2019 NRL – Melbourne Storm vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Melbourne Storm vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks taking place? Saturday 13th July, 10:35
Where is Melbourne Storm vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks taking place? AAMI Park
What channel is Melbourne Storm vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks on?
UK – This match will not be televised live in the UK
Australia – Fox Sports
Where can I stream Melbourne Storm vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks?
UK – N/A
Australia – https://www.telstra.com.au/tv-movies-music/sports-offer
Where can I get tickets for Melbourne Storm vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks?
Melbourne Storm – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500021
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500028
THE TEAM NEWS
MELBOURNE STORM
Head Coach: Craig Bellamy
Starting 13: Hughes, Vunivalu, Chambers, Olam, Addo-Carr, Munster, Croft, J. Bromwich, C. Smith, Asofa-Solomona, F. Kaufusi, K. Bromwich, Finucane – Interchanges: B. Smith, Welch, Stimson, Papenhuyzen – Reserves: Kamikamica, Earl
Unavailable: Curtis Scott, Marion Seve
- Melbourne made hard work of beating St. George but their under-strength side were able to extend their winning run to seven matches and they can move another step closer to the minor premiership with another win here.
- The Storm should have all of their Origin stars back in their line-up having named them all to take the field after returning to Melbourne without any knocks from Wednesday’s bruising encounter.
- Justin Olam has received a late call-up to the starting XIII after he was initially named as a reserve and will start in the centres in place of Marion Seve who has been ruled out through injury.
CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS
Head Coach: John Morris
Starting 13: Gray, Feki, Xerri, Dugan, Morris, Johnson, Townsend, Fifita, J. Brailey, Prior, Nikora, Capewell, Williams – Interchanges: Bukuya, Woods, Hamlin-Uele, Magoulias – Reserves: Flanagan, B. Brailey
Unavailable: Wade Graham, Matt Moylan, Paul Gallen
- Cronulla made it three losses in a row as they suffered a shock defeat at home to a hugely under-strength Brisbane side.
- Matt Moylan and Paul Gallen are both out for the Sharks after they failed to finish last week's game against Brisbane and their injuries are sufficient enough to rule them out of this game with Aaron Gray coming in at fullback whilst Jack Williams will lock the pack.
- Andrew Fifita is back from his suspension but his return has been countered by the loss of Wade Graham who suffered an injury during Origin so Kurt Capewell starts in the back row and Billy Magoulias is the new name on the bench.
THE PREDICTION
Melbourne's superb run continued as they took another step closer to sealing the minor premiership when winning last week and should be boosted by the return of their Origin stars here. That spells bad news for the Sharks and things might get worse for them with the Storm able to run in a big score on this momentous occasion. Melbourne captain Cameron Smith will make his 400th NRL appearance and with the huge build-up to this game, his teammates will want to honour the future immortal by putting on a show to mark the achievement.
