They are the reigning and defending National Rugby League champions. They’re the Melbourne Storm and they deserve our respect.
But after shock losses to the Canberra Raiders and Penrith Panthers, Melbourne have officially hit one of those eventual flat spots most experts predicted. Their torturous start to 2013 has finally caught up to them.
For weeks they had been scrambling to keep themselves in games relying heavily on a little class and a whole lot of heart.
The bubble burst against the Raiders in Round 8. They had officially hit the first wall of the season.
The last thing they needed was a 90 minute dogfight with old foes the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles on Monday night. These sides pummelled each other and somehow Melbourne came away with a draw.
Sure they had all the ball in the second stanza and probably should have won by 20.
But that finishing quality that had got them over the line in the past was gone. They were running on fumes and the Eagles kept hitting.
So here comes Round 11 and the undisputed match of the round between the Storm and the high-flying Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night.
How do the Roosters beat the weary Storm?
You hit harder than Manly did a week earlier. You step it up another notch and you knock this champion side off its feet.
They will be back and they’ll be hard to beat in September, but right now, the Roosters have a chance to put the foot on the throat.
The Roosters might boast Michael Jennings, Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney.
But it’s their defence that has everyone raving.
The greatest sides through history had the attack but they were also impressive defensive machines. Trent Robinson’s Roosters are one of those defensive machines and they’ll be ready to continue Melbourne’s slump on Saturday.
Sydney are the only side left in the NRL yet to concede 100 points. Their points differential of 142 is also the best in the competition. That means they can beat you with speed and skill or they can just plain beat you up.
This is the perfect time for the Roosters to get Melbourne. They shouldn’t be thinking about racking up a big score or trying to blow the Storm off the park.
This might sound harsh but the Roosters should be thinking about hurting them. Really firing up.
The Storm are battered and bruised.
Why not stick the boot in now?
And hey, the Roosters might just be helping out Laurie Daley and the New South Wales Blues too.
Cameron
Roar Guru
Planko, Told you Storm would win ;) That's all I got about right though haha
dubblebubble
Guest
I was urprised how good he became when he moved from the wing to fullback all those years ago, though he was a pretty good winger to begin with. In 2005 when he played fullback for the blues he was sensational.
Stu
Guest
The Storm will win this one. as they did with Souths, they get up for big matches.the storm were in a rut then and still disposed of the ladder leaders. Storm by 8.
Mushi
Guest
People forget that mini, pre back problems, was one of the best players in the game. Youth is wasted on the young
Matt
Guest
I wouldn't read much into this game. Storm are having another dull period, they got beaten by Canberra and Panthers, and nearly the Warriors. In fact if the Roosters don't win I'd really question their chances. If they win, well they should - not because I think they're better, but they're playing at home, have done nearly all games this season, are fresh. Melbourne are tired, not executing well. My biggest concern is for QLD this year...
Matt
Guest
It's not age, it's all the games. Finals, go to England, play for Oz, play SOO... the guys never get a rest. Meanwhile, good players who aren't in these teams get to play teams who aren't at their best.
KFC
Guest
I'm a rooster through and through, but like last week I don't feel confident against the storm. Robbo has done an amazing job, and the team are playing excellent footie, but I'm still not convinced we're premiership contenders. Please please prove me wrong roosters. There's too much optimisim in the media. The Storm are still the bench mark, Manly will be a different side come sept, Souths are looking very very good and they have that extra year together under McGuire, and guaranteed Hasler will get the doggies back to last years form soon. There's 5 other teams very very very capable of reaching the last 8. The roosters are doing excellent so far, but the ground under them is unstable. Like I said already. Please prove me wrong
Avatar
Roar Guru
The Roosters can only improve from there. Souths' solitary loss for the season was against Melbourne, but it was close (16-10). It's just that Melbourne sometimes have that extra thing that other teams lack.
Cameron
Roar Guru
And if they lose?
Dr NRL
Roar Rookie
Did you notice Inglis mentioning that he has based his fullback play on Slater and Mini? I was shocked, then not really shocked ...
Avatar
Roar Guru
The Sydney Roosters can and will beat the Storm. The Roosters are very high on confidence, whilst the Storm are down on it. Minichiello vs. Slater will be the most intriguing match-up of the evening. If the Roosters can beat the Storm then it will set them up for a successful second half of the season.
Cameron
Roar Guru
I've tipped them but i'm not overly confident. I'm banking on an upset. That's according to tab.
Dr NRL
Roar Rookie
I think the extra time Melbourne played and the amount of defensive work the Roosters were forced to do cancel themselves out as far as this week is concerned. Two things stand out for this game (and round): 1, The Roosters can't keep allowing teams to dominate possession, especially the Storm. It caught up with them against the Raiders, the Cowboys were close to repeating that (but stuffed it up), and the Storm isn't the right team to give more than 50% of the ball. 2. The Rabbitohs and Roosters have a golden opportunity to make a break from 3rd and 4th positions this week, especially if the Raiders can knock off Manly (and that is quite realistic). It would be an awesome buffer going into Origin, and almost guarantee a top-4 finish.
planko
Roar Guru
What do you think for your boys against the Dogs tonight ?
Cameron
Roar Guru
We'll see Planko :)
planko
Roar Guru
Too much faith in olde men Kellett. Mate I think it is starting to take it's toll . All the top 3 turn 30 this year. Mate I believe in the culture of winning and they still have that but the roosters have more game breakers and are not coming off Monday night. Very few games in modern day will have me agreeing with a Captain that takes a penalty goal but that was the night. Just like Manly are not sure things on Sat night either. I think if some certain Melbourne players love the place as much as they say it is time to chuck a Jamie Lyon. I dont think QLD loose much if Billy is not there. Cronk not much would get lost if Cronk said enough is enough. Cam Smith maybe QLD needs him.
Cameron
Roar Guru
Storm will win this fixture.
Matt
Guest
Bad timing, not going to get a Storm team playing much worse then this, will be an easy win.
Dingo
Guest
True,this game could have a psychological impact on The Blues Origin Campaign :)