbourne's interchange, where fan favourite Nelson Asofa-Solomona looms. Only playing 36 minutes in his last outing, a quiet performance against Manly where he ran for 76 meters, Nelson will be wanting to bounce back strongly. The Storm enforcer has done his best work off the bench this year, and we've rarely seen him have two bad games in a row. Be on the lookout for the big man on field, and perhaps on the charge sheet after the game…
With Will Warbrick's injury, next man up Grant Anderson has yet another shot on the wing to prove his talent. With no issues in attack, a dynamic running game is almost a given for Grant, but his defence can be a concern at times. Newcastle haven't attacked well as of late, but they've also shown ability to turn their game up a notch at unexpected times. Grant will almost certainly be put under the microscope, and how he handles it will be crucial.
Favourite: The Melbourne Storm are clear favorites to break the Christian Welch curse and win at home.
My tip: I'm going to copy the line about having another League Unlimited writer's Storm scarf, and back Melbourne in what I expect to be quite an extensive victory. Storm by 28.
