2019 NRL – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Melbourne Storm Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Melbourne Storm taking place? Sunday 26th May, 05:00
Where is Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Melbourne Storm taking place? Belmore Sports Ground
What channel is Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Melbourne Storm on?
UK – This match will not be televised live in the UK
Australia – Fox Sports
Where can I stream Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Melbourne Storm?
UK – N/A
Australia – https://www.telstra.com.au/tv-movies-music/sports-offer
Where can I get tickets for Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Melbourne Storm?
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500010
Melbourne Storm – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500021
THE TEAM NEWS
CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Head Coach: Dean Pay
Starting 13: Meaney, Crichton, Montoya, Hopoate, R. Smith, Foran, Cogger, Tolman, Marshall-King, Napa, Jackson, Harawira-Naera, C. Smith – Interchanges: Martin, Ogden, Fualalo, Sue – Reserves: Lichaa, Faitala-Mariner
Unavailable: Brandon Wakeham, Adam Elliott, Jayden Okunbor
- Canterbury overcame a 16-point deficit to score 22 unanswered points to see off Gold Coast last week to end their two-match losing streak and will hope a home game at Belmore can help them to a second consecutive win.
- Bulldogs' Raymond Faitala-Mariner made a return from injury in the Canterbury Cup last week with him pushing for a return here but he is only listed as a reserve at this point and would need to receive a late call-up to come back into the side.
- The Bulldogs have made just the single change to last week’s winning side with winger Jayden Okunbor picking up a foot injury and he will make way for Christian Crichton to make a rare appearance.
MELBOURNE STORM
Head Coach: Craig Bellamy
Starting 13: Hughes, Vunivalu, Chambers, Seve, Addo-Carr, Munster, Croft, J. Bromwich, C. Smith, Asofa-Solomona, F. Kaufusi, K. Bromwich, Finucane – Interchanges: B. Smith, Stimson, Kamikamica, Papenhuyzen – Reserves: Faasuamaleaui, Earl
Unavailable: Scott Drinkwater, Tom Eisenhuth, Curtis Scott, Christian Welch
- Melbourne needed a late try to beat Wests Tigers last week with the Storm knowing they will face another tricky encounter here as they continue to struggle for consistency with their performances.
- Christian Welch was cleared of an ACL injury last week but the Melbourne prop will still miss at least a month with meniscus damage and his place is taken by Jahrome Hughes who returns from concussion.
- Hughes will slot straight back in at fullback and that will see Ryan Papenhuyzen drop to the bench to act as a utility man in the only change to Craig Bellamy’s side as they look for a third successive win.
THE PREDICTION
Canterbury produced a superb comeback to defeat Gold Coast last week for just their third win of the year. They now host a Melbourne side who needed a late try to beat Wests Tigers and will be looking for an improved performance after a relatively poor effort against the Tigers. Canterbury will feel they have been unlucky this season to not collect as many points as they deserve but after a great comeback last week, they are capable of producing a shock here.
