Match Preview: Qualifying Final v Sharks
For the third season in a row the Storm and Sharks are both part of the September action but they lock horns in a final for the first time since 2018.
SportsBet Betting Preview - Storm v Sharks
On that occasion it was the Storm sending the Sharks packing 22-6 in a preliminary final before going on to lose the decider to the Roosters.
Two years prior to that it was the Sharks savouring a maiden premiership when they held off Melbourne 14-12 in an epic decider at ANZ Stadium.
The sides have clashed just once in 2024, the Sharks getting home 25-18 in Round 10 - one of only two sides to venture to AAMI Park and come away with a victory this season.
The expected return of fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen from a leg injury is a massive boost for the home side, while the Sharks will get prop Oregon Kaufusi back after he was rested from Sunday's impressive win over Manly.
Another chapter in a great rivalry will be written on Saturday as the winner moves to within one game of a grand final and the loser lives to fight another day against the victor of the Cowboys or Knights clash.
Match: Storm v Sharks
Finals Week 1 -
home Team
Storm
1st Position
away Team
Sharks
4th Position
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Team News
Storm: Ryan Papenhuyzen is back in the No.1 jersey after missing last week's game due to a leg injury while experienced prop Christian Welch also returns from illness. Young gun Sualauvi Faalogo suffered a hamstring injury while deputising for Papenhuyzen in Round 27 and could miss a couple of weeks. Grant Anderson is the 18th man.
Sharks: Jesse Ramien has been ruled out after suffering an ankle injury against Manly last week, with Siosifa Talakai promoted from the bench to start at centre. Oregon Kaufusi, who returns after being rested from the Manly game, is starting in place of prop Tom Hazelton has overcome a minor knee issue and will join the interchange. Royce Hunt is also on the bench. No late changes, with Chris Vea'ila the 18th man.
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Storm is number 1 Ryan PapenhuyzenFullback for Sharks is number 1 William Kennedy
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Winger for Storm is number 2 Will WarbrickWinger for Sharks is number 2 Sione Katoa
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Centre for Storm is number 3 Jack HowarthCentre for Sharks is number 4 Kayal Iro
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Centre for Storm is number 4 Nick MeaneyCentre for Sharks is number 17 Siosifa Talakai
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Winger for Storm is number 5 Xavier CoatesWinger for Sharks is number 5 Ronaldo Mulitalo
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Five-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Cameron MunsterFive-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Braydon Trindall
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Halfback for Storm is number 7 Jahrome HughesHalfback for Sharks is number 7 Nicholas Hynes
Forwards
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Prop for Storm is number 8 Nelson Asofa-SolomonaProp for Sharks is number 8 Toby Rudolf
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Hooker for Storm is number 9 Harry GrantHooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke Brailey
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Prop for Storm is number 10 Josh KingProp for Sharks is number 10 Oregon Kaufusi
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2nd Row for Storm is number 11 Shawn Blore2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora
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2nd Row for Storm is number 12 Eliesa Katoa2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Teig Wilton
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Lock for Storm is number 13 Trent LoieroLock for Sharks is number 13 Cameron McInnes
Interchange
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Interchange for Storm is number 14 Tyran WishartInterchange for Sharks is number 14 Daniel Atkinson
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Interchange for Storm is number 15 Christian WelchInterchange for Sharks is number 15 Jack Williams
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Interchange for Storm is number 16 Tui KamikamicaInterchange for Sharks is number 16 Royce Hunt
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Interchange for Storm is number 17 Alec MacDonaldInterchange for Sharks is number 22 Thomas Hazelton
Reserves
-
Replacement for Storm is number 18 Grant AndersonReplacement for Sharks is number 19 Chris Vea'ila
Match Officials
- Referee: Gerard Sutton
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Storm have won six of their past eight games against the Sharks.
- The Sharks have lost their past six finals matches.
- The Storm have won six of their past eight finals games at AAMI Park.
- Sharks prop Toby Rudolf will make his 100th NRL appearance.
- Storm winger Xavier Coates has scored 29 tries in 25 games at AAMI Park.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
