NRL TEAMS - 2024 Round 4
3 days ago | LeagueUnlimited Media
Storm look to rebound whilst hapless Knights look to end horror run.
Melbourne were brought crashing back down to earth on Monday night with a 14-6 defeat to Cronulla, they will be keen to put that defeat behind them and get back to playing smart footy as we all know the Storm are capable of. The loss of Billy Slater has certainly hurt Melbourne and they miss his leadership more than anything. Look for Cameron Smith to stand up in this department as he attempts to get his young side over the line in Saturday's clash.
The Knights on the other hand have made a very poor start to the season. A lot of hype surrounded them with the appointment of Nathan Brown as coach as well as a lot of homegrown talent making it to 1st grade, this hasn't exactly panned out like the novacastrions would have wanted, but more seems like it will be a work in progress. That said they still have some talented players and their fans will be hoping the likes of Jarrod Mullen, Dane Gagai and Jeremy Smith can stand toe to toe with this talented Melbourne Storm outfit.
Last meeting: Round 24 2015 - Storm 6 Knights 20
The Knights have won the past 2 and 3 of the past 4 clashes against the Storm. Not quite becoming a bogey team yet but they do present a tricky situation for the home side.
Who to watch: With no Billy Slater, the Storm's metres will need to come from his replacement Cameron Munster. Munster runs the ball hard and hits holes even harder. If Munster can get some space then he will be hard to stop. Although without Cooper Cronk Munster might have to show some magic of his own to get things going for the home side.
For the Knights, they need a huge game from their forwards. Korbin Sims is one of the brightest prospects for the Knights, he shows some vigor with his carries and has a ripper offload. If the Storm don't wrap him up early he will cause them problems and create some 2nd phase play with his offloading ability.
The favourite: Storm heavy favourites for this one.
My tip: Storm to win this in a canter, Knights just aren't showing enough to get their first win. Melbourne will bounce back after last week's surprise defeat. Storm by 18.
1. Cameron Munster 2. Young Tonumaipea 3. Will Chambers 12. Tohu Harris 22. Richard Kennar 6. Blake Green 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Jordan McLean 11. Kevin Proctor 16. Felise Kaufusi 13. Dale Finucane
Interchange: 14. Kenneath Bromwich 15. Tim Glasby 18. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 4. Ben Hampton
1. Dane Gagai 2. Nathan Ross 3. Sione Mata'utia 4. Pat Mata'utia 18. Akuila Uate 6. Jarrod Mullen 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Sam Mataora 14. Danny Levi 12. Robbie Rochow 11. Jacob Saifiti 10. Korbin Sims 13. Jeremy Smith
Interchange: 9. Tyler Randell 15. Mickey Paea 20. Jack Stockwell 17. Pauli Pauli
Referees: Henry Perenara, Chris Sutton; Sideline Officials: Brett Suttor, Dave Ryan; Video Referees: Ben Galea, Jason Robinson, Bernard Sutton;