Melbourne Storm
28
Match Complete
Sydney Roosters
8
| C. Munster |  | 63 | ||
| X. Coates |  | 48 | ||
| X. Coates | | 43 | ||
| N. Meaney |  | 35 | ||
| C. Munster | | 33 | ||
| N. Meaney | | 29 | ||
| N. Meaney | | 27 | ||
| 20 | | S. Walker | ||
| N. Meaney | | 18 | ||
| X. Coates | | 17 | ||
| 13 | | S. Walker | ||
| 12 | | J. Paulo |
| 5 | Tries | 1 | ||
| 3 | Conversions | 1 | ||
| 1 | Penalty Goals | 1 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Round six of NRL action starts off in Melbourne as the Melbourne Storm host the Sydney Roosters at AAMI Park. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:50pm (AEST).
Following a mini blip where 64 points were conceded across two games, the Storm have gone back to defending their way to victory. With the injury crisis slowly getting better in Melbourne, Craig Bellamy can slowly focus more on his spine combinations having a bigger effect in their attacking sets.
In a huge boost for the Storm, Jahrome Hughes returns from his suspension and slots back in at halfback – meaning youngster Jonah Pezet has to make way and find a spot on the reserves list. Tariq Sims finds himself back on the Storm bench after he was demoted to 18th man last week against the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
All is well in Bondi since the Roosters were outplayed against the Dolphins in round 1. Since then, they have had three victories at home, including an impressive come from behind victory against the Rabbitohs in round three.
Joey Manu comes back from suspension and replaces club captain James Tedesco (concussion) at fullback. Terrell May comes in place of Naufahu Whyte (18th man) on the bench, meaning Trent Robinson has the luxury of naming a settled lineup ahead of a huge trip to Melbourne. Brandon Smith has been named to start at hooker, meaning he will face off against his former club for the first time.
Prediction
Both teams have had a decent enough start to their seasons, and having two of the best coaches in modern day rugby league helps. When these two sides met last time, Robinson came with the perfect game plan in order to neutralise Justin Olam and Brandon Smith for the Storm.
With Manu at fullback for the Roosters, expect Bellamy to conjure up a game plan on Manu being isolated and the Storm halves launching bombs early into their sets and get Will Warbrick involved under the high ball against Manu as much as possible. While Manu is an incredibly talented fullback, the loss of Tedesco will be a hurdle too many. Storm by six.
Game information
Venue – AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kickoff – 7:50pm (AEST)
TV – Nine Network, Fox League
Stream – 9Now, Kayo Sports
Odds – Storm $1.74, Roosters $2.10 via Playup
Storm: 1. Nick Meaney 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Justin Olam 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch 11. Trent Loiero 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Josh King 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tom Eisenhuth 17. Tariq Sims 18. Jordan Grant 19. Grant Anderson 20. Tyran Wishart 21. Jack Howarth 22. Jonah Pezet
Roosters: 1. Joey Manu 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph Suaalii 4. Drew Hutchison 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Egan Butcher 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley 14. Jake Turpin 15. Terrell May 16. Corey Allan 17. Fletcher Baker 18. Naufahu Whyte 19. Paul Momirovski 20. Sandon Smith 21. Siua Wong 22. Ben Thomas
Dionysus
Roar Rookie
Meaney is a hard worker. Competent at most things but probably outstanding at none. That said, I will take him at fullback over someone like Latrell any day of the week. I thought he would be a useful pick up when we got him from the Doggies. He is repaying that faith in spades. At that time we desperately needed his kicking skills (and probably still do) and that alone probably justifies his place in the team. All that said, I do not think he is right for Origin. In Origin, you need the Masters not a Jack of all Trades. Grant is far better than Smith. I was concerned that his small stature might make him a bit injury prone but so far so good. I thought that last week against the Bunnies might have been their best game. That defensive effort in their own red zone was superb to watch But this one was good of that there is no doubt. Not really wanting to kick a man when he is down but I thought that the Roosters were really missing Teddy and needed him to steady the ship. Melbourne (and the conditions) were forcing those errors from the roosters and the more desperate they became the more they made them. I think that privately (especially after last week's performance) , the Roosters thought they had this one in the bag but were ambushed by the Storm who had found the Roosters weak spot and exploited it to perfection.
GB
Roar Rookie
Fortunately for Eels fans their side doesn't have to contend with the horrendous early season injury toll of the Rabbitohs. That makes the uphill climb even steeper with that horrendous NRL draw on their backs.
Easy target
Roar Rookie
There's a few Parramatta fans that would argue with you about who has the worst draw
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
The way I look at it Joe is they will be top 4 . That makes them a $ 4.00 chance. But I think the Panthers may be better and Brisbane are a bit of an unknown, so $ 5.00 is a fair price . $10.00 is ridiculous.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
:laughing: :laughing:
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Perhaps you’re too harsh on Klein. The bunker refs matches these days, the field puppet gets earwig instructions and does as he’s told… ?! #dumpthebunker
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
could be. Just goes to show that regardless of 'tech' it all still boils down to some person's POV...
Dionysus
Roar Rookie
Yeah, a shout out to Bellamy as well, their game plan tonight was spot on. OK the Roosters had Teddy out but Melbourne were missing Paps and Nelson so I think this game was probably a fair reflection where both teams are at.
andyfnq
Roar Rookie
Well done Melbourne, back to your awesome best. Bad luck Chooks, but you need to play better than that to have a chance in Melbourne :stoked:
andyfnq
Roar Rookie
The Rabbitohs? The Cowboys? Are you serious or is this just a trolling comment? The Rabbitohs and Cowboys couldn't play their way out of a paper bad right now. Might want to start checking the results before making comments like that
andyfnq
Roar Rookie
easy money brother, first round is your shout :thumbup:
andyfnq
Roar Rookie
Because it's Melbourne and they hate them
andyfnq
Roar Rookie
And you are carrying a turnip like Radley. Man has no discipline. Do you think he would get a game with Bellamy pulling that sort of rubbish week after week
andyfnq
Roar Rookie
classy comment :thumbup:
andyfnq
Roar Rookie
Reckon that was his best game for the Storm. If he can maintain it, then look out
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Even in swamp conditions it’s nice ,I’m sure, to have outside backs who don’t put down bombs.
Arnab Bhattacharya
Roar Guru
Yeah I was surprised by that call as well. All three shoulda been off for a HIA
Col in Paradise
Roar Rookie
If Meany had to go off for a HIA check how come these three guys don't.. at least the Rooster guys you think would be given a check
Stormy
Roar Rookie
He was getting very willing towards the end of the game. May have been lucky to get away with one or two things.
Phil
Roar Rookie
AB, point 2 says it all. The way Bellamy coaches the defensive mindset into his players is what you say, genius.