2019 NRL – Melbourne Storm vs North Queensland Cowboys Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Melbourne Storm vs North Queensland Cowboys taking place? Friday 6th September, 10:55
Where is Melbourne Storm vs North Queensland Cowboys taking place? AAMI Park
What channel is Melbourne Storm vs North Queensland Cowboys on?
UK – This match will not be televised live in the UK
Australia – Fox Sports
Where can I stream Melbourne Storm vs North Queensland Cowboys?
UK – N/A
Australia – https://www.telstra.com.au/tv-movies-music/sports-offer
Where can I get tickets for Melbourne Storm vs North Queensland Cowboys?
Melbourne Storm – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500021
North Queensland Cowboys – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500012
THE TEAM NEWS
MELBOURNE STORM
Head Coach: Craig Bellamy
Starting 13: Papenhuyzen, Vunivalu, Chambers, Olam, Earl, Croft, Hughes, J. Bromwich, C. Smith, Asofa-Solomona, F. Kaufusi, K. Bromwich, Finucane – Interchanges: King, Kamikamica, Faasuamaleaui, Eisenhuth – Reserves: Scott, Stimson, Walters, Grant
Unavailable: Christian Welch, Cameron Munster, Brandon Smith, Josh Addo-Carr
- Melbourne deservedly claimed the minor premiership with a comprehensive win over Manly having topped the ladder for most of the season, with that win sending out a big message to the rest of the NRL ahead of the play-offs.
- Cameron Munster suffered a shoulder injury last week and whilst it does not appear to be serious, he is rested for this game which means the revamped Melbourne spine will have to wait another week before it is on show again.
- Head coach Craig Bellamy has also opted to rest winger Josh Addo-Carr and forward Brandon Smith ahead of the finals with Sandor Earl coming onto the wing, Brodie Croft in at five-eighth whilst Tui Kamikamica comes onto the bench.
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Head Coach: Paul Green
Starting 13: Drinkwater, Feldt, Kahu, Opacic, Taulagi, Asiata, Morgan, Bolton, Granville, McLean, Cooper, Wright, Taumalolo – Interchanges: McGuire, Hess, Molo, Hola – Reserves: Jensen, Cotter, Gilbert, Clifford
Unavailable: Nene Macdonald, Te Maire Martin, Ben Hampton, Justin O’Neill, Mitchell Dunn, Kurt Baptiste, Matt Scott
- North Queensland Cowboys signed off from 1300SMILES Stadium with a victory as they made it back-to-back wins when beating Canterbury but now face a big test as they end their season against the minor premiers.
- Josh McGuire will return from a ban for the Cowboys whilst Jake Clifford could also come into contention from the reserves but North Queensland have decided not to risk Ben Hampton following a long injury lay-off.
- Reuben Cotter is the man to make way for McGuire in the only change to the side that featured last week with the Cowboys ending the season with a considerable injury list which they have had to endure for most of the season.
THE PREDICTION
Melbourne sealed the minor premiership with a superb win over Manly as their new-look spine sent out a message to the rest of the NRL. They have opted to rest several players here ahead of the finals but they can still make it 10 wins in a row over the Cowboys. Even without Cameron Munster in the halves, the Storm should have too much but they will be more focused on a big defensive effort this week as they look to put in another solid display ahead of the play-offs.
