Roosters v Storm preview

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Sydney Roosters v Melbourne Storm Thursday 7:50pm at Allianz Stadium, Moore Park / Gadigal

It's one of the modern-era rivalries that always delivers, but it's been a while since the Roosters have had the upper hand against the Storm.

Melbourne have won 11 of the past 12 clashes between the sides, including the last two, and the Chooks will be desperate to reverse that trend. Despite sitting outside the eight, the Roosters have a knack for delivering when their backs are against the wall, having won 14 of their last 21 matches when starting the round outside the finals picture.

This matchup carries added spice with both teams coming off frustrating losses in Round 20. The Storm fell at home in a rare slip-up against Manly, while the Roosters let themselves down with poor discipline and handling in a 31-18 defeat to the Sharks. With finals spots on the line and only six rounds remaining, every point matters from here on out. And for the Roosters, facing Melbourne twice in the run home makes this clash crucial.

The Roosters' performance last week against Cronulla was a mixed bag. They had some strong moments—most notably Sam Walker's pinpoint kick for a flying Daniel Tupou—but were ultimately undone by unforced errors and a lack of discipline. Veteran Chad Townsend had a night to forget in his return, while the side completed just 50% of their sets in the second half, allowing Cronulla to pull away. Naufahu Whyte stood tall through the middle, and Blake Steep produced a try-saving tackle, but it wasn't enough to stop the Sharks from claiming the points.

Coach Trent Robinson has made several changes for this week's crucial home fixture. Chad Townsend drops out of the 17, with Sandon Smith joining Sam Walker in the halves. Ethan King earns his second NRL cap, replacing Billy Smith (concussion) in the centres. Up front, Victor Radley is sidelined with a shoulder injury, opening the door for Siua Wong to return from a knee issue and slot straight into the starting side at lock. Hugo Savala has been named among the reserves as he nears a return from a wrist injury.

Melbourne's 18-16 loss to Manly was one that got away. Despite a late surge that saw them level the scores, the Storm were undone by two penalty goals—one of which came after Harry Grant was penalised for an ill-timed challenge on Daly Cherry-Evans. Xavier Coates was the lone attacking spark, crossing for yet another hat trick, but the team as a whole produced a sub-70% completion rate and looked far from the composed outfit Craig Bellamy is known for.

They'll need to sharpen up quickly, especially with some key players unavailable. Cameron Munster has been given time off for his father's funeral, with Tyran Wishart filling in at five-eighth. Nelson Asofa-Solomona has taken a two-game suspension for a stray elbow, which sees Kane Bradley and Bronson Garlick added to the bench. Ryan Papenhuyzen remains sidelined with a calf issue, leaving the side a little light on star power—but certainly not experience.

Last meeting: Finals Week 3 2024 - Storm 48 Roosters 18

Who to Watch: Sydney Roosters forward, Naufahu Whyte, was immense last week, leading the forward charge. He'll need to replicate that effort to give his playmakers a fighting chance.

Melbourne Storm captain Harry Grant's late-game lapse cost his side last week. Expect the Storm skipper to bounce back with a statement performance.

Favourites: Melbourne Storm are the slight favourites according to the odds.

Tip: Melbourne don't often lose back-to-back under Craig Bellamy, and coming off a rare loss at home, they'll be determined to make a statement. Melbourne by 12.

1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Ethan King 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Sandon Smith 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Connor Watson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Salesi Foketi 13. Siua Wong 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Blake Steep 16. Egan Butcher 17. Spencer Leniu 18. Tom Rodwell 19. Taylor Losalu

1. Nick Meaney 2. Grant Anderson 3. Jack Howarth 4. Joe Chan 5. Xavier Coates 6. Tyran Wishart 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Ativalu Lisati 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Kane Bradley 18. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 22. Lazarus Vaalepu

Referees: Adam Gee; Sideline Officials: Liam Kennedy, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski; Video Referees: Chris Butler;