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Storm
6
Match Complete
Raiders
22
| 79 |  | J. Tapine | ||
| 36 |  | J. Croker | ||
| 34 | | C. Nicoll-Klokstad | ||
| C. Smith | | 31 | ||
| D. Finucane | | 29 | ||
| 14 | | J. Croker | ||
| 13 | | N. Cotric | ||
| 5 | | J. Croker | ||
| 3 | | J. Rapana |
| 1 | Tries | 4 | ||
| 1 | Conversions | 3 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Show Preview
The long-awaited return of the NRL continues tonight with the battle of some premiership heavyweights, the Melbourne Storm and the Canberra Raiders, at AAMI Park. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 7:35pm (AEST).
These two teams were expected to feature again in 2020, so it’s no surprise that both are undefeated after two rounds. Of course, though, with such a long break, it’s questionable as to how much early form helps us pick winners this round.
The Storm have certainly started the season well, with wins over the Sea Eagles and the Sharks. The Sharks win was perhaps a little lucky, with some late mistakes from the Sharks allowing the Storm to overcome a deficit.
The Storm are at close to full strength, welcoming back Christian Welch and Brandon Smith, both starting from the bench. Any team that can start Brandon Smith on the bench has a strong roster.
Cameron Smith will be hoping that his big forward pack can get enough go forward to create opportunities for the likes of Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes.
The Raiders have also started the season well with comfortable wins against the Titans and Warriors. They haven’t really been tested so far so we’ll get some indication as to where they stand tonight.
The Raiders have one notable omission with John Bateman sidelined. Jordan Rapana has been named on the reserves list and could yet take his place in the 17. Curtis Scott lines up against his old club.
While Bateman will be missed, Josh Hodgson will lead an underrated forward pack while Jack Wighton seems to improve each week.
This Raiders side didn’t make the grand final by accident in 2019 and will be thereabouts again this year.
Prediction
Craig Bellamy has certainly got a knack of starting the season well. In six of the last eight seasons, the Storm have won their first three matches.
At AAMI Park on a cold Melbourne night, I expect them to do it again.
Storm by four.
When: 7:35pm (AEST)
Where: AAMI Park
TV: Fox League
Online: Kayo, NRL Live
Betting: Melbourne Storm $1.62, Canberra Raiders $2.30
Melbourne Storm
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen, 2. Suliasi Vunivalu, 3. Justin Olam, 4. Marion Seve, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Cameron Smith, 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona, 11. Felise Kaufusi, 12. Kenneath Bromwich, 13. Dale Finucane. Interchange: 14. Brandon Smith, 15. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 16. Christian Welch, 17. Max King.
Canberra Raiders
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Bailey Simonsson, 3. Jarrod Croker, 4. Curtis Scott, 5. Nick Cotric, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. George Williams, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Josh Hodgson, 10. Dunamis Lui, 11. Joseph Tapine, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Corey Horsburgh. Interchange: 14. Siliva Havili, 15. Emre Guler, 16. Iosia Soliola, 17. Michael Oldfield.
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