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Manly have delivered Melbourne an embarrassing defeat, smashing the Storm by 20 points.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Melbourne Storm 4
Manly Sea Eagles 24
Will the Smith-less Melbourne Storm overcome the loss of their influential skipper or will the Manly Sea Eagles build on last week’s confidence-boosting win? Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting at 7:35pm AEST.
It has been a big week for Melbourne Storm hooker Cameron Smith with the acclaimed hooker retiring from representative football and also copping a suspension for just the second time in his career.
While Smith’s shock decision will be invaluable for the Storm during the Origin period, they find themselves without their influential skipper this week after he accepted an early guilty plea for his ‘wishbone’ tackle on Kevin Proctor.
Promising youngster Brandon Smith has been named in the No.9 jersey in his place while Billy Slater will captain the side. Meanwhile, Tim Glasby (thumb) returns in place of Sam Kasiano (suspension) as he attempts to protect his Maroons jersey.
Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy will be looking for an improved performance after the Storm left it until late to seal an uninspiring 28-14 win over the Titans. The Storm hold a strong recent record over Manly having won 8 of their past 11 against the club from the Northern Beaches.
If the winner of this clash was decider by ladder position alone the Storm would be clear victors. However, the Sea Eagles shape as a dangerous opponent for the Defending Premiers as they would have taken plenty of promise from last week’s 38-24 win over Brisbane.
A firing Tom Trbojevic was integral to the dramatic improvement in attack while a powerful display by brother Jake Trbojevic and Addin Fonua-Blake also contributed.
Halfback Daly Cherry-Evans may also have an established halves partner this week after Manly announced the immediate signing of Trent Hodkinson earlier this week.
Coach Trent Barrett would have been impressed with the effort but will still hope for a stronger defensive display this week.
Tip
Saturday night’s game will give an interesting insight into what life may be like without the traditional ‘Big Three’.
Slater will still be there yet Smith is integral to the composure that the Storm have been so well known for. If Melbourne hold strong in defence they should be able to grind their way to victory.
Storm by 6.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting at 7:35pm AEST.
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