Time for the attack to click
There has been plenty of hysteria around the Storm attack not quite clicking into gear so far this season however the stats point to it being far from panic stations. Melbourne have only scored three fewer points per game that they did at this same point last year – where they finished the season with the NRL’s most potent attack. With the World Cup resulting in a delayed start to pre-season for nine players in Storm’s 17 for tonight, it was always going to take some time for this side to get back on the same page. This game against the Knights will be one they will be looking to bring it all together.
Match: Storm v Knights
Round 6 -
home Team
Storm
5th Position
away Team
Knights
10th Position
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
New look Knights
Of the 17 players stepping onto AAMI Park for the Knights, nine were not there the last time these two teams met. Newcastle dominated the off-season with key off-season signings Kalyn Ponga, Mitchell Pearce, Aidan Guerra, Jacob Lillyman and Storm Premiership player Slade Griffin all making an instant impact for Nathan Brown’s side. 20-year-old Ponga leads the NRL in tackle breaks (41) and kick return metres (300) while Pearce is the leading field kicked in the game, averaging 380 metres by boot. This will be a vastly different Knights side to the one Storm have beaten in the past four consecutive games.
Ryley gets his shot
The competition for spots in the Storm side and healthy depth has seen Ryley Jacks earn a shot at halfback for Friday night. Craig Bellamy has opted for Jacks in place of youngster Brodie Croft who will continue to work hard on his game after just 10 games of first grade experience. Jacks played 12 games last year in his first season in Melbourne, winning 10 games. He was also in the No.6 in Round 1 this year where he scored a try in a runaway win over the Bulldogs. Friday night is his chance to make the No.7 jersey his own.
Kids come FREE
There is no better place to finish off the school holidays! Bring the Kids along to AAMI Park for FREE! All kids Under-15 will be given free admission to the game this Friday night with the purchase of every adult ticket. To access the offer, simply head to Ticketek.com.au now, click ‘purchase tickets’ and select option for ‘1 adult + 1 FREE child’. The family-friendly time of 6pm will mean you will be back home or out for dinner by 7.30pm. Make it a night to remember for everyone!
