The Sydney Roosters host NRL competition leaders the Melbourne Storm. Join The Roar from 7pm (AEDT) for all the action from Allianz Stadium.
It’s the NSW-filled Roosters, plus Aiden Guerra, taking on the Queensland might from Melbourne. These two teams had a terrific tussle a month ago, with the Storm eventually winning by a field goal in golden point – that drop goal machine, Cooper Cronk, once again proving the difference.
It was a top game at AAMI Park and this clash in Sydney should offer something similar.
Melbourne have looked impressive after a slow start. Will Chambers has been excellent and Blake Green has been a canny signing. With the Bromwich brothers, Kevin Proctor and Tohu Harris the Storm has the grunt up front to match any team.
Forward play is one of the Roosters’ strengths. They have fellow Kiwis Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Sam Moa to call on, not to mention Dylan Napa and Boyd Cordner. The battle in the middle should be epic.
The Roosters’ Blues backline were a tad disappointing on Wednesday night. Daniel Tupou and Michael Jennings will want to bounce back, while Mitchell Pearce will have no shortage of motivation to get one over his rival Queensland number 7. James Maloney knows he can push himself back into the NSW running with strong performances for his club.
The Roosters are unchanged from their last game in Round 10. The Storm has named an extended bench and will surely see how Billy Slater, Cameron Smith, Cronk and Chambers pull up after Origin.
Christian Welch, Ben Hampton and Hymel Hunt have been selected on a six-man bench but I’m expecting the Queensland stars to play.
The Roosters have been inconsistent in 2015 so I’m tipping Melbourne by 4 points.
With the Storm keen to keep maintain their number one position and the Roosters eyeing a move up the table, there’s plenty to play for.
Join The Roar from 7pm (AEDT) for commentary and scores from Allianz.
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Brian S
Guest
Yes i think Storm are gone they will be lucky to make the 8;) they should be about 50-1 for the Grand Final;):)
Benedict Arnold
Guest
Hymel Hunt should get a crack in my opinion. But in saying that - I would also like to see matt duffie back in first grade.
Joe
Roar Rookie
The Storm were pretty terrible tonight especially their handling. Every team has their off days and hopefully this is a one off. The Roosters on the other hand played brilliantly and were stronger all across the park. For the Storm I think it is time that Kurt Mann had a rest to reserve grade. His goal line defence is shocking. Teams are attacking his side at will and when you get done several times by a 2nd rower playing centre then it's time for Bellamy to drop him same as he did Young T early in the season. In the end Koroibete kept coming in because he wasn't sure of Manns defence anymore leading to more tries down the wing. Maybe Fonua to centre and bring Duffy in to wing. Cronks kicking game is wasted with two short wingers...compare to last year where he led kick try assists with Sisa Waqa and O'Neil on the wings. Fonua near the line also draws in defenders due to his size leaving his wing open whereas Mann does not. Another option would be to try Kennar at first grade...whatever changes should be made might as well be done now during the Origin period instead of later in the season if they do make the finals. Might as well find the best 17 now.
Muzz
Guest
"It's about game management" LOL
MJB
Guest
Dude was rubbed out of a grand final. So, uh, yeah.
MJB
Guest
:D
Zedman
Roar Rookie
The Roosters too good across the paddock, Slaters absence was a big blow to the Storm who were very pedestrian and if the big three have a off night there dosent appear to be anyone who can create something. The refs had no say in the outcome but Jared Maxwell struggles to make the grade.
Zedman
Roar Rookie
Hargreaves.
Wolly
Roar Guru
Didn't get to see the game but seems like it was a dominant display by the Roosters while the Storm were off the pace going by your calling. Who got man of the match?
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Thanks to everyone who tuned in.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Impressive display by the Roosters against the competition leaders. Thoughts on tonight's game Roarers?
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Let me rephrase.. Sam Thaiday would REALLY like James Maloney.
Zedman
Roar Rookie
Yes, I remember that, well done and good call J D.
Dan
Guest
Wrong. Smith went past the horizontal.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
FULL-TIME A deserved 24-2 win for the Roosters tonight. They completely dominated against an average Melbourne. From the first few minutes the Roosters were far too good. Really average performance by the Storm.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'79 The Roosters almost in again when a kick goes in behind but Maloney penalised for being offside. Roosters 24 Storm 2
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'78 Korobiete almost has a try but the pass from Munster is forward. Typical Storm tonight. Roosters 24 Storm 2
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Zedman he was in 2008 when he missed the grand final. For trying to wrestle Sam Thiday's head off.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
'77 The Storm advance it out of their half. And they get a penalty. They've had a far few tonight but done absolutely nothing, bar the 2 points, with them. Roosters 24 Storm 2
MJB
Guest
The 1/4 of Queensland who are playing tonight?