Storm v Wests Tigers preview

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Clinical Storm tackle flamboyant Tigers in Melbourne

Going down for only the third time last week, the Storm return to AAMI Park to face a Tigers outfit growing in confidence. Having showcased their premiership credentials throughout the season so far, Craig Bellamy's men struggled in the absence of their four spine playmakers, but with Munster, Green, Cronk and Smith set to return expect Melbourne to test their opponents defence. With Cronk and Smith turning out for the Maroons on Wednesday, the Storm have named an extended squad as provision with former Titans prop Matt White named to make his club debut. Coming away with four wins from their past six clashes with the Tigers, the Storm will fancy their chance on Sunday in front of a vocal supporter base.

Having shown signs of promise in recent weeks, the Tigers face their biggest test of the season in order to prove themselves capable of matching strides with competition heavyweights. While their ability to score points against weaker defensive outfits is undoubted, the joint venture has been unable to overcome a full strength opponent since the opening rounds. In the only change from the side that trounced the Rabbitohs, Jordan Rankin replace Josh Add-Carr on the wing, while Dene Halatau has been named as starting hooker ahead of Robbie Farah. While much has been made surrounding the alleged tension between coach Jason Taylor and former captain Farah, the move proved successful a fortnight ago and may provide similar dividends if used effectively on Sunday.

Last meeting: Round 7 2016 - Wests Tigers 18 Storm 19

Who to watch: Bursting onto the NRL scene as a virtual unknown against the Tigers earlier this season, Suilasi Vunivalu has wasted no time in showing himself to be the most prolific winger in the competition. Crossing for 13 tries in just eight appearances, the 20-year-old flyer has surpassed the precedent set by Israel Folau at the same stage of his career and looks set to keep the tries flowing. More than just a try-scorer, the Fijian flyer has made his presence felt with the ball and will relish the opportunity to show how far he has come in just eight appearances. 

While he may no longer be the impact player that helped the Tigers claim their maiden premiership, Dene Halatau's return to the joint venture has seen the utility develop into a seasoned veteran. Enjoying his best season since returning from four-year stint with Canterbury, the former Kiwi hooker has provided a defensive resolve that has allowed his sides young guns to showcase their creative flair. Named to start ahead of Robbie Farah, look for Halatau to help lay a platform as the Tigers look to topple the all-conquering Storm.

The favourite: With the return of their inspirational stars set to provide creativity and direction, the Storm are expected to overcome the unpredictability to the Tigers.

My tip: With the return of their inspirational stars set to provide creativity and direction, the Storm are expected to overcome the unpredictability to the Tigers. Storm by 16.

22. Young Tonumaipea 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Cheyse Blair 4. Ryan Morgan 5. Marika Koroibete 12. Tohu Harris 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Jordan McLean 11. Kevin Proctor 15. Felise Kaufusi 13. Dale Finucane
Interchange: 14. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 16. Kenneath Bromwich 17. Ben Hampton 17. Christian Welch

1. James Tedesco 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Tim Simona 4. Kevin Naiqama 5. Jordan Rankin 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 13. Elijah Taylor 14. Tim Grant 11. Josh Aloiai 12. Chris Lawrence 10. Sauaso Sue
Interchange: 9. Dene Halatau 15. Ava Seumanufagai 17. Kyle Lovett 17. JJ Felise

Referees: Jared Maxwell, Adam Gee; Sideline Officials: Brett Suttor, Rohan Best; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Ben Galea, Jason Robinson