Dragons v Storm preview

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The understrength yet classy Storm battle the Dragons on Saturday night in a quest to consolidate their spot atop of the NRL Ladder. 

For the second straight Origin affected round, the Red V have drawn face one of the competition heavyweights, yet at the same time, their opponents will be missing a key portion of their spine. Up against a perfect Storm outfit, this presents a great chance for the Dragons to capitalise on a weakened Storm outfit in a victory that would otherwise be incredibly unlikely without the absence of Cronk and Smith. A win here would also be massive for the Dragons considering their place on the ladder. The Dragons enter Round 15 in 11th place with the second worst differential in the competition. With many teams above them grabbing an extra two points from the bye this week, a loss would see the Dragons freefall to 13th place while a victory could see them jump just outside the 8 in 9th place. However, first they must overcome a Storm outfit who have won 8 straight, headlined by a 46-0 thumping of the Roosters.

The Storm may be missing Cronk and Smith. Yet, fullback Cameron Munster is just as pivotal to their side, starring in their big win last week. Many were left asking "Billy who?" after Munster scored a try, set up 3 and grabbed 4 line breaks and 6 tackle busts in a man of the match performance. Similarly, Melbourne's massive forward pack will need to step up on the weekend, yet, will this really be a problem? Led by Jesse Bromwich up front, Melbourne's pack has simply done their job and more, and have been influential in inspiring their 8 game winning run. Stars such as Munster wouldn't be given such a plethora of opportunities without the great service by his men up front. Melbourne outscored the Roosters 2075-1210 in running metres and broke away for 11 line breaks to 0 and all this does not bode well for the Red V this week.

Last meeting: Round 1 2016 - Storm 18 Dragons 16

Who to watch: For the Dragons and Storm, much of this one may be decided by their respective halves. When Gareth Widdop plays well, the Dragons typically play well and with 8 try assists to his name this year, Widdop will need to not only spark their attack against the best defence in the league on Saturday night, but also guide his team around against a disciplined Storm outfit. Blake Green, a notable omission in Melbourne's 46-0 drubbing last week, has gone about his work dutifully for the Storm this season, but will need to stand up in the absence of Cronk. Munster has been electrifying with 6 try assists to date, yet Green has only managed 3. With Smith and Cronk combining for 18 try assists between them this season, look for Green to control things for the Storm on Saturday night.

The favourite: Saints are favourites to account for a weakened yet in form Melbourne side.

My tip: Surprised to see Melbourne such heavy outsiders here. They still possess attacking flair in Munster and boast the best defence in the year. This should see them claim a big upset victory on Saturday night in a defensive grind. Melbourne by 8.

1. Jason Nightingale 2. Kalifa Faifai Loa 3. Euan Aitken 4. Timoteo Lafai 5. Kurt Mann 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Benji Marshall 8. Leeson Ah Mau 9. Mitch Rein 10. Russell Packer 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Joel Thompson 13. Michael Cooper
Interchange: 14. Jack de Belin 15. Will Matthews 16. Siliva Havili 18. Jake Marketo

17. Young Tonumaipea 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Cheyse Blair 4. Ryan Morgan 5. Marika Koroibete 6. Tohu Harris 21. Brodie Croft 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Kenneath Bromwich 10. Jordan McLean 11. Kevin Proctor 22. Slade Griffin 13. Dale Finucane
Interchange: 12. Felise Kaufusi 14. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 16. Christian Welch 20. Ben Hampton

Referees: Matt Cecchin, Grant Atkins; Sideline Officials: Jason Walsh, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski; Video Referees: Luke Patten, Jason Robinson, Bryan Norrie