NRL Round 2 Preview - Storm v Tigers @ AAMI Park

Melbourne Storm v Wests Tigers @ AAMI Park
 
Preview - The defending Premiers play their first home game of the season as they host the Wests Tigers at AAMI Park. The Storm kicked off their Premiership defence with a bang last week, comfortably accounting for the Bulldogs in the end 36-18 in Perth with an electric attacking display. The Tigers were the biggest shock winners in Round 1, stunning Premiership favourites the Roosters 10-8, in a knock them down, drag em out, slug fest at ANZ Stadium. The Tigers trailed 8-4 with just a few minutes to play, before Corey Thompson scored in the corner and Tui Lolohea converted from the sideline to send the home fans into raptures. 
 
History - The Storm love playing against the Tigers in Melbourne, having beaten them in 12 of 13 occasions, with their only loss coming back in 2011 by 4 points. Last year, the Tigers led the Storm 14-0 at half time at Leichhardt Oval, before the Storm overpowered them in the second half winning 22-14.  Whilst Melbourne have won 5 of the past 7 encounters the Tigers have pushed them into a number of close games. 
 
Melbourne Storm Scouting Report - The Storm welcome back Billy Slater for what is sure to be a massive event, being his 300th game. The Storm do milestone games better than any other Club, and Billy is perhaps their favourite son, so expect this to be a special night in Melbourne. Cameron Munster shifts back to five eight after his brilliant performance last week against the Warriors at fullback. 
 
Wests Tigers Scouting Report - The Tigers have named an unchanged 17 to the side that stunned the Roosters last week. Ben Matulino is named to start, after starting off the bench last week,  with Matt Eisenhuth reverting to the bench. There is no room for Chris McQueen, Sauaso Sue or David Nofoaluma after strong games by the likes of Robbie Rochor, Alex Twal and Corey Thompson last week.  
 
Verdict - Storm by 14-22
 
I just think the Storm are such a brilliant side in milestone games that they could blow the Tigers off the park here. I know the Tigers were excellent last year, however it’s a whole different kettle of fish going to Melbourne to play against the Storm in Slater’s 300th game. The problems I envisage for the Tigers is playing that gritty style of football will take its toll, and won’t be easy to back up from. I really think they can match Melbourne somewhat in the forwards, as they often play close games against the Storm. However scoring 10 points will simply not be enough two weeks in a row. I expect a close first half, but the Storm to be far too good in the end.