2021 NRL – Melbourne Storm vs Sydney Roosters Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Melbourne Storm vs Sydney Roosters taking place? Friday 16th April, 2021 – 10:55 (UK)
Where is Melbourne Storm vs Sydney Roosters taking place? AAMI Park, Melbourne
Where can I get tickets for Melbourne Storm vs Sydney Roosters? Click here for ticket information on 2021 NRL matches
What channel is Melbourne Storm vs Sydney Roosters 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 Sydney Roosters? 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: Papenhuyzen, Jennings, R. Smith, Olam, Addo-Carr, Munster, Hughes, J. Bromwich, B. Smith, Welch, Kaufusi, K. Bromwich, Asofa-Solomona – Interchanges: Grant, Kamikamica, Eisenhuth, Hynes – Reserves: Pene, Ieremia, Lewis, Lee
Unavailable: Dale Finucane (Injured), Max King (Injured)
- Melbourne Storm were able to run out big winners over Canterbury Bulldogs last week but head coach Craig Bellamy was left frustrated with some of his side’s efforts and he will be looking for much more this week.
- The Storm have scored 92 points in their last two matches but having shipped 18 points against a Bulldogs side that had failed to score in their previous three matches, Bellamy will be eager for his side to limit the Roosters defensively.
SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Starting 13: Tedesco, Tupou, J. Morris, Manu, B. Morris, Hutchison, Walker, Liu, B. Marschke, Taukeiaho, Crichton, Tupouniua, Radley – Interchanges: Keighran, Waerea-Hargreaves, N. Butcher, Collins – Reserves: Baker, Ikuvalu, J. Marschke, Suluka-Fifita
Unavailable: Sam Verrills (Injured), Billy Smith (Injured), Boyd Cordner (Injured), Luke Keary (Injured), Lachlan Lam (Injured), Freddy Lussick (Injured)
- Sydney Roosters looked set to suffer defeat at the hands of Cronulla Sharks last week but a brilliant comeback in the final 20 minutes of the game inspired by youngster Sam Walker saw the Tricolours collect an impressive win.
- The Roosters were poor for much of the contest but Walker injected himself into the contest in just his second NRL game with two superb assists sandwiched between a try of his own to turn the game on its head as his side posted 22 unanswered points.
THE PREDICTION
Melbourne Storm and Sydney Roosters renew their rivalry once again as they do battle at AAMI Park. The Storm will start as favourites because of the Roosters’ injury woes and it will take a big effort for the Sydney outfit to claim the victory here. The away side were poor for the opening 60 minutes of last week's clash but if they can replicate their efforts in the final 20 minutes to overturn 14-point deficit against Cronulla Sharks, they will believe they can go close. Melbourne have been imperious with the ball in their last two matches, albeit against poor opposition, and while there is room for defensive improvement based on last week’s showing, the Storm should be able to make it three straight wins over their rivals.
