NRL Round 17 Preview - Storm v Dragons @ AAMI Park

Melbourne Storm v St. George Illawarra Dragons @ AAMI Park 
 
Preview - It’s the battle of 3rd against 1st as the Dragons visit the Storm on Thursday night football at AAMI Park. Whilst the game loses some of its lustre without a host of Origin players, it still carries ramifications in the race for the Minor Premiership and jostling for Top 4 positions. The Dragons got out of jail last week, scoring two tries in the final seven minutes, to beat the Eels 22-18 at WIN Stadium. The Storm scored a gripping, but at times frustrating, 9-8 win over the Roosters, in a high stakes game marred by many handling mistakes. 
 
Melbourne Storm Scouting Report - The Storm have a host of changes with Billy Slater, Will Chambers, Cameron Munster, Felise Kaufusi, Tim Glasby and Josh Addo-Carr all missing on Origin duty. Young Tonumaipea comes into the side at fullback, whilst Cheyse Blair is recalled at centre and Justin Olam moves on to the wing. Ryley Jacks replaces Munster at Number 6, with Christian Welch starting at prop, and Brodie Croft making his first appearance since Round 5 on the bench. 
 
St. George Illawarra Dragons’ Scouting Report - The Dragons are also missing several big guns, with Ben Hunt, Tyson Frizell, Jack de Belin, Paul Vaughan and Tariq Sims missing on Origin duty.  Darren Nicholls is set to make his NRL debut at age 29 at halfback, with the starting back row consisting of Jacob Host, Luciano Leilua and lock Blake Laurie. Leeson Ah Mau replaces Paul Vaughan at prop. 
 
Verdict - Dragons by 1-6 in a low scoring game

 You would generally give the Storm the advantage here, given they still have Cameron Smith in their side against a Dragons’ side missing just about as many players as they are. However, I think the Dragons’ side contains plenty of experienced players that can perhaps win this game. The Dragons still have Dufty, Widdop and McGuiness, which is three quarters of their first choice spine. If their forwards can match it with Melbourne, I actually think they can win this game, in what is sure to be a low scoring and grinding affair with so much attacking personnel missing from both sides.