2019 NRL – Melbourne Storm vs Canberra Raiders Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Melbourne Storm vs Canberra Raiders taking place? Saturday 17th August, 08:30
Where is Melbourne Storm vs Canberra Raiders taking place? AAMI Park
What channel is Melbourne Storm vs Canberra Raiders on?
UK – Sky Sports Arena
Australia – Fox Sports
Where can I stream Melbourne Storm vs Canberra Raiders?
UK – Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match via Sky Go
Australia – https://www.telstra.com.au/tv-movies-music/sports-offer
Where can I get tickets for Melbourne Storm vs Canberra Raiders?
Melbourne Storm – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500021
Canberra Raiders – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500013
THE TEAM NEWS
MELBOURNE STORM
Head Coach: Craig Bellamy
Starting 13: Hughes, Vunivalu, Chambers, Olam, Addo-Carr, Munster, Croft, J. Bromwich, C. Smith, Asofa-Solomona, F. Kaufusi, K. Bromwich, Finucane – Interchanges: Kamikamica, Faasuamleaui, Stimon, Papenhuyzen – Reserves: King, Eisenhuth, Earl, Walters
Unavailable: Curtis Scott, Christian Welch, Brandon Smith
- Melbourne moved a step closer to clinching the minor premiership as they defeated one of their nearest rivals in South Sydney last week and now face another one of the top 4 in Canberra Raiders.
- Jahrome Hughes and Ryan Papenhuyzen come back into the fold for Melbourne after both missed out with injuries last week with Hughes slotting back in at fullback whilst Papenhuyzen takes up his spot on the bench.
- Billy Walters drops off the bench whilst impressive debutant Nicho Hynes is the other unlucky man to miss out but Brandon Smith is still missing for the Storm with Tino Faasuamleaui retaining his place in the side.
CANBERRA RAIDERS
Head Coach: Ricky Stuart
Starting 13: Nicoll-Klokstad, Cotric, Croker, Leilua, Rapana, Wighton, Sezer, Papalii, Hodgson, Soliola, J. Bateman, Whitehead, Tapine – Interchanges: Simonsson, Lui, Horsburgh, Sutton – Reserves: Williams, Young, Havili, Guler
Unavailable: Luke Bateman
- Canberra suffered defeat in their top 4 clash with Sydney Roosters and face another tough examination of their premiership credentials here as they travel to Melbourne to face the Storm.
- Joey Leilua is back in the side at centre after a long-lay off and that sees Nick Cotric revert to the wing for the Raiders with Bailey Simonsson retaining his place in the 17 albeit amongst the interchanges.
- Siliva Havili is the man to drop off the bench due to those changes but he could be reinstated come game day with Ricky Stuart potentially opting for an extra forward on the bench rather than carrying a back.
THE PREDICTION
Melbourne managed to grind out a win with an under-strength side last week as they defeated South Sydney. They now face another of the top 4 in Canberra with the Raiders keen to show they can challenge come the finals. The Storm will be difficult to beat as always and should be able to win again but the Raiders will make life difficult for them. They play very direct football and may get under the skin of the Melbourne players but are likely to fall just short in their quest for victory.
