NRL 2020: Melbourne Storm v Canberra Raiders, round 3 preview

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Sat 30 May 2020, 06:40 PM

Two of the NRL's premiership contenders will have plenty to play for when they line up in round three.

Canberra were impressive in knocking over the Titans and the Warriors to start the season and will be close to full strength after the two-month break due to the competition shutdown.

Melbourne got off to their annual good start with a win over Manly, followed by a tight victory over Cronulla. The Storm have relocated to Melbourne after a short stint in Albury.

Round 3 - Round 3 - Saturday 30 May

Full Time

Storm

Raiders

Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne

The Rundown

Team news

Storm: The Storm are 1-17. Tui Kamikamica is out with a back problem but his absence is offset by the return of Brandon Smith, Christian Welch and Nelson Asofa-Solomona, who has overcome his hamstring issues. Tom Eisenhuth and Darryn Schonig were the first two cut from the extended squad 24 hours before kick-off while Ryley Jacks and Brenko Lee made way an hour before game time. The Storm are aiming for a 3-0 start for the seventh time in the past nine seasons.

Raiders: A late change for the Raiders with Jordan Rapana coming into the starting side on the wing and Michael Oldfield going to the bench. Winger Bailey Simonsson was ruled out on Friday with a minor leg infection. John Bateman remains on the sidelines after shoulder surgery. Kai O'Donnell was omitted on Friday and Matt Frawley and Tom Starling were cut an hour before kick-off. Canberra defeated the Storm twice at AAMI Park in 2019.

Round 3 - Round 3 - Saturday 30 May

Full Time

Storm

Raiders

Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Storm is number 1 Ryan Papenhuyzen

Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
Winger for Storm is number 2 Suliasi Vunivalu

Winger for Raiders is number 5 Nick Cotric
Centre for Storm is number 3 Justin Olam

Centre for Raiders is number 3 Jarrod Croker
Centre for Storm is number 4 Marion Seve

Centre for Raiders is number 4 Curtis Scott
Winger for Storm is number 5 Josh Addo-Carr

Winger for Raiders is number 18 Jordan Rapana
Five-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Cameron Munster

Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Jack Wighton
Halfback for Storm is number 7 Jahrome Hughes

Halfback for Raiders is number 7 George Williams

Forwards

Prop for Storm is number 8 Jesse Bromwich

Prop for Raiders is number 8 Josh Papalii
Hooker for Storm is number 9 Cameron Smith

Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Josh Hodgson
Prop for Storm is number 10 Nelson Asofa-Solomona

Prop for Raiders is number 10 Dunamis Lui
2nd Row for Storm is number 11 Felise Kaufusi

2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Joseph Tapine
2nd Row for Storm is number 12 Kenneath Bromwich

2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Elliott Whitehead
Lock for Storm is number 13 Dale Finucane

Lock for Raiders is number 13 Corey Horsburgh

Interchange

Interchange for Storm is number 14 Brandon Smith

Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Siliva Havili
Interchange for Storm is number 15 Tino Faasuamaleaui

Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Emre Guler
Interchange for Storm is number 16 Christian Welch

Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Iosia Soliola
Interchange for Storm is number 17 Max King

Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Michael Oldfield