Storm
27
Match Complete
Roosters
25
| C. Smith |  | 84 | ||
| R. Papenhuyzen |  | 79 | ||
| 79 | | L. Keary | ||
| 78 | | K. Flanagan | ||
| C. Smith |  | 74 | ||
| P. Momirovski |  | 73 | ||
| C. Smith | | 71 | ||
| J. Hughes | | 71 | ||
| 68 | | J. Morris | ||
| 55 | | K. Flanagan | ||
| 54 | | B. Morris | ||
| C. Smith | | 42 | ||
| J. Hughes | | 41 | ||
| 38 | | K. Flanagan | ||
| 37 | | J. Morris | ||
| C. Smith | | 14 | ||
| J. Addo-Carr | | 13 | ||
| 12 | | K. Flanagan | ||
| 10 | | K. Flanagan |
| 4 | Tries | 4 | ||
| 4 | Conversions | 3 | ||
| 1 | Penalty Goals | 1 | ||
| 1 | Field Goals | 1 |
Round 8 of the NRL season kicks off with a tantalising clash between the Melbourne Storm and Sydney Roosters. Join The Roar for live scores from 7:50pm (AEST).
No one has looked like toppling the Roosters since the competition restart, but if there’s a side capable of ending the Chooks’ run of five straight wins, it just might be the Melbourne Storm.
Craig Bellamy’s men haven’t been at their best in 2020, but last week’s demolition of the Warriors bodes poorly for the rest of the comp. The New Zealand side might be doing it tough this year, but Melbourne hitting the half-century is ominous regardless of their opponents.
Injuries have hit both these sides hard, particularly the Roosters. While a knee injury has ruled Storm five-eighth Cameron Munster out, the Roosters are without Sam Verrills and Victor Radley, both of whom tore their ACL last week and will miss the rest of the year.
That said, there are some handy inclusions for Sydney, too. James Tedesco is back at fullback, Jake Friend slots into the no.9 jersey and Josh Morris comes into the centres. Ryley Jacks replaces Munster in the Melbourne line-up.
Game information
Kick-off: 7:50pm (AEST)
Venue: Suncorp Stadium
TV: Fox Sports, Nine
Live stream: Kayo Sports, Foxtel, NRL Live Pass, 9Now
Teams
Storm
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen, 2. Suliasi Vunivalu, 3. Justin Olam, 4. Paul Momirovski, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Ryley Jacks, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Cameron Smith, 10. Christian Welch, 11. Felise Kaufusi, 12. Kenny Bromwich, 13. Dale Finucane
Bench/Reserves: 14. Brandon Smith, 15. Tino Faasuamaleaui, 16. Tom Eisenuth, 17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona, 18. Cooper Johns, 19. Marion Seve, 20. Albert Vete, 21. Chris Lewis
Roosters
1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Josh Morris, 4. Joseph Manu, 5. Brett Morris, 6. Luke Keary, 7. Kyle Flanagan, 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 9. Jake Friend, 10. Sio Siua Taukeiaho, 11. Boyd Cordner, 12. Angus Crichton, 13. Nat Butcher
Bench/Reserves: 14. Poasa Faamausili, 15. Sitili Tupouniua, 16. Mitchell Aubusson, 17. Lindsay Collins, 18. Daniel Fifita, 19. Ryan Hall, 20. Freddy Lussick, 21. Lachlan Lam
Panana split
Roar Rookie
That would be a fair statement if this match was an accurate reflection of your average NRL game, which it was not. This game outshines any other game that has been played this year quite substantially.
Parasite
Roar Rookie
Surely those Morris boys will go around again, always been a fan of their play. Any RL club on the face of the planet would have to be interested.
The Spectator
Roar Guru
Hughes is fast becoming my fav player to watch as his transition to half back has come along in leaps now he standing up in clutch moments and taking out the premiers, how good !!
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
There are other reasons why they win. Some good, some not. It's noticeable that when refs are willing to blow penalties chooks lose a lot of their invincibility.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
congrats mate, what a win. Got to say, had an early start today so I called last night early. Couldn't believe it when I saw the result in the morning. watched it a second time noticing the game clock, how tight was that. You must have lost your marbles when Pap kicked that fg.
Fraser
Roar Rookie
It was really interesting being at the game and surrounded by Roosters fans. They were calling for six again so many times, but Klein had put the whistle away a long time ago and allowed us to watch an even match. It was fantastic.
Ralph Malph
Roar Rookie
Most Sydney Rooster fans are from every suburb of Greater Sydney. Parramatta is very much a hop skip and a jump being Greater Sydney's epicentre.
bazza200
Guest
Hi Didn't the raiders do the same last week against parra but loose in golden point.
Chris.P.Bacon
Guest
Congratulations Stormy. Great win by your boys in a fabulous match!
JGK
Roar Guru
Too soon.
JGK
Roar Guru
That doesn’t mean there is no sombrero by the way.
Duncan Smith
Roar Guru
9 had a fair game too.
Ja ja klazo
Guest
You can't buy the bravery of this group of players. Brilliant game and superb performance by both teams.
Bloke7
Roar Rookie
watched the 2nd half late but not knowing the score...best decision of the year. Whether or not these 2 make the grand final I just hope the big one is half as good.
Walter Black
Guest
Come on now, the Warriors are not that bad.
Ian_
Roar Rookie
Would have been interesting if Smith missed the goal, with all those Roosters players standing in front of and near the posts well inside 10 metres. I wonder if Klein would have had the will to award him a retake.
Stormy
Roar Rookie
I tipped them, too.
Doug Graves
Guest
This is why Union can't hold a candle to League.
Joe
Roar Rookie
I think other players really stood up in his absence so I can understand the sentiment. Hughes and Paps in particular had great games with a lot of quality touches.
Harry
Guest
I’m not a Roosters fan by any means but this game showed why all the nonsense about the “salary sombrero” is exactly that. A week after losing two key players for the season they were able to pull out a performance like this in the fastest, most intense game of the year, with every player no matter his position, fame, or pay-cheque giving it absolutely everything. That’s why they’re a champion team, and that’s why they stay a champion team no matter which star players retire, leave, or get injured: because every player commits to the full extent of his ability, week in, week out.