After copping their first loss of the season last week against the Roosters, the Storm will be in a vengeful mood, even though the Warriors had nothing to do with it.
They were out-played in the first half when the damage was done but coach Craig Bellamy was heartened by his team's determined comeback from 20-0 down to force extra time.
It's a home game for the Storm and the atmosphere will be bubbling with Anzac Day pride.
The Warriors are coming off last week's home loss to the Cowboys and should be doubly motivated to put in a massive effort after last year's 50-10 Anzac Day thrashing from the Storm.
Match: Storm v Warriors
Round 7 -
home Team
Storm
2nd Position
away Team
Warriors
12th Position
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
The Rundown
Team news
Storm: Christian Welch starts at prop relegating Nelson Asofa-Solomona to the bench. The only other change an hour before kick-off was Ryan Papenhuyzen added to the bench for Patrick Kaufusi. In the centres, Marion Seve replaces Curtis Scott.
Warriors: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (hamstring), Blake Green (groin) and Solomone Kata (compassionate leave) are out, with Peta Hiku starting at fullback, Gerard Beale on the wing, Blake Ayshford and Patrick Herbert in the centres and Tohu Harris joining Chanel Harris-Tevita in the halves. Isaiah Papali'i starts in the second row and Hayze Perham is a late addition to the bench an hour before kick-off at the expense of Chris Satae.
Match: Storm v Warriors
Round 7 -
home Team
Storm
away Team
Warriors
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Storm is number 1 Jahrome HughesFullback for Warriors is number 3 Peta Hiku
-
Winger for Storm is number 2 Suliasi VunivaluWinger for Warriors is number 2 Gerard Beale
-
Centre for Storm is number 3 Will ChambersCentre for Warriors is number 21 Patrick Herbert
-
Centre for Storm is number 17 Marion SeveCentre for Warriors is number 22 Blake Ayshford
-
Winger for Storm is number 5 Josh Addo-CarrWinger for Warriors is number 5 Ken Maumalo
-
Five-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Cameron MunsterFive-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Chanel Harris-Tavita
-
Halfback for Storm is number 7 Brodie CroftHalfback for Warriors is number 12 Tohu Harris
Forwards
-
Prop for Storm is number 8 Jesse BromwichProp for Warriors is number 8 Agnatius Paasi
-
Hooker for Storm is number 9 Cameron SmithHooker for Warriors is number 9 Issac Luke
-
Prop for Storm is number 15 Christian WelchProp for Warriors is number 10 Leeson Ah Mau
-
2nd Row for Storm is number 11 Felise Kaufusi2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Adam Blair
-
2nd Row for Storm is number 12 Kenneath Bromwich2nd Row for Warriors is number 15 Isaiah Papali'i
-
Lock for Storm is number 13 Dale FinucaneLock for Warriors is number 13 Lachlan Burr
Interchange
-
Interchange for Storm is number 10 Nelson Asofa-SolomonaInterchange for Warriors is number 14 Jazz Tevaga
-
Interchange for Storm is number 14 Brandon SmithInterchange for Warriors is number 16 Bunty Afoa
-
Interchange for Storm is number 16 Tui KamikamicaInterchange for Warriors is number 17 Nathaniel Roache
-
Interchange for Storm is number 21 Ryan PapenhuyzenInterchange for Warriors is number 18 Hayze Perham
Match Officials
- Referee: Matt Cecchin
- Referee: Dave Munro
- Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy
- Touch Judge: Nick Morel
- Senior Review Official: Jared Maxwell
Last updated:
Key match-up
Warriors back-rower Tohu Harris will be counted on to provide inside information on his former team. Harris spent five years with Melbourne and will be keen to claim bragging rights over dynamic backrower Felise Kaufusi, especially given the embarrassment of last year's Anzac Day flogging.
For the Storm to win
They probably learned a thing or two with last week's extra time loss to the Roosters but don't expect the Storm to stray from their usual tactics of methodically wearing down the opposition through their hard-working forwards. Craig Bellamy will demand an ultra-aggressive opening 20 minutes after his side fell behind 20-0 in the first half last week.
For the Warriors to win
The mercurial Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will have to be at his inspirational best but he's going to need help from his supporting cast. Blake Green is expected to return after a two-week absence and should provide valuable offensive direction. Stephen Kearney should copy a few ideas from the Bulldogs after they almost upset the Storm in Melbourne three weeks ago.
Brett Kimmorley says
I just think the Storm are going to play at a better pace than what the Warriors have shown they can go at over the first six rounds. It was a different pace the Storm and Roosters played at last week. Hopefully for the Warriors Blake Green will be back but from what I’ve seen from the Warriors they won’t be able to go with the Storm if they flick the switch. Storm by 10
Stat Attack
This clash brings together two of the NRL's best metre men. RTS leads the way with 1,170m, while Storm fullback Jahrome Hughes is sixth (1,109m). Hughes is the clear leader in kick return metres (525), with RTS (340m) fifth). The Storm are the leading team in tackle breaks (221), post contact metres (3,043) and kick return metres (1,377).
And another thing ...
Among the many intriguing individual battles in this Thursday night meeting will be the duel between the wingers - Storm duo Josh Addo-Carr and Suliasi Vunivalu against Warriors pair David Fusitu'a and Ken Maumalo. Addo-Carr and Vunivalu have been typically prominent with seven tries between them, while Fusitu'a and Maumalo have managed four collectively. The Warriors need more from the designated finishers.
