A number of Melbourne Storm NRL squad members will hit the field for their Intrust Super Cup affiliates in Queensland for the first time in 2021 this weekend.
After having their 2020 season cancelled after just one round due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sunshine Coast Falcons and Brisbane Tigers are rated amongst the favourites for this year’s premiership.
The Falcons will kick off their season with a home game against Northern Pride at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Saturday (4pm kickoff), while the Tigers will be in action on Saturday night (7pm kickoff) against Norths at Totally Workwear Stadium.
Included in the Tigers starting line-up are Storm wingers Isaac Lumelume and Dean Ieremia, five-eighth Ryley Jacks and front-rower Aaron Pene, who is making his return from an achilles injury.
Storm 2020 debutant Aaron Booth will wear the No.9 jersey in his comeback from a shoulder complaint, while development squad player Tagiolupe Tivalu is on the Tigers’ bench.
Named in the Falcons’ starting team are fullback Nicho Hynes, five-eighth Cooper Johns and prop Darryn Schonig, although all three are also in Storm’s 21 for the Thursday night clash with Parramatta.
After a late switch of ISC allegiances from the Tigers, Jack Howarth will debut for the Sunshine Coast in the No.4 jersey, with development squad member Trent Loiero starting in the second-row.
