The Stats Zone
June 27 2019, 10:53 · Ash Wheldon

2019 NRL – Sydney Roosters vs Melbourne Storm Preview & Prediction

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THE FACTS

When is Sydney Roosters vs Melbourne Storm taking place? Friday 28th June, 10:55

Where is Sydney Roosters vs Melbourne Storm taking place? Adelaide Oval

What channel is Sydney Roosters vs Melbourne Storm on?
UK – Sky Sports Arena
Australia – Fox Sports

Where can I stream Sydney Roosters 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 Sydney Roosters vs Melbourne Storm?
Sydney Roosters – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500001

Melbourne Storm – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500021

THE TEAM NEWS

SYDNEY ROOSTERS

Head Coach: Trent Robinson

Starting 13: Tedesco, Tupou, Mitchell, Manu, Hall, Hutchison, Cronk, Tetevano, Radley, Taukeiaho, Cordner, Crichton, Liu – Interchanges: Butcher, Collins, Tupouniua, Aubusson Reserves: Faamausili, Ikuvalu, Lam, Morris

Unavailable: Jake Friend, Luke Keary, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves

  • Sydney Roosters ended their three-match losing streak with a comprehensive victory over Canterbury in their last outing but now face rivals Melbourne as they attempt to close the gap on the Storm at the top of the ladder.

  • The Roosters should be able to call upon the services of veteran outside back Brett Morris for the first time since Round 2 although he will have to be a late inclusion in the side if he can prove his fitness after he was named amongst the reserves.

  • James Tedesco is back at fullback after the New South Wales star was rested in preparation of Origin against the Bulldogs which sees Joseph Manu revert to the centres and Mitch Aubusson to the bench.

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: Olam, Kamikamica, Faasuamaleaui, Earl

Unavailable: Curtis Scott

  • Melbourne made it five wins in a row as they produced a brilliant display to beat Newcastle and extend their lead at the top of the ladder as the Storm shape as favourites for the minor Premiership.

  • The Storm are almost back to a full complement of players with Tom Eisenhuth back in contention following a nasty throat injury but he will continue his return in reserve grade for now.

  • Following their superb performance against the Knights, Melbourne head coach Craig Bellamy has opted to name the same 17 with his decision aided by the fact all of his Origin and international players returned unscathed from the rep round.

THE PREDICTION

Last year's Grand Finalists meet for the second time this season with a clash at the Adelaide Oval. Their first meeting was a brilliant contest with the Roosters edging it by a point but the Storm have been the better side since then and can come out on top of this one. The Roosters are still missing some key personnel with Luke Keary’s absence at five-eighth causing them issues but Lachlan Lam could be a late inclusion at the expense of Drew Hutchison after he recovered from injury. This should be a thrilling game and whilst both teams can win, the Storm’s recent form should mean they prove to be too good on this occasion.