2021 NRL – Cronulla Sharks vs Melbourne Storm Preview & Prediction

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THE FACTS

When is Cronulla Sharks vs Melbourne Storm taking place? Friday 3^rd September, 2021 – 09:00 (UK)

Where is Cronulla Sharks vs Melbourne Storm taking place? Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Where can I get tickets for Cronulla Sharks vs Melbourne Storm? Click here for ticket information on 2021 NRL matches

What channel is Cronulla Sharks vs Melbourne Storm on? Sky Sports Arena will be televising selected NRL games in the UK and you can find their schedule here. For Australian broadcasters, you can find a list here

Where can I stream Cronulla Sharks vs Melbourne Storm? If televised on Sky Sports, then subscribers will be able to stream the match live via Sky Go. Alternatively, the match will be available to subscribers of Watch NRL

THE TEAM NEWS

CRONULLA SHARKS

Starting 13: Kennedy, Katoa, Tracey, Ramien, Hiroti, Moylan, Trindall, Rudolf, Brailey, Woods, Nikora, Wilton, Jack Williams – Interchanges: Metcalf, Hamlim-Uele, Tolman, Talakai – Reserves: O’Donnell, Magoulias, Taumoepeau, Lualua

Unavailable: Bronson Xerri (Suspended), Jackson Ferris (Injured), Wade Graham (Injured), Franklin Pele (Injured), Josh Dugan (Isolation), Shaun Johnson (Injured), Andrew Fifita (Injured), Ronaldo Mulitalo (Injured)

• Cronulla Sharks made it back-to-back wins by overcoming Brisbane Broncos last week to ensure they start the final round of the regular season in eighth spot and their finals fate in their own hands.
• The Sharks were not as dominant as their victory over Wests Tigers in their previous contest but did what was required to get the better of the Broncos and another win here would secure their finals berth.

MELBOURNE STORM

Starting 13: Papenhuyzen, Jennings, Seve, Olam, Ieremia, Hynes, Hughes, Kamikamica, B. Smith, Asofa-Solomona, Pene, Lewis, Finucane – Interchanges: H. Grant, Moeroa, J. Grant, Jacks – Reserves: Johns, Atkinson, Loiero, Lumelume

Unavailable: Max King (Injured), Josh Addo-Carr (Injured), Jesse Bromwich (Suspended)

• Melbourne Storm failed in their quest to break the NRL record for consecutive victories as their 19-match winning streak came to an end with defeat to Parramatta Eels in what was an extremely underwhelming performance.
• The Storm were not at the races and got what they deserved with Craig Bellamy exasperated by his side’s efforts in that game but that has not altered his mind to rest some of his stars ahead of the first week of the finals.

THE PREDICTION

Melbourne Storm can clinch the minor premiership with a win here but they will attempt to do so with a weakened side after opting to rotate their side ahead of the finals. A shock loss to Parramatta Eels, preventing them from claiming a record 20^th straight success, could have seen them go all out for this but Craig Bellamy is not concerned by the prospect of his side not finishing at the top of the ladder. They will take on Cronulla Sharks in their final game of the regular season and they too will be eager to win as they aim to book their spot in the finals. They have won their last two which has put them in the driving seat and while they now face an under-strength Storm outfit, Melbourne have won the last three meetings between the two and should make it four here.