NRL Round 16 Preview - Roosters v Storm @ Adelaide Oval

Sydney Roosters v Melbourne Storm @ Adelaide Oval
 
Preview - We get a mouthwatering Friday night contest as the Roosters take a home game to Adelaide to take on the defending Premiers the Storm. Both these sides came into the season as equal premiership favourites and, with Cooper Cronk having moved to the Roosters in the off season, it adds another layer to a potential final’s battle later in the season. The Roosters have won four on the trot and put an exclamation point on that winning streak with a thumping 32-6 victory over the second placed Panthers in Round 15. The Storm scored a convincing victory over the Knights, running away 28-10 victors, to remain just behind the Roosters in 6th spot on the table. 
 
Sydney Roosters’ Scouting Report - The Roosters have lost victorious Origin captain Boyd Cordner who is out, with Nat Butcher to start in the back row. Veteran Mitch Aubusson moves to centre for the suspended Joey Manu. Kiwi International Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is in the reserves after a delayed flight back from Denver, with Siosiua Taukeiaho returning in a straight swap at prop. Lindsay Collins and Matthew Ikuvalu are the new players named on the bench. 
 
Melbourne Storm Scouting Report - Billy Slater is back in the Storm side after an excellent Origin performance for Queensland in Sydney.  Sam Kasiano is out after being injured playing for Samoa and Ryan Hoffman starts in the back row, moving Joe Stimson to the bench.
 
Verdict – Storm by 1-8 in a high quality game

I’m going to go for Melbourne here, given I think they will be fired up to get one up over former halfback Cooper Cronk. The Roosters put together a statement type performance last week, and I think Melbourne might one-up them this week as they look to make a move into the all-important Top 4. This game should be full of attacking quality and I wouldn't be surprised if it is one of the best games of the season, despite several players backing up from Origin. With the neutral crowd in Adelaide, the Roosters lose the home advantage, and I think the Storm might edge it with Cameron Smith coming into this game fresh.