Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy has questioned his team’s hunger to defend their NRL title in a stinging assessment of their performance in their 17-14 loss to Cronulla.
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Final score
Melbourne Storm 14
Cronulla Sharks 17
The Melbourne Storm and Cronulla Sharks are both looking to consolidate their position within the top eight as the finals draw near. Join The Roar from 4:10pm (AEST) for live scores and coverage of the match.
The Storm are one win away from first place after losing to South Sydney last week.
Craig Bellamy has made only one change to the side that went down 30-20 to the Rabbitohs, with Suliasi Vunivalu returning on the wing for Cheyse Blair.
While Melbourne have speed to burn in the backline and plenty of go-forward through the middle, their spine will determine the match’s outcome.
Cameron Smith must take a more proactive role in steering the team around, while Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes need to set up some structure in the halves.
Cronulla are unchanged from last week’s 33-32 loss to the Sea Eagles and will be hellbent on a win to kickstart some form going into the finals.
James Segeyaro will be the key to exploit fatigue through the middle, using his speed from acting half. Similarly, Matt Moylan needs to inject some attacking brilliance.
The Storm and Sharks have played in 35 games, with Melbourne winning 22, although Cronulla were successful in their most recent outing, securing a 14-4 win in Round 4.
That said, AAMI Park has not been a happy hunting ground for the away side – winning just once in eight games.
Prediction
The Storm will stay in touch with the JJ Giltinan Shield, producing a big win over the 2016 premiers.
Storm by 12.
Join The Roar from 4:10pm (AEST) for score updates and debate in our live blog.
Muzz
Guest
Good game. Smith looks cooked.
Renegade
Roar Guru
That was another great game for this rivalry Joe, Semi final football a month early! Hats off to both teams ? might not be the last encounter for this season either!
souvalis
Roar Rookie
overall forgiven,he was a major contributor in helping the club win that..most number of tackles,most number of runs and big post contact efforts which gave him most number of meters other than Ramien who ran 60 or so on an intercept for his side..
Jezz
Guest
Go the mighty chooks
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
Cheers Rene, you've got to be happy with that one. Sharks have finally produced something and it has come at the right time.
JOHNY BULLDOG
Roar Rookie
Good effort sharkies
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
That concludes The Roar’s coverage of Melbourne Storm vs Cronulla Sharks. The Storm now sit two points behind the Roosters and Rabbitohs in third place while the Sharks have improved to sixth position and are one win outside the top four with their three-point win. Scott Pryde's Round 22 NRL talking points are now live. Stay tuned tomorrow morning for my NRL team of the week. Thanks for following along.
Blake dorling
Guest
Rip to storm up up Cronulla ????
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
THE FINALS PICTURE 1. Sydney Roosters (32 - 15 W, 6 L; +163) 2. South Sydney Rabbitohs (32 - 15 W, 6 L; +136) 3. Melbourne Storm (30 - 14 W, 7 L; +161) 4. Penrith Panthers (30 - 14 W, 7 L; +78) 5. St George Illawarra Dragons (28 - 13 W, 8 L; +65) 6. Cronulla Sharks (28 - 13 W, 8 L; +46) 7. Warriors (28 - 13 W, 8 L; +2) 8. Brisbane Broncos (26 - 12 W, 9 L; -10) ____________ 9. Wests Tigers (24 - 11 W, 10 L; -34) The Roosters and Rabbitohs will battle it out for the JJ Giltinan Shield, two points clear of the Storm while the Sharks improve to sixth place. The Wests Tigers' win over the Raiders this afternoon keeps their finals hopes alive. They play the Dragons (5th), Sea Eagles (12th) and Rabbitohs (2nd) in the final three rounds while the Broncos take on the Rabbitohs (2nd), Roosters (1st) and Sea Eagles (12th).
Dogs Boddy
Roar Rookie
Yeah but if it came off we were in. great game in the end. I've got to stop watching the Sharks play the Storm. My poor heart can't take much more. Up Up.
Renegade
Roar Guru
One of the best games year Riley. These two teams produce semi-final intensity every time they’ve played over the last 3 years. Thanks for the call mate!
Scott Pryde
Expert
Talking points are live folks! https://www.theroar.com.au/2018/08/12/eight-talking-points-nrl-round-22/
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Sharkies won that with their defense . Absolutely outstanding.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
THE RUN HOME: MELBOURNE STORM Round 23 versus Parramatta Eels (Home) Round 24 versus Gold Coast Titans (Away) Round 25 versus Penrith Panthers (Home)
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
THE RUN HOME: CRONULLA SHARKS Round 23 versus North Queensland Cowboys (Home) Round 24 versus Newcastle Knights (Home) Round 25 versus Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (Away)
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Very good game! Congrats to both sides
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
FULL-TIME Roarers, what are your thoughts from the Sharks' gutsy three-point victory over the Storm? Melbourne Storm 14 Cronulla Sharks 17
Joe
Roar Rookie
Another tough encounter between these two teams. Always a grind and this was another one and the Sharks deservedly take the points. Storm are actually in a min-slump with two losses now. Not very good form leading into finals.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Gallen Nearly lost that for the Sharks. He has form.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
FULL-TIME The Sharks have held on to a three-point win over the Melbourne Storm, putting a dent in their minor premiership chances. Melbourne Storm 14 Cronulla Sharks 17