Sydney Roosters vs. Melbourne Storm
Monday 1 June, 7.00pm
Allianz Stadium
TV: Fox Sports 1, LIVE from 6:30pm
Online: NRL Digital Pass
Radio: Triple M, 2GB
Melbourne Storm will look to consolidate their position in the NRL’s top four when they travel interstate to take on the Sydney Roosters in Round 12.
Fresh off last week’s bye, Melbourne enter the clash having recorded five wins from their last six matches with Storm’s most recent victory coming in their last outing at AAMI Park against reigning premiers South Sydney.
The Roosters also had a bye last week and have named an unchanged side to host Storm, hoping to continue their winning form after earning consecutive wins over the Tigers and Bulldogs.
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Having suffered a heart breaking loss in the dying seconds of their last meeting, courtesy of a Cooper Cronk field goal, the Roosters will be intent on making their home advantage count on Monday night.
Storm currently hold a razor-thin lead in terms of the head-to-head between both sides, with 15 wins credited to their name, in comparison to the Roosters 13.
In a boost for both sides, all eight representative players that took part in the opening match of the State of Origin series have been selected to back up on Monday night. Craig Bellamy has included Christian Welch, Ben Hampton and Hymel Hunt on an extended bench.
After putting in a match-winning display against the Rabbitohs in Storm’s last start, Jesse Bromwich will look to continue his excellent form after the weekend off.
His Test teammate, New Zealand international Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is also key for the Roosters chances. The fullback will be looking to drive is side to victory and pick up where he left off against the Bulldogs, where he led the game in both meters gained and line breaks.
TEAMS:
Storm: 1. Billy Slater, 2. Mahe Fonua, 3. William Chambers, 4. Kurt Mann, 5. Marika Koroibete, 6. Blake Green, 7. Cooper Cronk, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Cameron Smith (c), 10. Tim Glasby, 11. Kevin Proctor, 12. Tohu Harris, 13. Dale Finucane, 14. Ryan Hinchcliffe, 15. Kenny Bromwich, 16. Dayne Weston, 17. Felise Kaufusi, 18. Christian Welch, 19. Ben Hampton, 20. Hymel Hunt
Roosters: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Michael Jennings, 4. Mitchell Aubusson, 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall, 6. James Maloney, 7. Mitchell Pearce (c), 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 9. Jake Friend (c), 10. Sam Moa, 11. Boyd Cordner, 12. Aiden Guerra, 13. Isaac Liu, 14. Jackson Hastings, 15. Sio Siua Taukeiaho, 16. Kane Evans, 17. Dylan Napa
MATCH OFFICIALS:
Referees – Jared Maxwell, Chris James
Sideline Officials – Jeff Younis, Chris Sutton
Video Referees – Steve Chiddy, Henry Perenara
HEAD TO HEAD:
Overall
Played: 28
Melbourne: 15
Sydney: 13
Drawn: 0
In New South Wales:
Played: 11
Melbourne: 4
Sydney: 7
LAST TIME THEY MET:
Round 10, 2014
Melbourne Storm 17
Tries: Koroibete, Kaufusi, Chambers
Goals: Smith 2/3
Field goal: Cronk
Defeated.
Sydney Roosters 16
Tries: Tupou, Aubusson
Goals: Maloney 4/4
at AAMI Park.
The views expressed in this article are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club.
