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2018 World Club Challenge – Melbourne Storm vs Leeds Rhinos Preview

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AT A GLANCE

When? Friday 16th February, 09:00

Where? AAMI Park, Melbourne

What channel is it on? Sky Sports Arena

Where can I stream the match? Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match online via Sky Go

Are tickets still available? http://premier.ticketek.com.au...

THE LOWDOWN

MELBOURNE STORM

Head Coach: Craig Bellamy

Squad: Slater; Vunivalu, Chambers, Scott, Addo-Carr; Munster, Croft; J. Bromwich, C. Smith, Glasby, Kaufusi, Hoffman, Finucane – Bench (from): B. Smith, Asofa-Solomona, K. Bromwich, Welch, Stimson, Tonumaipea

Unavailable:

  • Melbourne head into this game on the back of 10 straight wins having clinched last season’s Grand Final having won the Minor Premiership too.
  • Head coach Craig Bellamy has named a full-strength side for this clash with 13 of last season’s Grand Finalists selected. It’s the first game the Storm will be without halfback Cooper Cronk who defected to Sydney Roosters in the off-season.
  • Melbourne’s defence could be a real problem for Leeds with the Storm conceding six points or less in four of their last five games last season.

LEEDS RHINOS

Head Coach: Brian McDermott

Squad: Ablett, Briscoe, Cuthbertson, Delaney, Dwyer, Golding, Hall, Jones-Buchanan, Keinhorst, Moon, Myler, Ormondroyd, Parcell, Singleton, Sutcliffe, Walker, Walters, Ward, Watkins

Unavailable: Keith Galloway, Brett Ferres, Anthony Mullally, Nathaniel Peteru

  • Leeds travelled to Australia on the back of a hard-fought win over Hull KR with the Rhinos backing up their win at Warrington in the previous week.
  • Jimmy Keinhorst has given head coach Brian McDermott a welcome selection headache after his hat-trick last week. Having been called into the side late on, Keinhorst impressed and will be pushing to retain his place.
  • Leeds have failed to win just one of their last nine games and will hope to improve that record here but will face a huge test as they head into the game as big underdogs.

KEY STATS

  • Melbourne Storm have won their last 10 matches in all competitions
  • Leeds Rhinos have won 8 of their last 9 matches in all competitions
  • Melbourne Storm have scored 26 points or more in 7 of their last 9 matches in all competitions
  • Melbourne Storm have won 5 of their last 6 matches in all competitions by a 26 or more point margin
  • Leeds Rhinos have scored 3 or more tries in each of their last 8 matches in all competitions
  • Melbourne Storm have conceded no more than 6 points in 4 of their last 5 matches in all competitions

THE PREDICTION

Leeds travel to Melbourne for the World Club Challenge in what looks to be a daunting task for the Rhinos. Most bookies are giving Leeds a 22-point start in this one but even that might not be enough for them. Melbourne were imperious last season under Craig Bellamy’s guidance and his legacy at the club will be further enhanced with a big victory here.

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