Sydney v Melbourne preview

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Sydney Roosters v Melbourne Storm Thursday 7:50pm at McDonald Jones Stadium, New Lambton / Awabakal

The Sydney Roosters and Melbourne Storm both travel up to Newcastle to meet at McDonald Jones Stadium, as recent COVID-19 restrictions start to hit Sydney NRL teams.

Any situation where Rugby League isn't being played at the not fit for purpose SCG is a good thing, and the fact that a crowd will be allowed is also a plus, as Greater Sydney endures their lockdown.

Easts come into this clash on the back of a 38-12 loss to Penrith, where the Panthers were too good in the end, albeit with a helping hand from the officials.

The Storm were absolutely breathtaking in a brutal 66-16 take down of the Wests Tigers, after leading 40-nil at half time. This writer had Melbourne to win by 51+ to win a substantial sum of money, and should have cashed out at 60-nil, sigh. (please, gamble responsibly).

In team news, Easts welcome back Sam Walker after 2 weeks out, forcing Joseph Suaalii out of the side. Lachlan Lam moves to Five-Eighth, and Joey Manu returns to the side in the centres. Sitili Tupouniua returns from injury, sending Fletcher Baker to the bench.

This side still short-handed with injuries, however some recent stability to their lineups, plus the return of Sam Walker will be welcomed.

For the Storm, they welcome back both Kenny and Jesse Bromwich who both take their places in the starting lineup. Tui Kamikamica drops to the bench, and Nelson Asofa-Solomona is suspended. Aaron Booth comes in on the bench, to replace Harry Grant. Tom Eisenhuth is out with an elbow injury.

Last time they met, in Round 6 at Melbourne's AAMI Park, the Stom ran out 20-4 victors in a match that was in the balance for the best part of 60 minutes. Melbourne have won four out of the last five clashes between these two sides.

Last meeting: Round 6 2021 - Storm 20 Roosters 4

Who to watch: For the Roosters, it's definitely the return of the very impressive Sam Walker. Will this be the start of a bit of relative stability for the Roosters?

For the Storm, it's Brandon Smith. The Cheese is in absolute top form and another huge performance from the number 9 will put the Storm well on the road to Victory. 

The favourite: At the time of writing, the Storm are comfortable favourites with the bookies.

My tip: If the Roosters can keep this close early, and keep the scores low (is this possible in Rugby League in 2021?) , then they have a chance. I do think the Storm will be too strong in the end, however. Melbourne by 14.

1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Josh Morris 4. Joseph Manu 21. Joseph Suaalii 6. Lachlan Lam 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Sam Verrills 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Angus Crichton 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Isaac Liu 15. Egan Butcher 16. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 17. Fletcher Baker 19. Drew Hutchison 18. Matt Ikuvalu

1. Nicholas Hynes 2. George Jennings 3. Reimis Smith 4. Justin Olam 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Brandon Smith 15. Tui Kamikamica 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane 14. Christian Welch 15. Aaron Booth 16. Chris Lewis 17. Aaron Pene 21. Trent Loiero

Referees: Adam Gee; Sideline Officials: Liam Kennedy, Chris Butler; Video Referees: Ashley Klein;