The Stats Zone
June 11 2024, 11:47 · Ash Wheldon

New Zealand Warriors vs Melbourne Storm Preview & Prediction | NRL 2024 | Regular Season

New Zealand Warriors vs Melbourne Storm Preview & Prediction | NRL 2024 | Regular Season

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New Zealand Warriors showed exactly what they are capable of in a huge win over North Queensland Cowboys last week to make it three straight wins and solidify their push for a top eight spot but this will be a real test of their credentials as they host Melbourne Storm.

START DATE/TIME: UK - Saturday 15th June, 2024 - 08:30 / AUS - 17:30 / US EST - 03:30 / US PST - 00:30

HOW TO WATCH ON TV: This match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Action in the UK / This match will be broadcast live on Fox League in Australia / This match will not be broadcast live on Fox Sports in the US

HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: This match will be streamed live on Watch NRL and Sky Go in the UK / This match will be streamed live on Kayo Sports in Australia / This match will be streamed live on Watch NRL in the US

NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS FORM: WARRIORS MAKE IT THREE STRAIGHT

The Kiwi side were far too good for North Queensland Cowboys last week as they made it three consecutive victories and with their roster starting to get healthy again, there is no limit to what the Warriors can achieve this season.

LAST FIVE: LLWWW

MELBOURNE STORM FORM: STORM LACKING CONSISTENCY DESPITE RECENT WIN

The Storm prevailed in a tight affair with Newcastle Knights last week but will be desperate to go back-to-back here as their W-L sequence now stands at five matches.

LAST FIVE: WLWLW

NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS TEAM NEWS: JOHNSON A HUGE IN FOR WARRIORS

Shaun Johnson is back at halfback and will partner the in-form Te Maire Martin who has done a stellar job in his absence. Chanel Harris-Tavita will drop to the bench to provide some cover while Roger Tuivasa-Sheck could return having been named among the reserves.

Starting 13: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Marata Niukore 12. Mitchell Barnett 13. Tohu Harris Bench: 14. Chanel Harris-Tavita 15. Dylan Walker 16. Jazz Tevaga 17. Kurt Capewell Reserves: 18. Tom Ale 20. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 21. Taine Tuaupiki 22. Freddy Lussick 23. Jacob Laban

MELBOURNE STORM TEAM NEWS: SMITH OUT WITH HEAD KNOCK

Dean Ieremia will make his first NRL appearance of the season in place of Reimis Smith who suffered a head injury in last week’s game in what is the only change to the 17.

Starting 13: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. Grant Anderson 3. Dean Ieremia 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Tyran Wishart 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero Bench: 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Christian Welch 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Joe Chan Reserves: 18. Young Tonumaipea 19. Jack Howarth 20. Lazarus Vaalepu 21. Chris Lewis 22. Kane Bradley

NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS VS MELBOURNE STORM PREDICTION

This is a mouthwatering prospect as an improving New Zealand Warriors get a crack at a Melbourne Storm side that top the ladder. The Warriors have won their last three and were really impressive last week. Their 17 is starting to look a lot stronger and with Shaun Johnson back to lead his side, the Storm could have some issues. The visitors have struggled for consistency of late and with a sold out home crowd boosting the Kiwis, slight preference is with the Warriors.

NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS VS MELBOURNE STORM TIP: NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS TO WIN