NRL Round 23 Preview and Prediction - Melbourne Storm v Sydney Roosters @ AAMI Park
Melbourne Storm (1st) v Sydney Roosters (2nd) @ AAMI Park
Preview - It's the top of the table showdown, as the Storm and the Roosters lock horns in what could be a Grand Final Preview in Melbourne on Saturday night. The Storm benefited from the Roosters loss and are now sitting 2 games clear at the top of the table and looking certain to claim their 2nd straight Minor Premiership. The Storm ground out a 26-8 victory over an injury depleted Cowboys side in Townsville on Friday night. Whilst the Storm were not at their best in attack, they continued to show why they are the clear Premiership favourites by putting in another resolute defensive display. The Roosters imploded in the 2nd half at Lottoland, coughing up an 18-10 lead to lose 36-18 to the Sea Eagles. While the Roosters remain in 2nd place, they are now just 1 game ahead of Parramatta in 5th spot, as the battle for the Top 4 starts to heat up.
History - These sides have already played a cracker of a game this year with the Roosters winning in Golden Point in Adelaide 25-24. Thats game came smack, bang in the middle of the Origin period and the Storm decided on resting all of Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk, Will Chambers and Cameron Smith. The Sot,r won both clashes against the Roosters last season winning 26-10 in the corresponding game at AAMI Park.
Melbourne Storm Scouting Report - The Storm will be missing both Tohu Harris and Cameron Munster who are not yet fit to return from injury. Josh Addo Carr continued his sparkling form last week with another try scoring double; however it’s been his defensive decisions that have really impressed me as he made a number of try saving tackles last week against the Cowboys.
Sydney Roosters’ Scouting Report - The Roosters welcome back their two Co-Captains with Boyd Cordner and Jake Friend both returning to the starting line-up. The Roosters can definitely do with some grit, quality and leadership in those two guys right now after their capitulation against the Sea Eagles in the second half last week. Daniel Tupou, the Roosters ever reliable winger, is out for 6 weeks with a groin injury which is a huge blow for the Tri-Colours Premiership hopes. Joseph Manu moves on to the wing with Mitchell Aubusson going back into the centre, and Sio Siua Taukeiaho going onto the interchange bench.
Verdict - Storm by 1-8 in a low scoring game
This should be a cracker as I expect a reaction from the Roosters this week after their capitulation against the Sea Eagles in the 2nd half last week. Trent Robinson used the work "weak" in his post-game press conference, and I'm sure that would have been to get a reaction out of his players whose defence fell apart in that 2nd half capitulation. Whilst there is the chance the Storm could be little complacent here, given they are 2 games clear in first place, they will want to put down a marker against the Roosters given they know these sides could well meet again in late September or early October. I see this game being extremely high quality and very physical with the Roosters putting in one of their better defensive displays of the season. However, I still can't go past the Storm at home.