Melbourne Storm v Canberra Raiders
Storm v Raiders preview
5 hours ago | Robert Crosby
Storm v Raiders preview
Saving the best ‘til last
The NRL's sixth Magic Round comes to a close on Sunday night with an unexpected heavyweight clash pitting the second-placed Melbourne Storm against the third-placed Canberra Raiders.
Facing off on neutral ground as part of the league's annual pilgrimage to Suncorp Stadium, both teams have impressed with just two losses apiece over the opening eight rounds.
Having been humbled in their most recent visit to Suncorp Stadium on Good Friday, the Melbourne Storm will be eyeing an improved defensive showing on Sunday night.
Coming off a solid 24-16 win against the Rabbitohs on ANZAC Day, coach Craig Bellamy will welcome back Tui Kamikamica in place of Lazarus Vaalepu, while Nelson Asofa-Solomona has been included as part of the extended bench.
The Storm have enjoyed tremendous success at Suncorp Stadium with 31 wins from 41 visits historically, while their record at Magic Round has yielded three wins from five previous appearances.
The Storm won the lone previous meeting against the Raiders at Suncorp Stadium with a 30-10 preliminary final victory during the COVID-affected 2020 season.
Enjoying their best start to a season since reaching the Grand Final six years ago, the Canberra Raiders have defied expectations to rank as the second-best attacking side in the league.
Rallying from a substantial halftime deficit to post five unanswered tries in a 40-28 victory over the Dolphins last Sunday, coach Ricky Stuart has retained the same squad for the third straight week.
Holding a 33 per cent success rate from 21 matches against Melbourne during Stuart's tenure, the Raiders boast an overall poor record at Suncorp Stadium with seven wins from 23 appearances.
The Raiders have won their past four Magic Round clashes with their sole loss occurring against their eventual Grand Final opponents in 2019.
Sunday night will hold special significance for Joseph Tapine as the Canberra captain becomes only the 16th player to appear in 200 first grade games for the club.
Last meeting: Round 17 2024 - Storm 16 Raiders 6
Who to watch: Having announced himself to the rugby league world at Magic Round six years ago, Ryan Papenhuyzen will have an extra reason to celebrate on Sunday night. Bringing up his 100th first grade appearance for the Storm, the 26-year-old fullback has shown tremendous resilience to reach the milestone following a horror run of injuries that threatened to prematurely end his career. Proving a constant threat in attack over the opening rounds with seven tries, 22 tackle breaks and an 88 per cent goal kicking record, another strong performance could see Papenhuyzen come into contention for NSW as State of Origin draws closer.
Making his first appearance at Suncorp Stadium since Magic Round two years ago, Corey Horsburgh will be playing to ensure his next appearance at the venue is in a Maroon jersey. Enjoying a resurgent campaign as a starting middle forward averaging 137 running metres and 32 tackles per game, the fiery 27-year-old has played an integral role in the Raiders' remarkable start to the season. Coming up against one of the premier forward packs in the league, a strong performance on Sunday night will have Horsburgh right in the frame for Queensland selection.
Favourite: The Storm are expected to extend their dominance over the Raiders and at Suncorp Stadium with a win to close out Magic Round.
My tip: For as impressive as the Raiders have been this season, their defensive shortcomings may prove costly against a side as clinical as the Storm. Storm by 7.
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Sualauvi Faalogo 3. Grant Anderson 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Joe Chan 18. Ativalu Lisati 19. Lazarus Vaalepu 20. Kane Bradley 21. Keagan Russell-Smith 22. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Corey Horsburgh 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Matt Nicholson 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Owen Pattie 15. Zac Hosking 16. Josh Papali'i 17. Ata Mariota 18. Simi Sasagi 19. Manaia Waitere 20. Pasami Saulo 21. Trey Mooney 22. Danny Levi
Referees: Gerard Sutton; Sideline Officials: Nick Pelgrave, Michael Wise; Video Referees: Grant Atkins;