The Melbourne Storm and the New Zealand Warriors do battle at Kardinia Park in an NRL pre-season trial. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:50pm (AEDT).
For some it takes an eternity, for others, it all comes around all too quickly. Whichever side of the fence you sit the stone cold fact is that rugby league is back and the 2019 season is nigh and just weeks away.
Tonight, perennial semi-finalists Melbourne Storm will face the ever improving, deep breathing New Zealand Warriors in Geelong.
For the Storm it looms as a season of revenge after losing the grand final that looked to be theirs, as they took on a Roosters side with a seriously busted Cooper Cronk at the helm.
A testament to Cronk’s skill was the superb marshalling of troops in the Roosters triumph to deny the ever present Storm another title.
It will have stung the players and coach Craig Bellamy and the purple haze will be back and ready for another tilt at the title in 2019.
The Warriors had been eliminated a few weeks earlier after a terrific season where Stephen Kearney had the men from the shaky isles huffing and puffing their way to within four points of the minor premiership.
It was a new look Warriors side; as big and powerful as ever yet displaying more poise and control than in previous seasons.
Both sides will be looking for a quick start to the season and a solid performance in this trial tonight would be an early boost to their premiership ambitions.
There are significant outs in both squads and Cameron Smith and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will not be on the field to excite the fans.
While it may not be a clash between two full strength teams, there will still be plenty to play for as two of the favourites for season 2019 clash in Geelong.
Prediction
For what it is worth, the Storm lineup looks far closer to the real deal that the Warriors’ and I would expect the men in purple to take the win in this one.
Catch all the action on The Roar live coverage from 7:50pm (AEDT).
Melbourne Storm 36 New Zealand Warriors 16
Where: Kardinia Park, Geelong
When: Friday 22nd February 2019, 7:50pm (AEDT)
TV: Live streaming on the NRL website and app
Storm
1. Scott Drinkwater, 2. Suliasi Vunivalu, 3. Marion Seve, 4. Curtis Scott, 5. Sandor Earl, 6. Billy Walters, 7. Brodie Croft, 8. Christian Welch, 9. Brandon Smith, 10. Tui Kamikamica, 11. Joe Stimson, 12. Tom Eisenhuth, 13. Nelson Asofa-Solomona.
Interchange: 14. Jahrome Hughes, 15. Ryan Papenhuyzen, 16. Justin Olam, 17. Cheyse Blair, 18. Curtis Dansey-Smaller, 19. Tom Hughes, 20. Cooper Johns, 21. Harry Grant, 22. Nicho Hynes, 23. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 24. Patrick Kaufusi, 25. Kelma Tuilagi, 27. Matt Stimson, 28. Trent Toelau, 29. Darryn Schonig, 30. Daniel Dole
Warriors
Bunty Afoa, Tom Ale, Blake Ayshford, Lachlan Burr, Sam Cook, Neria Fomia, Patrick Herbert, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Adam Keighran, Sam Lisone, Sean Mulaney, Isaiah Papali’I, Hayze Perham, Api Pewhairangi, Adam Pompey, Nate Roache, Chris Satae, Brody Tamarua, Jazz Tevaga, Paul Turner, Ligi Sao, Lewis Soosomea, Cole Waaka
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Who needs a Slater when you have a Drinkwater? The New Zealand Warriors have beaten the Melbourne Storm 12-6 at Kardinia Park in a clunky affair that blew away many of the cobwebs from both squads. It was a two tries to one win for the Warriors in the end yet they were by far the better side throughout the match. Defensively they were solid and the Storm attack struggled to find ways to break down their defence; whether it was through the centre or on the fringes. Bunty Afoa was superb for the Warriors, taking the ball forward relentlessly and Lachlan Burr, Patrick Herbert and Chanel Harris-Tavita all played strongly in what looks to be a deep Warriors squad with plenty of personnel to cover injuries or suspension. Melbourne were clunky to say the least. With no Cameron Smith to guide the team to the right spots on the field, the home side did look a little lost. Marion Seve was excellent in the centres, Sandor Earl had a few good moments at the back and Christian Welch was impressive up front. Sadly, the Storm were mostly awful in attack, particularly when it came to ball control in the red zone. Time after time the men in purple put the ball down in good attacking positions and despite levelling the match at 6-6, they never looked dangerous enough to consistently threaten the Warriors defence. The shining light for the Storm was the performance of fullback Scott Drinkwater. It was a stellar game from the 21 year-old from Penrith, as he sniffed around the edges of the ruck and was the most influential player on the field across both sides. Drinkwater's speed and support play are impressive yet his ability to read the game and pop up in the right spot at the right time appears to be his greatest asset. Many questions have already been asked of a Melbourne Storm side without one B.Slater at the back. Realistically, he will never be replaced, however Drinkwater showed enough tonight to suggest that with some development the Storm may have another superstar number one on their hands. Whilst the trial may have been a little underwhelming in terms of a contest, there was much to learn for both teams. Stephen Kearney will be well and truly convinced that he has the depth in his squad to make a real charge towards a premiership in 2019. Craig Bellamy will have, once again, seen the importance of his captain and talisman to the fortunes of the Storm. Brodie Croft, Brandon Smith and Harry Grant were less than impressive in directing the Storm's attacking plays. The one man who did stand out was Drinkwater. A man with potentially the biggest shoes in the NRL to fill. If tonight's effort was a precursor to what is to come for the Storm custodian, the fans in purple might have a new hero in the very near future. Final Score Melbourne Storm……………..6 New Zealand Warriors……….12
Stuart Thomas
Expert
79' The Storm have a late chance to attack but once again the polish on their attack is lacking. The ball goes over the sideline and the Warriors will win this one. Melbourne Storm……………..6 New Zealand Warriors……….12
Stuart Thomas
Expert
77' They kick deep into the corner and the Warriors will have the feed deep in their own half. Melbourne Storm……………..6 New Zealand Warriors……….12
Stuart Thomas
Expert
77' The Storm are desperate in their attempt to create something from their own half. Melbourne Storm……………..6 New Zealand Warriors……….12
Stuart Thomas
Expert
75' Now Ayshford puts the ball down with the line just metres away. Handling errors have been an unfortunate feature of this game. Melbourne Storm……………..6 New Zealand Warriors……….12
Stuart Thomas
Expert
74' The Warriors are deep on the attack and Turner is brought down just metres from the line. Melbourne Storm……………..6 New Zealand Warriors……….12
Stuart Thomas
Expert
72' The conversion is successful from Keighran and the Warriors take the lead again. Melbourne Storm……………..6 New Zealand Warriors……….12
Stuart Thomas
Expert
71' Try Warriors. In the blink of an eye the Warriors score again and reestablish their lead. Melbourne Storm……………..6 New Zealand Warriors……….10
Stuart Thomas
Expert
69' The conversion is successful and the scores are level. Melbourne Storm……………..6 New Zealand Warriors……….6
Stuart Thomas
Expert
67' The Storm finally find the line. After what looked questionable pass. Melbourne Storm……………..4 New Zealand Warriors……….6
Scott Pryde
Expert
If that pass wasn't forward, then I'm also the pope. Referees off to a good start.
Jordan Klingsporn
Roar Guru
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Stuart Thomas
Expert
61' Play will resume with the Storm in an attacking position. Melbourne Storm……………..0 New Zealand Warriors……….6
Stuart Thomas
Expert
60' Tavita drops the ball and the whistle is blown for the break. Melbourne Storm……………..0 New Zealand Warriors……….6
Stuart Thomas
Expert
59' Another set with little impact from the Storm and the kick is claimed at the back by the Warriors and they will look to run the clock to the three-quarter time break. Melbourne Storm……………..0 New Zealand Warriors……….6
Stuart Thomas
Expert
58' The Storm waste the chance and the Warriors escape danger. They kick and Earl brings the ball back for the Storm. Melbourne Storm……………..0 New Zealand Warriors……….6
Stuart Thomas
Expert
58' Denied the quick play the ball, the Warriors are down to 12 as Lisone is sent to the bin. Melbourne Storm……………..0 New Zealand Warriors……….6
Stuart Thomas
Expert
57' Welch makes some wonderful metres for the Storm and Papenhuysen is pulled down. Melbourne Storm……………..0 New Zealand Warriors……….6
Stuart Thomas
Expert
56' Here come the Warriors straight back. Tavita kicks again but Seve takes the ball easily. Melbourne Storm……………..0 New Zealand Warriors……….6
Stuart Thomas
Expert
56' The Storm can do no better than a bland set and a long kick. Melbourne Storm……………..0 New Zealand Warriors……….6