There’s some big match-ups to come for Melbourne Storm as we look forward to the second half of the 2022 NRL season.
Over the final 12 rounds, eight games are against teams currently in the top eight, and there’s eight away commitments to fulfil with just four more regular season home games to come at AAMI Park.
Here’s a snapshot of Storm’s run to the finals.
Double doubles
Four of Storm’s remaining games come against two clubs – the Sydney Roosters and Brisbane Broncos.
The first of the Roosters matches will be at the SCG on Saturday week, three days after Origin I, with the return clash being our last regular season game at AAMI Park on Friday Night Football on August 26.
The Broncos will be Storm’s next opponents at AAMI and it will be a blockbuster with Brisbane in red-hot form, currently riding a six-game winning streak.
Storm will head to Suncorp to face Kevin Walters’ team in Round 23 on August 19.
Sea Eagles again
Storm saw off Manly 28-8 in Round 12 and the rematch comes just four rounds later at Brookvale on Thursday night, June 30.
Next man up v Sharks
Storm will not have its State of Origin contingent to call on for the Round 17 visit to Shark Park to face Cronulla.
That means some fringe first graders will be called on to do the job. Will we see a debut or two that night?
Kia ora Auckland
Unfortunately due to COVID, Storm has not played in front of its Kiwi members and fans since June 8, 2019.
That three-year gap will end in Round 20 when the Mick Moore Trophy goes on the line at Mt Smart Stadium.
Panthers again
After being soundly beaten by the reigning premiers in Magic Round, Storm will be keen for a much more competitive performance in Round 22 at Penrith.
The Origin period will be over and the two clubs will see this as a big test with finals football just a month or so away.
Eels finale
Parramatta has been Storm’s nemesis club over the past two years, winning three in a row and four of the last five encounters.
This time, Storm will head to CommBank Stadium for a final round match-up that hopefully will match the golden point contest from Round three at AAMI Park.
Also on the schedule
Round 18 v Canberra at AAMI Park – a Sunday 4.05pm kickoff perfect for the family.
Round 19 v South Sydney at Accor Stadium – Storm will look to continue its amazing record against the Bunnies which currently stands at 31 wins, five losses.
Round 21 v Gold Coast at AAMI Park – Tino Fa’asuamaleaui leads his Titans against his old club for the first time.
