Match Preview: Round 9 v Dragons
The Storm head home to Melbourne's AAMI Park coming off two massive wins and looking to end St George Illawarra's recent winning run with another dominant performance.
Melbourne backed up their record-breaking performance when they pummelled the Warriors at the venue on ANZAC day with another crushing effort against the Knights.
The Dragons, however, will go into the game with plenty of confidence after a string of wins against Newcastle, the Roosters and Wests Tigers.
St George Illawarra's biggest strength has been getting the opposition into an arm wrestle before winning the key moments in recent weeks. If they're to do similiar against the Storm then they'll give themselves every chance of causing an upset.
Sportsbet Betting preview: Storm v Dragons
The Rundown
Team news
Storm: One minor change for the home side with Jordan Grant moving back to 18th man and Chris Lewis coming onto the bench.
Dragons: A couple of late changes for the Red V ahead of kick-off. Tariq Sims will start at prop, shifting Jack Bird to the back-row and Talatau Amone to start at five-eighth. George Burgess dropped out on Saturday with Jayden Sullivan joining the bench.
Match: Storm v Dragons
Round 9 -
home Team
Storm
away Team
Dragons
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Storm is number 1 Ryan PapenhuyzenFullback for Dragons is number 1 Moses Mbye
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Winger for Storm is number 2 Nick MeaneyWinger for Dragons is number 2 Mathew Feagai
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Centre for Storm is number 3 Reimis SmithCentre for Dragons is number 3 Mosese Suli
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Centre for Storm is number 4 Justin OlamCentre for Dragons is number 4 Zac Lomax
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Winger for Storm is number 5 Xavier CoatesWinger for Dragons is number 5 Mikaele Ravalawa
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Five-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Cameron MunsterFive-Eighth for Dragons is number 14 Talatau Amone
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Halfback for Storm is number 7 Jahrome HughesHalfback for Dragons is number 7 Ben Hunt
Forwards
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Prop for Storm is number 8 Jesse BromwichProp for Dragons is number 8 Francis Molo
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Hooker for Storm is number 9 Harry GrantHooker for Dragons is number 9 Andrew McCullough
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Prop for Storm is number 10 Nelson Asofa-SolomonaProp for Dragons is number 11 Tariq Sims
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2nd Row for Storm is number 11 Felise Kaufusi2nd Row for Dragons is number 6 Jack Bird
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2nd Row for Storm is number 12 Kenneath Bromwich2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Josh McGuire
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Lock for Storm is number 13 Josh KingLock for Dragons is number 13 Jack De Belin
Interchange
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Interchange for Storm is number 14 Brandon SmithInterchange for Dragons is number 15 Blake Lawrie
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Interchange for Storm is number 15 Tyran WishartInterchange for Dragons is number 16 Aaron Woods
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Interchange for Storm is number 16 Trent LoieroInterchange for Dragons is number 17 Tyrell Fuimaono
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Interchange for Storm is number 18 Chris LewisInterchange for Dragons is number 18 Jayden Sullivan
Reserves
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Replacement for Storm is number 17 Jordan GrantReplacement for Dragons is number 20 Jack Gosiewski
Match Officials
- Referee: Peter Gough
- Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
- Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
- Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen
Last updated:
Key match-up
Harry Grant v Andrew McCullough: Two Queensland hookers at very different stages of their NRL careers but equally as important for their side's chances on Saturday. Grant has been instrumental for the Storm since earning the nod to start this season with his ball-playing and running ability at dummy half getting the side on the front foot. McCullough isn't as strong with carries but knows how to organise his forward pack and works well with Dragons halfback Ben Hunt, particularly close to the line.
Match: Storm v Dragons
Round 9 -
home Team
Storm
1st Position
away Team
Dragons
11th Position
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Stat attack
The Dragons may be on a three-game winning streak but they've only scored over 20 points twice to start the season, with their last three results close encounters. The second halves for both sides offer various results with the Red V scoring 50 in the first half before a further 79 in the second terms of games. Melbourne have scored 118 points in the first halves of games this season while their second halves have seen 175 points scored, including 54 points the last time they played at AAMI Park.
