New combinations
It has been well documented the change that has swept through the Shire, particularly in their playmaking ranks. Matt Moylan has replaced premiership-winning five-eighth James Maloney at five-eighth while Josh Dugan is the boom recruit who has been handed the No.1 jersey. Melbourne have their own combinations they are still working on, particularly in the halves with Cameron Munster and Brodie Croft. Whichever combinations can find their groove could go a long way to deciding this one.
Rep stars up the middle
Jesse Bromwich, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Tim Glasby and Kenny Bromwich taking on Paul Gallen, Andrew Fifita, Luke Lewis, Wade Graham – there are no shortage of representative stars set to go head-to-head against each other up the middle of the park. There is a healthy yet fierce rivalry between the big men of these respective sides and Friday night will add another chapter to the saga. If it is big hits you’re after, look no further than this forward pack battle.
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Sharks building
After losing their first two games naturally the NRL world prepared to put the proverbial line through Shane Flanagan’s side. Their 14-4 win over the Eels reminded the rest of the competition of what they do best – grinding their opposition into submission. Even the first two rounds on reflection were not as bad as many would have you believe. In Round 1 they came up against the Premiership favourites in North Queensland, falling short by just six points before losing by four points the following week to the Dragons who currently sit undefeated on top of the table. The Sharks will be setting themselves to square their ledger at 2-2 so Storm better be prepared.
On Channel Nine, in prime time
Melbourne Storm’s blockbuster clash with the Cronulla Sharks will be broadcast LIVE in Melbourne this Friday night on Channel Nine. Craig Bellamy and his men will travel to Cronulla to take on a side with whom they have built a fierce and healthy recent rivalry. Storm fans in Melbourne will be able to tune in on free-to-air to see their team in action on the Nine Network’s main channel. The broadcast starts from 7.30pm prior to kick-off at 8.05pm.
