Storm v Warriors preview

Melbourne Storm v Warriors
AAMI Park - Monday 5:00pm

Both sides will be keen to get the 2 competition points after last up losses last round. The Storm's inconsistent season continued as they blew a 16-4 lead deep in the second half to succumb 18-17 to a Jonathan Thurston inspired Cowboys outfit in Townsville. The Storm looked the goods for the majority of the match on Monday Night before errors and lack of discipline creeped in to their game and let the Cowboys back into it. Craig Bellamy won't be happy with this and will no doubt be looking for a much improved effort against a Warriors team that the Storm haven't had much success against in the past few years.
Melbourne are unchanged so will keep the same 17 from last week.

The Warriors started slow against Brisbane last week and left their comeback too late, even despite tying proceedings up at 16-16 with less than 10 minutes left. They eventually lost 24-16 in a match they will be kicking themselves that they lost.
Ben Henry has been lost for the season with an ACL tear so Sebastian Ikahihifao comes onto the bench as replacement. This in itself is a blow as the versatile Henry has filled many a void for the Warriors over the past two seasons.
Shaun Johnson improved last week but still is nowhere near his best, if the Warriors are to have any chance of n upset then he'll need to bring his A game and be supported by his team mates.

Last meeting: Round 8 2014 - Melbourne Storm 10 New Zealand Warriors 16
The last 10 meetings between these clubs are split 5-5. The Warriors have won 3 of their past 5 at AAMI Park though. The average winning margin between both these sides in the last 10 clashes is 8 points, so expect this one to be close and go right down to the wire.

Who to watch: For Melbourne they will again be relying on the class of the Big 3. Look for Cooper Cronk to have a big impact after having another solid outing against the Cowboys last week. His kicking game was on song and he finished with 1 try assist, 1 line break assist, 26 tackles and 414 kick metres. If the Storm forward pack can get over their opposition then Cronk will have plenty of room to orchestrate the Storm attack. Look for his pinpoint kicks to the corners for Koroibete and Slater.

He will also be very dangerous with his short passes to his inside men, specifically Tohu Harris on the left hand side and also his brilliant combination with Billy Slater.

With the absence of Sam Tomkins this has meant a lo more work for fill in fullback Tuimoala Lolohea. The youngster has been brilliant in attack and he'll need to keep it going for this clash if the Warriors want to get close to this Storm team at home.

So far this season Lolohea has 62 runs for 590 Metres, 16 tackle busts and 1 Line Break in a fantastic start to his career. He has certainly filled the void left by Sam Tomkins. His kick returns could cause havoc for the Melbourne defence and if he continues his immense support play then he could bag himself a couple of tries, particularly in the back end of both halves when the Storm defence gets tired.

The favourite: Storm at home are big favourites in this clash.

My tip: Tipping the upset here folks. Melbourne aren't the powerhouse they were 3-4 years ago and the Warriors have a god track record against them, particularly in Melbourne. Looking for a big game from Lolohea and Johnson. Warriors by 2 in a thriller!

1. Billy Slater 2. Young Tonumaipea 3. Will Chambers 4. Kurt Mann 5. Marika Koroibete 6. Blake Green 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Jordan McLean 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Tohu Harris 13. Dale Finucane
Interchange: 14. Ryan Hinchcliffe 15. Tim Glasby 16. Dayne Weston 17. Felise Kaufusi 18. Tom Learoyd-Lahrs 19. Hymel Hunt

1. Tuimoala Lolohea 2. Jonathan Wright 3. Ngani Laumape 4. Solomone Kata 5. Manu Vatuvei 6. Chad Townsend 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Jacob Lillyman 9. Thomas Leuluai 10. Ben Matulino 11. Bodene Thompson 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering
Interchange: 14. Nathan Friend 15. Sebastine Ikahihifo 16. Sam Lisone 17. Albert Vete 18. Sione Lousi

Referees: Adam Devcich, Gavin Reynolds; Sideline Officials: Clayton Sharpe, Michael Wise; Video Referees: Steve Chiddy, Luke Phillips;

Check out all the action live in our Match Centre