Storm v Warriors: NAS good to go; Niukore returns from ban
It's an annual clash which Melbourne have dominated for the past six years, yet it remains one of the most anticipated games of the season for both Storm and Warriors fans.
The Warriors haven't beaten the Storm at all since 2015, with 13-straight defeats against Craig Bellamy's men being their worst current record against any side, while their last Anzac Day win over Melbourne came way back in 2014 (the clubs didn't play the fixture in 2015).
Such has been the Storm's dominance in this clash recently, they've outscored the Warriors 94-30 in the past two Anzac Day games alone, although ahead of this year's fixture it's the Kiwi side who are in better form.
Andrew Webster's side have won five from seven and sit equal second on the Telstra Premiership ladder, most recently grinding out a 22-14 win over the Cowboys in Auckland.
The Storm meanwhile have put in some uncharacteristic showings in their three losses so far, including last week's 18-8 loss to Manly which led coach Bellamy to say his charges played "dumb at times".
Despite that they have done enough to remain in the top eight after seven weeks.
Both sides will have the benefit of a long turnaround from their Round 7 games, with the Storm having a 10-day break and the Warriors nine.
Match: Storm v Warriors
Round 8 -
home Team
Storm
2nd Position
away Team
Warriors
6th Position
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Team News
Storm: Tariq Sims has moved into the starting side an hour before kick-off with Nelson Asofa-Solomona to come from the bench in his return from a knee injury. Alec MacDonald (elbow) and Tom Eisenhuth (hip flexor) dropped off the bench on Monday and were replaced by Aaron Pene and Tyran Wishart. Fullback Nick Meaney returns after missing Round 7 due to delayed concussion symptoms so Cameron Munster goes back to the halves.
Warriors: The Warriors are 1-17 with no late changes. Marata Niukore's return from a two-game suspension pushes Josh Curran to the bench and Taine Tuaupiki back to NSW Cup. Hooker Wayde Egan was cleared to return from concussion protocols but the club have chosen to give him another week off.
Match: Storm v Warriors
Round 8 -
home Team
Storm
away Team
Warriors
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Storm is number 1 Nick MeaneyFullback for Warriors is number 1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
-
Winger for Storm is number 2 Will WarbrickWinger for Warriors is number 2 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
-
Centre for Storm is number 3 Reimis SmithCentre for Warriors is number 3 Marcelo Montoya
-
Centre for Storm is number 4 Justin OlamCentre for Warriors is number 4 Adam Pompey
-
Winger for Storm is number 5 Xavier CoatesWinger for Warriors is number 5 Edward Kosi
-
Five-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Cameron MunsterFive-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Dylan Walker
-
Halfback for Storm is number 7 Jahrome HughesHalfback for Warriors is number 7 Shaun Johnson
Forwards
-
Prop for Storm is number 10 Christian WelchProp for Warriors is number 8 Addin Fonua-Blake
-
Hooker for Storm is number 9 Harry GrantHooker for Warriors is number 9 Freddy Lussick
-
Prop for Storm is number 17 Tariq SimsProp for Warriors is number 10 Jazz Tevaga
-
2nd Row for Storm is number 11 Trent Loiero2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Jackson Ford
-
2nd Row for Storm is number 12 Eliesa Katoa2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Marata Niukore
-
Lock for Storm is number 13 Josh KingLock for Warriors is number 13 Tohu Harris
Interchange
-
Interchange for Storm is number 8 Nelson Asofa-SolomonaInterchange for Warriors is number 14 Bayley Sironen
-
Interchange for Storm is number 14 Bronson GarlickInterchange for Warriors is number 15 Josh Curran
-
Interchange for Storm is number 19 Aaron PeneInterchange for Warriors is number 16 Bunty Afoa
-
Interchange for Storm is number 20 Tyran WishartInterchange for Warriors is number 17 Tom Ale
Reserves
-
Replacement for Storm is number 18 Grant AndersonReplacement for Warriors is number 18 Viliami Vailea
Match Officials
- Referee: Grant Atkins
- Touch Judge: Belinda Sharpe
- Touch Judge: Peter Gough
- Senior Review Official: Ben Cummins
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Storm have won their past 13 games against the Warriors.
- The Warriors have not won an Anzac Day game against the Storm since 2014.
- Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes has scored seven tries in his past seven games against the Warriors.
- Warriors winger Edward Kosi has scored four tries in his past five games.
- Storm winger Xavier Coates has scored 16 tries in 12 games at AAMI Park.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
