NRL Round 4 Preview - Sharks v Storm @ Shark Park

Cronulla Sharks v Melbourne Storm @ Shark Park
 
Preview - We get a Good Friday blockbuster as 2016 Grand Final combatants, the Sharks and Storm, lock horns at Shark Park on Friday night. The Sharks finally broke through for their first win of the season at the third time of asking, with an ugly but effective 14-4 triumph over Parramatta at ANZ Stadium. The Storm bounced back from their shock defeat to the Tigers with a convincing 30-14 victory over the Cowboys in the Grand Final replay of last season. 
 
Cronulla Sharks’ Scouting Report - Shane Flanagan makes the big call to bring Matt Moylan back at five-eight, bumping Trent Hodkinson to the extended bench, despite his impressive debut for the Club last week. The Sharks get another big name inclusions with veteran back rower  Luke Lewis (foot) set to play his first game of the season, replacing Jayson Bukuya (groin) in the back row.
 
Melbourne Storm Scouting Report - The Storm get another big bopper back with Kenny Bromwich returning via the bench in place of Brandon Smith. Craig Bellamy will be hoping his side can control the ball better last week as they made a number of errors despite running away with the game against the Cowboys in the end. 

Verdict - Storm by 1-6 in a low scoring game - I really enjoy clashes between these two sides as they clearly don’t like each other, and there is always plenty of feeling and niggle in these games. The Sharks have had an excellent record against the Storm over the past couple of years, so I think this will be a very difficult road trip for Melbourne. I do however think Melbourne are a better side than Cronulla and, if they can get into a grind early, could really put a marker down here that they deserve to be favourites to return their crown in 2018. I expect this game to be low scoring and within a try margin for the full 80 minutes, but I’ll go for the Storm to win it with a late field goal.