New Zealand Warriors vs Melbourne Storm: NRL live scores, blog

The NRL is back on New Zealand soil for the second time this year as the New Zealand Warriors host the Melbourne Storm at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 6pm AEST.

The Warriors have not won a game since defeating the Tigers earlier this month, losing 28-18 to the Parramatta Eels and 26-14 to the Canberra Raiders. Despite these losses, the squad feels more at ease and seem refreshed ever since they had their homecoming for the clash against the Tigers. They will be pumped up for another home game in front of their fans in Auckland, as responsibility falls on the senior men in Tohu Harris and Shaun Johnson to steer the ship. Warriors interim head coach Stacey Jones has changed the spine of the 13, as Reece Walsh returns to fullback and Chanel Haris-Tevita moves to combine alongside Shaun Johnson in the halves.

There’s no question about it – the injury toll is starting to create an impact at the Melbourne Storm as they sit outside the top four now. As many teams who have been at the bottom over the past few years, losing is not a feeling you want to continue going through. While on paper this seems like a Storm win, the four game losing streak makes it incredibly difficult for the Storm as they have to find a way to win – something they have not tasted ever since the NRL took a break for representative round. While rumours float on David Nofoaluma set to join the Storm on loan, he will definitely not take part in the clash as the Storm name an unnamed 13 following their loss to the Rabbitohs.

Prediction

The Warriors have been poor throughout this season – there’s no denying that. However, now is the perfect time for them to avenge losing 70-10 against their opponents on ANZAC day earlier in the season.

The Storm are low on troops and are suffering from a lack of confidence and self belief. Warriors to crank it up on home soil and keep the mood low in the Storm dressing room.

Warriors by 2.

Game information

Kick-off: 6:00pm AEST
Venue: Mt Smart Stadium
TV/Stream: Kayo Sports, Foxtel
Odds: Warriors $4.50, Storm $1.20 – odds via PlayUp

New Zealand

1. Reece Walsh 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Marcelo Montoya 4. Adam Pompey 5. Edward Kosi 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Tohu Harris 11. Euan Aitken 12. Josh Curran 13. Jazz Tevaga 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Bunty Afoa 16. Eliesa Katoa 17. Jackson Frei 18. Tom Ale 20. Daejarn Asi 21. Ronald Volkman 22. Viliami Vailea 23. Taniela Otukolo

Melbourne

1. Nick Meaney 2. Dean Ieremia 3. Marion Seve 4. Justin Olam 5. Grant Anderson 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 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Tui Kamikamica 16. Alec MacDonald 17. Jordan Grant 18. Chris Lewis 19. Cooper Johns 20. Young Tonumaipea 21. Tom Eisenhuth 22. Sualauvi Faalogo