2019 NRL – Melbourne Storm vs Sydney Roosters Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Melbourne Storm vs Sydney Roosters taking place? Friday 19th April, 10:55
Where is Melbourne Storm vs Sydney Roosters taking place? AAMI Park
What channel is Melbourne Storm vs Sydney Roosters on?
UK – Sky Sports Arena
Australia – Fox Sports
Where can I stream Melbourne Storm vs Sydney Roosters?
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 Sydney Roosters?
Melbourne Storm – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500021
Sydney Roosters – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500001
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, Kamikamica, Papenhuyzen – Reserves: Walters, P. Kaufusi, Walters, Vete, Scott
Unavailable: Scott Drinkwater, Joe Stimson, Tom Eisenhuth
- Melbourne were extremely sloppy in possession, making 13 errors, but did enough to overcome the Cowboys last week as they maintained their 100% record at the start of 2019
- Christian Welch copped a grade 1 dangerous contact charge but will be free to play for the Storm after he submitted a guilty plea, meaning the charge did not carry enough points for a ban
- In just one change for Melbourne, Suliasi Vunivalu returns on the wing at the expense of Sandor Earl who was a late inclusion last week which means Marion Seve retains his place in the centres over Curtis Scott.
SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Head Coach: Trent Robinson
Starting 13: Tedesco, Tupou, Mitchell, Manu, Ikuvalu, Keary, Cronk, Waerea-Hargreaves, Radley, Taukeiaho, Cordner, Crichton, Tetevano – Interchanges: Collins, Butcher, Faamausili, Aubusson – Reserves: Verrills, Tupouniua, Curran, Lam
Unavailable: Ryan Hall, Billy Smith, Brett Morris, Jake Friend, Isaac Liu
- Sydney Roosters continued their impressive form with another dominant display as they proved too good for Cronulla at Shark Park but face their toughest test of the season travelling to Melbourne
- Roosters' Joey Manu is out after losing his contest when facing judiciary after an alleged crusher tackle was proven and he will serve a one-match suspension, with his replacement yet to be named.
- Mitchell Aubusson is likely to fill that void although there is a chance Brett Morris could return from a knee injury whilst Isaac Liu is out with a broken finger which sees Zane Tetevano start at lock.
THE PREDICTION
In a repeat of last season's Grand Final, Melbourne face off against Sydney Roosters as they seek revenge for that loss. The Storm have been poor in their last two games and a repeat of those performances won’t be good enough against the Roosters who have been red hot since Round 2. With just one loss between the two teams so far this season, which came for the Roosters in their season-opener, these are the two teams to beat and it will be a feisty affair after a war of words in the press this week. Either side can win but preference just sides with the Roosters.
