2021 NRL – Melbourne Storm vs Canberra Raiders Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Melbourne Storm vs Canberra Raiders taking place? Thursday 12th August, 2021 – 10:50 (UK)
Where is Melbourne Storm vs Canberra Raiders taking place? Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast
Where can I get tickets for Melbourne Storm vs Canberra Raiders? Click here for ticket information on 2021 NRL matches
What channel is Melbourne Storm vs Canberra Raiders on? Sky Sports Arena will be televising selected NRL games in the UK and you can find their schedule here. For Australian broadcasters, you can find a list here
Where can I stream Melbourne Storm vs Canberra Raiders? If televised on Sky Sports, then subscribers will be able to stream the match live via Sky Go. Alternatively, the match will be available to subscribers of Watch NRL
THE TEAM NEWS
MELBOURNE STORM
Starting 13: Hynes, Ieremia, R. Smith, Olam, Addo-Carr, Munster, Hughes, J. Bromwich. B. Smith, Welch, Kaufusi, K. Bromwich, Finucane – Interchanges: H. Grant, Lewis, Asofa-Solomona, Papenhuyzen – Reserves: Eisenhuth, Moeroa, J. Grant, Lumelume
Unavailable: Max King (Injured), George Jennings (Injured), Tui Kamikamica (Injured), Aaron Pene (Injured)
- Melbourne Storm overcame another big test in their quest to become minor premiers as they did what was required to see off in-form Manly Sea Eagles and make it 17 successive victories.
- The Storm dominated for large spells but there is still room for improvement and they will be boosted for this clash with the return of Felise Kaufusi after serving a ban while Nelson Asofa-Solomona is back from injury.
CANBERRA RAIDERS
Starting 13: Rapana, Simonsson, Croker, Tomoko, Smith-Shields, Wighton, S. Williams, Papalii, Hodgson, Tapine, Young, Whitehead, Sutton – Interchanges: Starling, Guler, Harawira-Naera, Soliola – Reserves: Kris, Frawley, Lui, Havili
Unavailable: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Injured), Curtis Scott (Suspended), Xavier Savage (Injured), Semi Valemei (Injured)
- Canberra Raiders bounced back from their disappointing loss to Newcastle Knights by making an immediate return to winning ways with a crucial success against St. George Illawarra Dragons last week.
- That is now four victories in their last five matches for the Raiders who remain right in the hunt for a spot in the finals but their hopes could come under serious threat here as they face leaders Melbourne Storm, a side that have beaten them in their last three clashes.
THE PREDICTION
Melbourne Storm continued their excellent run of form with a 17th
consecutive victory with Manly Sea Eagles the latest side to succumb to
them. That was arguably their toughest task remaining on the schedule
and they will be very confident of securing the minor premiership as a
result. They will look to extend their run as they take on Canberra
Raiders, a side desperate to claim a win to keep their hopes of making
the top eight. They have won four of their last five but this is a huge
step up in class for the Raiders and they are likely to fall short with
the Storm able to win this by 13+ points.
