Rugby LeagueEddie OttoComment

NRL Round 9 Preview - Dragons v Storm @ Jubilee

Rugby LeagueEddie OttoComment
NRL Round 9 Preview - Dragons v Storm @ Jubilee

St George Illawarra Dragons v Melbourne Storm at Kogarah Oval
 
Preview – It’s the blockbuster of the round as the top of the table Dragons host the defending Premiers, the Storm, at what is sure to be a jam-packed Kogarah Oval. The Dragons led the competition after 8 rounds last season, however this year, at 7-1, they appear a team destined to go the distance after they brushed aside the Roosters 24-8 at ANZ Stadium. The Storm have racked up 124 points in their last three victories as they return to their scintillating best after a slow 2-3 start to the season. Last week they blew the Warriors off the paddock, leading 36-0 at halftime before running out 50-10 winners. 
 
St. George Illawarra Dragons’ Scouting Report - Reece Robson replaces Jacob Host in the 17 jumper in the only change. The Dragons’ forwards will know this is another Origin auction; if they can come out on top in this game four or five players could go close to sealing their spots in a Blues’ jumper. 
 
Melbourne Storm Scouting Report - The Storm get a big inclusion with blockbusting winger  Vunivalu returning from injury. Dale Finucane returns at lock after a thumb injury however they lose Tim Glassy to a thumb injury. Curtis Scott is a late withdrawal with PNG international Justin Olam set to make his debut. 
 
Verdict – Storm by 1-6

Great game in prospect here, as I have these two sides as clear favourites for the premiership after eight rounds. The Storm attack has been awesome the past few weeks, scoring 124 points in their last 3 wins. I think the Dragons are the hardest side to beat at the moment with their physicality across the park and strong goal line defence. Very hard to split the teams, but The Storm have won 75% of their games against the Dragons at Kogarah. At the start of the season the Storm were my tip to go back to back so I will back them to make a statement today that they remain the side to beat in 2018. Dragons are really tough to beat at Kogarah so I expect this game to be decided in the final 5 minutes.