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Melbourne Storm
20
Match Complete
Canberra Raiders
28
| 75 |  | J. Fogarty | ||
| 73 |  | J. Rapana | ||
| 66 | | J. Fogarty | ||
| 65 | | H. Young | ||
| C. Munster | | 58 | ||
| N. Asofa-Solomona | | 56 | ||
| C. Munster | | 46 | ||
| X. Coates | | 44 | ||
| 36 | | J. Fogarty | ||
| 34 | | E. Whitehead | ||
| 32 | | J. Fogarty | ||
| 31 | | J. Fogarty | ||
| X. Coates | | 21 | ||
| X. Coates | | 17 | ||
| 7 | | M. Timoko |
| 4 | Tries | 5 | ||
| 2 | Conversions | 4 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Show Preview
The first of the NRL elimination finals is on tonight when the Melbourne Storm host the Canberra Raiders at AAMI Park in Melbourne. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5:40 pm (AEST).
A few weeks ago, no one would have predicted tonight’s match-up. Melbourne looked assured of a top-four spot and the Raiders’ finals chances were hanging by a thread. The Broncos implosion gave them a sniff and they were good enough to take advantage.
The Storm are in unfamiliar territory. It’s been eight years since Melbourne missed the top four, way back in 2014. They were never really in it in the crucial match against the Eels last round, with the 8-point margin flattering to the Storm.
The loss of Jahrome Hughes was a factor, with Cameron Munster playing himself to a standstill. However, Melbourne were beaten upfront and this is perhaps the Raiders’ strength.
In a big in for the Storm, Hughes has been named at halfback. Kenny Bromwich and Nick Meaney have both been named after suffering injuries against the Eels.
The Raiders enjoyed a 56-10 win against a hapless Tigers outfit last Sunday afternoon. Canberra led 42-0 at halftime and put the cue in the rack, resting a number of key players in the second half.
They base their game around Josh Papalii and Joe Tapine, arguably the best front row in the competition. However, the likes of Hudson Young and Corey Horsburgh are in career-best form. If the Raiders can get on the front foot, they can spring an upset here.
The Raiders welcome back Jack Wighton and Elliott Whitehead. Corey Harawira-Naera moves to the bench and Matt Frawley is out of the 17.
Prediction
The Raiders have won four straight at AAMI Park, so home ground advantage is largely mitigated here.
With the Storm still undermanned and the Raiders on a bit of a wave, the upset looks a real possibility.
However, Craig Bellamy will have the Storm primed. I’m not sure the Storm can win the comp, but they will progress through to Week 2.
Storm by 6.
Kick-off: 5:40pm (AEST)
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
TV/Stream: Nine, Fox Sports, Foxtel, Kayo Sports, NRL Live Pass
Odds: Storm: $1.41; Raiders: $2.95 – odds via PlayUp
Teams
Storm
1. Nick Meaney 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Marion Seve 4. Justin Olam 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Harry Grant 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Josh King
Interchange: 14. Brandon Smith 15. Tui Kamikamica 16. Trent Loiero 17. Chris Lewis
Raiders
1. Xavier Savage 2. Nick Cotric 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Zac Woolford 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Adam Elliott
Interchange: 14. Tom Starling 15. Emre Guler 16. Corey Horsburgh 17. Corey Harawira-Naera
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