2019 NRL – St. George-Illawarra Dragons vs Melbourne Storm Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is St. George-Illawarra Dragons vs Melbourne Storm taking place? Thursday 4th July, 10:50
Where is St. George-Illawarra Dragons vs Melbourne Storm taking place? WIN Stadium
What channel is St. George-Illawarra Dragons vs Melbourne Storm on?
UK – Sky Sports
Australia – Fox Sports
Where can I stream St. George-Illawarra Dragons vs Melbourne Storm?
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 St. George-Illawarra Dragons vs Melbourne Storm?
St. George-Illawarra Dragons – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500022
Melbourne Storm – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500021
THE TEAM NEWS
ST. GEORGE-ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Head Coach: Paul McGregor
Starting 13: Dufty, Pearson, Aitken, Lafai, Ravalawa, Field, Nicholls, K. Sims, McInnes, Latimore Host, Leilua, Lawrie – Interchanges: Kerr, Robson, Kaufusi, Allgood – Reserves: Pereira, Ford, Timm, Sailor
Unavailable: Jack de Belin, Gareth Widdop, James Graham, Tim Lafai, Zac Lomax, Ben Hunt, Corey Norman, Lachlan Maranta, Paul Vaughan, Tariq Sims, Tyson Frizell
- St. George bounced back from a slow start against North Queensland as the Dragons made it two wins from their last three matches but Origin call-ups will make it difficult for them to back that win up here.
- The Dragons have suffered a blow with Corey Norman receiving a call-up for Queensland leaving St. George short of creative talent, meaning both of their first-choice halves are missing with Jai Field and Darren Nicholls forming a new partnership.
- Lachlan Maranta is out through injury whilst Tariq Sims copped a ban last week so misses out here along with Paul Vaughan and Tyson Frizell who are in the New South Wales squad but the Dragons do have Tim Lafai available after overcoming an injury.
MELBOURNE STORM
Head Coach: Craig Bellamy
Starting 13: Hughes, Vunivalu, Kata, Olam, Earl, Walters, Croft, J. Bromwich, C. Smith, Asofa-Solomona, Stimson, K. Bromwich, B. Smith – Interchanges: Vete, Faasuamaleaui, Kamikamica, Papenhuyzen – Reserves: Seve Eisenhuth, King, Grant
Unavailable: Curtis Scott, Cameron Munster, Christian Welch, Dale Finuance, Felise Kaufusi, Josh Addo-Carr, Will Chambers
- Melbourne look to be coasting to the minor premiership as they opened up a six point gap over their rivals after beating Sydney Roosters but will face a difficult task of maintaining that margin with Origin call-ups wreaking havoc with their squad.
- The Storm will be without six players for Origin after Christian Welch received his first call-up which will see their squad depth tested and that has caused a major reshuffle to their side with Cameron Munster, Dale Finuance, Felise Kaufusi, Josh Addo-Carr and Will Chambers all out.
- Solomone Kata will make his debut in the centres after arriving from New Zealand Warriors last week whilst Max King could also debut if he is promoted from the reserves after joining the Storm from Gold Coast before the registration deadline.
THE PREDICTION
St. George showed more good signs in their win over North Queensland but could be brought back down to earth as they face league leaders Melbourne. To make things tougher for the Dragons, they will be without their Origin players which now includes both halves and whilst Melbourne are also missing six players for the same reason, their depth is greater and they are used to numerous Origin call-ups. Their side is much changed but still looks very strong and will prove difficult to beat.
