Storm v Roosters: MacDonald steps up; Smith returns
The Melbourne Storm will look to rebound when they return home to face the Roosters on Saturday night.
Craig Bellamy's men let a half-time lead slip in last week's loss to the Bulldogs and they're determined to avoid a similar fate this weekend.
The Storm are in unfamiliar territory as they navigate the State of Origin period, with Melbourne sitting down in 15th on the ladder and desperate to turn things around.
Livewire fullback Sua Faalogo will look to provide a spark from the back, while winger Moses Leo is out to build on last week's double.
Upfront, Stefano Utoikamanu is set for a fascinating battle with Roosters enforcer Naufahu Whyte.
The Kiwis star has emerged as one of the most dominant props in the game throughout the past two seasons and has played a key role in his side's success this season.
Trent Robinson's men are fresh off the bye and have had two weeks to stew on a Magic Round loss to the Cowboys.
The defeat snapped a six-game winning streak for the Roosters, who have emerged as a genuine premiership contender throughout the first half of the season.
Multiple Roosters have been selected to represent their states, with experienced playmaker Daly Cherry-Evans to take on a greater role as he steers the team through the State of Origin period.
Match: Storm v Roosters
Round 13 -
home Team
Storm
15th Position
away Team
Roosters
3rd Position
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Storm: Origin stars Cameron Munster, Harry Grant and Trent Loiero have all been named in the starting side for Saturday’s crucial clash with the Roosters as the Storm look to kick-start their season. Emerging playmaker Keagan Russell-Smith has been listed in the reserves and could come into the halves if Munster drops out. The only non-Origin related change to the Round 12 side sees Shawn Blore drop out after he was placed in the HIA protocol following last Friday's loss to the Bulldogs. Alec MacDonald replaces Blore in the starting side.
Roosters: Outside back Billy Smith is set to make his long-awaited return from a knee injury on the wing. Smith replaces Daniel Tupou, who injured his calf in a Magic Round loss to the Cowboys. Origin stars James Tedesco, Victor Radley, Reece Robson, Rob Toia, Lindsay Collins and Sam Walker have all been named, with a final decision on their fitness to be made following Wednesday’s clash between NSW and Queensland. Last week’s bye has allowed Cody Ramsey to recover from a concussion without missing a game and he has been named on the wing. Radley missed the Magic Round clash due to suspension but his return will see Connor Watson shift from lock to the interchange.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Storm is number 1 Sualauvi FaalogoFullback for Roosters is number 1 James Tedesco
-
Winger for Storm is number 2 Will WarbrickWinger for Roosters is number 2 Billy Smith
-
Centre for Storm is number 3 Jack HowarthCentre for Roosters is number 3 Hugo Savala
-
Centre for Storm is number 4 Nick MeaneyCentre for Roosters is number 4 Robert Toia
-
Winger for Storm is number 5 Moses LeoWinger for Roosters is number 5 Cody Ramsey
-
Five-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Cameron MunsterFive-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Daly Cherry-Evans
-
Halfback for Storm is number 7 Jahrome HughesHalfback for Roosters is number 7 Sam Walker
Forwards
-
Prop for Storm is number 8 Stefano UtoikamanuProp for Roosters is number 8 Naufahu Whyte
-
Hooker for Storm is number 9 Harry GrantHooker for Roosters is number 9 Reece Robson
-
Prop for Storm is number 10 Josh KingProp for Roosters is number 10 Lindsay Collins
-
2nd Row for Storm is number 11 Alec MacDonald2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Angus Crichton
-
2nd Row for Storm is number 12 Ativalu Lisati2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Siua Wong
-
Lock for Storm is number 13 Trent LoieroLock for Roosters is number 13 Victor Radley
Interchange
-
Interchange for Storm is number 14 Trent ToelauInterchange for Roosters is number 14 Connor Watson
-
Interchange for Storm is number 15 Cooper ClarkeInterchange for Roosters is number 15 Spencer Leniu
-
Interchange for Storm is number 16 Davvy MoaleInterchange for Roosters is number 16 Nat Butcher
-
Interchange for Storm is number 17 Josiah PahuluInterchange for Roosters is number 17 Salesi Foketi
-
Interchange for Storm is number 18 Joe ChanInterchange for Roosters is number 18 Reece Foley
-
Interchange for Storm is number 19 Manaia WaitereInterchange for Roosters is number 19 Egan Butcher
Reserves
-
Reserve for Storm is number 20 Jack HetheringtonReserve for Roosters is number 20 Benaiah Ioelu
-
Reserve for Storm is number 21 Angus HincheyReserve for Roosters is number 21 Taylor Losalu
-
Reserve for Storm is number 22 Gabriel SatrickReserve for Roosters is number 22 Tom Rodwell
-
Reserve for Storm is number 23 Keagan Russell-SmithReserve for Roosters is number 23 Rex Bassingthwaighte
-
Reserve for Roosters is number 24 Junior Tupou
Storm Ins
- Angus Hinchey
- Cameron Munster
- Harry Grant
- Jack Hetherington
- Josiah Pahulu
- Trent Loiero
Roosters Ins
- Benaiah Ioelu
- Billy Smith
- Junior Tupou
- Rex Bassingthwaighte
- Taylor Losalu
- Tom Rodwell
- Victor Radley
Storm Outs
- Shawn Blore
- Stanley Huen
Roosters Ins
- Daniel Tupou
- Fetalaiga Pauga
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Storm have won seven of their last eight games against the Roosters.
- The Roosters have won only one of their last five games at AAMI Park.
- Storm fullback Sua Fa’alogo has scored six tries in his last six games at AAMI Park.
- Roosters centre Hugo Savala has scored five tries in his last five games.
- Storm winger Moses Leo has scored five tries in seven games this season.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
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