2021 NRL – Melbourne Storm vs New Zealand Warriors Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Melbourne Storm vs New Zealand Warriors taking place? Sunday 25th April, 2021 – 09:15 (UK)
Where is Melbourne Storm vs New Zealand Warriors taking place? AAMI Park, Melbourne
Where can I get tickets for Melbourne Storm vs New Zealand Warriors? Click here for ticket information on 2021 NRL matches
What channel is Melbourne Storm vs New Zealand Warriors 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 Melbourne Storm vs New Zealand Warriors? 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
MELBOURNE STORM
Starting 13: Hynes, Jennings, R. Smith, Olam, Addo-Carr, Munster, Hughes, J. Bromwich, B. Smith, Welch, Kaufusi, K. Bromwich, Asofa-Solomona – Interchanges: Grant, Kamikamica, Eisenhuth, Finucane – Reserves: Ieremia, Jacks, Loiero, Pene
Unavailable: Dale Finucane (Injured), Max King (Injured), Brenko Lee (Injured), Ryan Papenhuyzen (Injured)
- Melbourne Storm showed their class as they fought off rivals Sydney Roosters with a dominant defensive display last week and they were able to grind their opponents down with the ball to record a comfortable victory.
- The Storm looked set to keep their foes scoreless until the Roosters bagged on the final play of the game and they will look to repeat those defensive efforts this week but they have been handed a huge blow with the loss of Ryan Papenhuyzen to injury.
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
Starting 13: Tuivasa-Sheck, Fusitu’a, Montoya, Murchie, Maumalo, Nikorima, O’Sullivan, Taunoa-Brown, Egan, Evans, Curran, Murdoch-Masila, Harris – Interchanges: Tevaga, Afoa, Ah Mau, Sironen – Reserves: Berry, Ale, Walsh, Otukolo
Unavailable: Karl Lawton (Injured), Euan Aitken (Injured), Chanel Harris-Tavita (Injured), Addin Fonua-Blake (Injured), Eliesa Katoa (Injured), Peta Hiku (Injured), Adam Pompey (Injured)
- New Zealand Warriors produced a near-flawless performance to see off in-form St. George Illawarra Dragons last week but they will need to back that shock win up as they face a daunting trip to Melbourne to face the Storm.
- The Warriors failed to complete on just one set with their 98% completion rate seeing them do to St. George what they have been trying to do to other teams this season by wearing them down but the Kiwi side may need to take more risks with the ball if they are to make it back-to-back wins.
THE PREDICTION
Melbourne Storm looked very solid defensively last week and thanks to some touches of magic from boom rake Harry Grant on his first appearance of the year, the premiers recorded a comfortable success over rivals Sydney Roosters. They will now go in search of a fourth straight win as they host New Zealand Warriors but the away side will be confident having shocked St. George Illawarra Dragons last week. They were very safe in that game as they looked to get through their sets without coughing it up and they will need to match that effort here but the Storm are a class above and should be too good for the Warriors with the hosts able to win by at least 16 points.
