· Tom
2018 NRL – Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks vs Melbourne Storm Preview
AT A GLANCE
When? Friday 30th March, 09:50 (UK)
Where? Southern Cross Group Stadium
What channel is it on? UK - Sky Sports Arena Australia - Nine Network, Foxtel, LIVE PASS
Where can I stream the match? UK - Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match online via Sky Go Australia - https://www.telstra.com.au/tv-...
Are tickets still available? http://premier.ticketek.com.au...
THE STATISTICS
THE LOWDOWN
SHARKS
Head Coach: Shane Flanagan
Starting 13: Dugan, Feki, Ramien, Leutele, Holmes, Moylan, Townsend, Fifita, Brailey, Prior, Lewis, Graham, Gallen – Interchanges: Capewell, Segeyaro, Seumanufagai, Paulo – Reserves: Dillon, Hodkinson, Lee, Uele
Unavailable: Sione Katoa, Jason Bukuya
- Cronulla won their first game of the season with a scrappy victory over Parramatta last week. The boot of Chad Townsend was crucial with the halfback kicking four penalties as well as converting his own try as he scored all 14 of his side’s points.
- Matt Moylan returns to the side at five-eighth which sees Trent Hodkinson drop to the reserves. Jason Bukuya misses out with a groin injury with Luke Lewis returning in his place.
- Cronulla did what was needed to get their first win of the season last week in a low-scoring game. In slippery conditions, the Sharks saw 59% of the ball and took the points whilst they were on offer.
STORM
Head Coach: Craig Bellamy
Starting 13: Slater, Vunivalu, Chambers, Scott, Addo-Carr, Munster, Croft, J. Bromwich, C. Smith, Asofa-Solomona, Stimson, Hoffman, Finucane – Interchanges: Glasby, K. Bromwich, Welch, Kasiano – Reserves: Tonumaipea, P. Kaufusi, Jacks, B. Smith
Unavailable: Sandor Earl, Jahrome Hughes, Felise Kaufusi, Cheyse Blair
- Melbourne bounced back from their shock defeat against Wests as they overcame North Queensland 30-14. Two late tries sealed the win for the Storm against one of their likely rivals for top spot come the end of the season.
- Kenny Bromwich has been named on the bench for Craig Bellamy’s men after he was a late dropout last week with him replacing youngster Brandon Smith.
- Melbourne broke 39 tackles last week, one of few things that separated both teams and the Storm will prove difficult to stop if they can replicate that number every week.
THE PREDICTION
Cronulla picked up their first win of the season last week but face a difficult task to go back-to-back as they host reigning Premiers Melbourne. The Sharks won despite scoring the same number of tries as their opponents Parramatta but Chad Townsend’s boot was the difference. Melbourne got back to winning ways with a victory over North Queensland and will be looking to kick on against a side that hasn’t found their rhythm so far this season. With the Storm averaging 10 points per game more than the Sharks so far this season, they should have too much in attack for the hosts.
