2019 NRL – Melbourne Storm vs Newcastle Knights Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Melbourne Storm vs Newcastle Knights taking place? Saturday 15th June, 06:00
Where is Melbourne Storm vs Newcastle Knights taking place? AAMI Park
What channel is Melbourne Storm vs Newcastle Knights on?
UK – Sky Sports Arena
Australia – Fox Sports
Where can I stream Melbourne Storm vs Newcastle Knights?
UK – Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match via Sky Go
Australia – https://www.telstra.com.au/tv-movies-music/sports-offer
Where can I get tickets for Melbourne Storm vs Newcastle Knights?
Melbourne Storm – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500021
Newcastle Knights – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500003
THE TEAM NEWS
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, Welch, Stimson, Papenhuyzen – Reserves: Kamikamica, Earl
Unavailable: Tom Eisenhuth, Curtis Scott
- Melbourne overcame a slow start to score 30 unanswered points in an impressive victory over New Zealand Warriors in Auckland as they opened up a two-point gap at the top of the NRL ladder.
- Storm head coach Craig Bellamy has named the same 17 that defeated the Warriors last weekend as he sees no reason to change his side following the impressive performance to turn the game on its head.
- That side will see Christian Welch retain his place after returning from a knee injury and he will be eager to spend as long on the pitch as possible as he plays for a new deal whilst he will also want to put himself in the frame for an Origin call-up.
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
Head Coach: Nathan Brown
Starting 13: Ponga, Lee, Hunt, Ramien, Kenny-Dowall, Mann, Pearce, Gavet, Watson, D. Saifiti, Fitzgibbon, Barnett, Glasby – Interchanges: Buhrer, Ese’ese, Mata’utia, Saulo – Reserves: Lino, J. Saifiti
Unavailable: Slade Griffin, Aidan Guerra, Danny Levi, David Klemmer, Josh King
- Newcastle's fine run of form continued as they claimed the scalp of another side towards the top of the ladder with a win over South Sydney as they made it six victories in succession.
- Kalyn Ponga is back for the Knights after he sat out last week's win following his appearance in Origin with Kurt Mann reverting back to the five-eighth position whilst Mason Lino is the man to make way.
- Josh King is a late withdrawal after he suffered a corked thigh so Pasami Saulo gets a chance to come off the bench but the game has come too soon for Aidan Guerra who will be out at least one more week.
THE PREDICTION
Newcastle are the form side of the competition as they boast six consecutive wins but now face another huge task as they travel to AAMI Park. The Storm are also in good form but will have to be on their guard against an ever-improving team and the away side could pose problems. With Kalyn Ponga back at fullback, he can rekindle his ever-blossoming relationship with Mitchell Pearce who is likely to line-up against in Origin II next weekend. They will push Melbourne all the way but in what is likely to be a tight contest, it is difficult to back against the Storm at AAMI Park.
