Dolphins vs Melbourne Storm Preview & Prediction | NRL 2024 | Regular Season
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Both of these teams come into this inside the top four but missing some key men owing to State of Origin and it will be intriguing to see how it pans out as the Dolphins aim to narrow the gap on top of the ladder Melbourne Storm.
START DATE/TIME: UK - Friday 21st June, 2024 - 11:00a / AUS - 8:00p / US EST - 6:00a / US PST - 3:00a
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: This match will not be broadcast live in the UK / This match will be broadcast live on Fox League and Nine in Australia / This match will be broadcast live on Fox Sports in the US
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: This match will be streamed live on Watch NRL in the UK / This match will be streamed live on Kayo Sports and 9Now in Australia / This match will be streamed live on Watch NRL in the US
DOLPHINS FORM: DOLPHINS AVOID THIRD STRAIGHT LOSS
The Dolphins produced a strong performance on the road as they overcame Cronulla Sharks last time out and while they needed Nicho Hynes to miss a conversion attempt on the hooter to confirm their victory, they did what was required to avoid losing for a third consecutive match.
LAST FIVE: WWLLW
MELBOURNE STORM FORM: STORM GO BACK-TO-BACK
The Storm solidified their spot at the top of the ladder as they claimed a strong win in New Zealand against the Warriors. That was a second win in succession while they have now lost just two of their last 10.
LAST FIVE: LWLWW
DOLPHINS TEAM NEWS: HAMMER MISSING
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow bagged a hat-trick in Game 1 of Origin before scoring a stunning length of the field try in last week’s win over the Sharks but he will be missing here owing to his Queensland duties. Trai Fuller will slot in at fullback while Jesse Bromwich replaces Felise Kaufusi who is also Origin bound. Tevita Pangai Jnr. bolsters the bench and will make his club debut.
Starting 13: 1. Trai Fuller 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Kenny Bromwich 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Euan Aitken 13. Max Plath Bench: 14. Josh Kerr 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Tevita Pangai Junior Reserves: 18. Oryn Keeley 19. Sean O'Sullivan 20. Mason Teague 21. Tesi Niu 22. Anthony Milford
MELBOURNE STORM TEAM NEWS: PAPENHUYZEN RETURNS
After a five-game absence, Ryan Papenhuyzen is a major in for the Storm and the timing is immaculate owing to Melbourne missing a couple of players to State of Origin call-ups. Harry Grant and Xavier Coates are with Queensland so Sualauvi Faalogo shifts to the wing while Bronson Garlick starts at hooker.
Starting 13: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Grant Anderson 4. Nick Meaney 5. Sualauvi Faalogo 6. Tyran Wishart 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero Bench: 14. Jack Howarth 15. Christian Welch 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Joe Chan Reserves: 18. Reimis Smith 19. Dean Ieremia 20. Lazarus Vaalepu 21. Chris Lewis 22. Kane Bradley
DOLPHINS VS MELBOURNE STORM PREDICTION
This should be a superb clash between two quality teams, although the absence of some key men on both sides owing to State of Origin call-ups does slightly dampen expectations somewhat. For the Dolphins, it may be tough without the in-form Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and with the Storm winning three of their last four, preference is with the away side to extend their lead at the top of the ladder.
DOLPHINS VS MELBOURNE STORM TIP: MELBOURNE STORM TO WIN
