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Can the Melbourne Storm respond after two consecutive defeats or will the Newcastle Knights prove themselves genuine premiership contenders? Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 6pm (AEST).
Many were predicting back-to-back premierships for Craig Bellamy’s men in 2018, but while it would take a brave man to discount a Storm side that has made the final series in 15 out of 16 seasons under Bellamy, Melbourne just do not have the same control and patience in attack that previously strangled their opposition out of the contest.
Rather, an influx of errors is creeping into their game, with the Storm guilty of 19 mistakes in last week’s 11-10 loss to the Tigers. Those numbers were simply unheard of at the club and indicate a lack of fluency.
In an attempt to solve the issue, Bellamy has given rookie halfback Brodie Croft some time away from the spotlight to improve, with the more experienced Ryley Jacks named in his place.
Newcastle’s off-season recruitment has proven an early success, as Nathan Brown’s outfit search for their fourth win from six starts. The Knights demonstrated improved defensive resolve to down the Broncos 15-10 last weekend.
Fullback Kalyn Ponga, in particular, has proven an astute purchase from North Queensland. The youngster already has one try, four try-assists, four line-breaks and 28 tackle busts to his name.
Prediciton
If the Storm fail to get the basics right they could be facing an inconceivable third-straight defeat. However, coach Bellamy would have demanded improvement after last week’s defeat.
Storm by 16.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 6pm (AEST).
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