Sydney Roosters
16
Match Complete
Melbourne Storm
30
| J. Suaalii |  | 80 | ||
| S. Wong |  | 79 | ||
| J. Suaalii | | 77 | ||
| D. Tupou | | 77 | ||
| 75 | | N. Meaney | ||
| 73 | | X. Coates | ||
| 64 | | N. Meaney | ||
| 63 | | H. Grant | ||
| 57 | | N. Meaney | ||
| 55 | | X. Coates | ||
| 53 | | N. Meaney | ||
| 52 | | J. Hughes | ||
| D. Tupou | | 32 | ||
| 12 | | N. Meaney | ||
| 11 | | X. Coates |
| 3 | Tries | 5 | ||
| 2 | Conversions | 5 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Round 20 of the NRL continues on Saturday with the Sydney Roosters taking on the Melbourne Storm at the SCG. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7.35pm AEST.
State of Origin is over and the downhill run into the semi finals has begun. For the Roosters, semi final football really starts now. They can ill afford to fall 2 wins plus a poor for and against outside of the 8.
Before their bye last round, the Roosters did show signs of life against the Sea Eagles, despite the tight loss. James Tedesco had his best game in months whilst Luke Keary was at his creative best.
The Roosters have endured a wretched run with injury and have struggled to get anything approaching their best 17 on the field. However that is not the only reason for their precarious position. Their key players need to step up.
The Roosters welcome back some talent tonight, with Brandon Smith, Jake Turpin, Egan Butcher, Billy Smith and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii all named to play. James Tedesco is out but Lindsay Collins will play following Origin.
Of course, it won’t be easy against a Storm side which seems destined for a top 4 finish. With congestion at the top, this game is also important for Melbourne who are coming off a 34-16 loss to the Panthers.
The Storm’s first twenty minutes against Penrith was premiership quality. However, once momentum swung, the Storm failed to cope and Craig Bellamy would have been concerned. He will be expecting an improved 80 minute performance tonight
For the Storm, Will Warbrick has recovered from a head knock and will play. Harry Grant, Cameron Munster and Xavier Coates are expected to back up after Origin.
Prediction
Both of these sides have plenty to play for in this fixture. It is hard to put a finger on the cause, but the Roosters are just not firing this season.
I can’t see them getting the chocolates against what will be a fired up Storm outfit. Storm by 8
Game information
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground
Kickoff: 7.35pm AEST
TV: Fox League
Stream: Kayo Sports
Odds: Roosters $2.45, Storm $1.55 – via PlayUp
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 4. Joseph Manu 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 18. Drew Hutchison 5. Joseph Suaalii 6. Luke Keary 7. Sandon Smith 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Turpin 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Victor Radley 12. Nat Butcher 13. Nathan Brown 14. Brandon Smith 15. Egan Butcher 16. Siua Wong 17. Naufahu Whyte 19. Terrell May 20. Corey Allan 21. Fetalaiga Pauga 22. Dylan Napa
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. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 13. Josh King 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Tom Eisenhuth 16. Tariq Sims 17. Bronson Garlick 18. Grant Anderson 19. Alec MacDonald 20. Jayden Nikorima 21. Marion Seve 22. Chris Lewis 23. George Jennings
andyfnq
Roar Rookie
Has no discipline at all. Wouldn't get a game under a lot of coaches
Phil
Roar Rookie
I'm glad Easts scored that final 12 points as they were better than a 30-4 scoreline. Melbourne were good yes, but they were playing a bottom tier side with one hell of a 5/8. Keary shocked me tonight with his speed especially when he chased Coates for 90 metres. Full marks to Melbourne, the better team on the night and deserved the win.
Dutski
Roar Guru
Thanks David. I’ve been dealing with a blackout whilst cooking dinner and having “It’s Raining Men” in my head for 2 hours. The Chooks getting towelled up is far from my biggest issue.
David Holden
Roar Guru
Thanks for following the blog tonight. I will be back tomorrow afternoon for the Eels and Titans
David Holden
Roar Guru
The Roosters take on the Gold Coast at Robina next Saturday afternoon. It's a very hard task for the Roosters from here and they must simply beat the Titans
watty
Roar Rookie
Well done Storm and supporters. Too good and gave roosters a touch up. Roosters.... on to 2024 and see if you can redeem yourselves
David Holden
Roar Guru
The Storm will travel to Newcastle next Saturday afternoon with an opportunity to entrench them in the top 4
David Holden
Roar Guru
A couple of late tries wasn't enough for the Roosters tonight, with the Storm piling on the tries during the second half. Melbourne perhaps didn't play to their best but their scramble defence kept them in the game for the first half before they gained control in the second 40.
Dutski
Roar Guru
The comeback is on!
Dave
Roar Rookie
That was a good game until the referee went bezerk against the Roosters. Seriously, why do the Storm suddenly get endless 6 agains and play of the ball penalties when they are in danger of losing a game? It was completely insane.
Redcap
Roar Guru
Welcome to bottom four, Dutski. Make yourself comfortable and enjoy the ambience of resigned fatalism. :happy:
79
79
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
On report David . As usual. Raised elbow. 2 weeks but with his loading 2 years.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Thought he said a billion. Send some on,.
David Holden
Roar Guru
FT’ CONVERSION ROOSTERS Suaalii adds the 2 but this is all over Roosters 16 Storm 30
David Holden
Roar Guru
FT' TRY ROOSTERS Keary finds Manu. Great ball from Brown and Wong scores Roosters 14 Storm 30
78
77
David Holden
Roar Guru
80' Penalty called against the Storm Roosters 10 Storm 30