Storm v Warriors preview

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ANZAC rivals do battle on historic day.

Melbourne will be looking to keep their excellent start to the season going when grey do battle with a physical and in form warriors side on Anzac Day. On the back of some solid defensive displays by their forward pack the Storm have surprised many and find themselves settler in the top 4. Consistent play has been the key for the Victorian based team who have stuck to their game plan in each game this year. They will be looking for a high percentage in completion on Monday evening and a good kicking game, if that eventuates then the storm could very well have a their W next to their name. 

The Warriors had a torrid start to the season but have found some much needed form in the last few weeks on the back of some quality displays by Shaun Johnson and some strong defensive displays by Simon Mannering and Bodene Thompson. This will be a game that the Warriors will be desperate to win to continue to gather momentum, they also have an opportunity to break into the top 8 which is added motivation. The Warriors ab lib style of football can cause the Storm issues and if they have success throwing the ball around it could be a really exciting 80 minutes! 

Last meeting: Round 3 2016 - Warriors 14 Storm 21

Warriors have won 3 of the past 5 against the Storm, and have won on 3 out of 6 visits to AAMI Park. Overall the Storm hold a 20-16 advantage in 38 games played, with two draws recorded. Melbourne won the clash between these two clubs in Round 3.

Who to watch: For the Storm, look for a hell of a game by Cameron Munster. He has transitioned into the fullback role nicely. However he obviously has big boots to fill in the absence of Billy Slater. His support play is a big attribute of his and look for this to be a focal point of his involvement.

The Warriors need a strong showing in the forwards to lay a platform for their talented backs. Ben Matulino is one of the most talented forwards to come out of NZ in the last few years. He is all brute force and a strong defender. His offloading ability is uncanny and he averages close to 3 offloads a game in his career. His influence (particularly with his hit ups in denting the defensive line back). If the Warriors are to win this one, it starts in the forward pack. Expect to see Matulino run close to 200 metres in this game. 

The favourite: Storm solid favourites as home ground advantage helps them. Storm solid favourites as home ground advantage helps them. 

My tip: Warriors to cause the upset! They have a great record in Melbourne and on Anzac day against the Storm. The Storm have won games this year where they haven't played particularly well, if this happens again then the Warriors will have the opportunities to steal the win. Ab lib footy could cause the storm some problems! Warriors by 8.

1. Cameron Munster 2. Young Tonumaipea 3. Richard Kennar 4. Ben Hampton 5. Marika Koroibete 6. Blake Green 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Jordan McLean 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Tohu Harris 13. Dale Finucane
Interchange: 14. Kenneath Bromwich 15. Tim Glasby 16. Suliasi Vunivalu 17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona

1. Tuimoala Lolohea 2. David Fusitua 3. Blake Ayshford 4. Solomone Kata 5. Manu Vatuvei 6. Thomas Leuluai 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Sam Lisone 9. Issac Luke 10. Ben Matulino 11. Bodene Thompson 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering
Interchange: 14. Jonathan Wright 15. Jacob Lillyman 16. Charlie Gubb 17. Ligi Sao

Referees: Matt Cecchin, Gavin Reynolds; Sideline Officials: Brett Suttor, Dave Munro; Video Referees: Ashley Klein, Ben Galea, Luke Patten;