It's first versus last and the signs aren't good for the Titans, as the Storm look to atone for last week's surprise home loss to Canberra.
Melbourne were cruising to a statement-making win when they led 18-0 and watching them let it slip was akin to watching Tyson hit the canvas against Douglas.
It was their second loss on home turf in three weeks and it's the last thing Craig Bellamy wanted with a home final or two around the corner.
Unfortunately for the Titans the Storm will be out to vent some of their frustration on Sunday and it could get ugly very quickly.
Match: Storm v Titans
Round 23 -
home Team
Storm
1st Position
away Team
Titans
16th Position
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
The Rundown
Team news
Storm: Storm have reshuffled their spine with Brodie Croft omitted an hour before kick-off. That means fullback Jahrome Hughes now goes into the halves and No.17 Ryan Papenhuzen comes off the bench and into the No.1 position. On Saturday Storm announced Curtis Scott would be replacing Will Chambers (sprained ankle) in the centres and Tom Eisenhuth was being promoted to the bench for Joe Stimson. The Sunday changes mean Max King comes up from the reserves to the interchange bench. Brandon Smith is also returning from an ankle injury after missing last week's loss to the Raiders.
Titans: No changes to the initial 17-man team named on Tuesday. Jarrod Wallace is a welcome addition after missing last week's game for personal reasons, while Michael Gordon takes over at fullback and AJ Brimson moves to the bench. Jai Arrow has been named at prop and Nathan Peats at lock. An hour before kick-off Bryce Cartwright, in the No.18 jersey, earned a reprieve and was brought onto the bench from the reserves in place of Brenko Lee.
Match: Storm v Titans
Round 23 -
home Team
Storm
away Team
Titans
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Storm is number 17 Ryan PapenhuyzenFullback for Titans is number 1 Michael Gordon
-
Winger for Storm is number 2 Suliasi VunivaluWinger for Titans is number 2 Jesse Arthars
-
Centre for Storm is number 4 Justin OlamCentre for Titans is number 3 Kallum Watkins
-
Centre for Storm is number 18 Curtis ScottCentre for Titans is number 4 Brian Kelly
-
Winger for Storm is number 5 Josh Addo-CarrWinger for Titans is number 5 Phillip Sami
-
Five-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Cameron MunsterFive-Eighth for Titans is number 6 Tyrone Peachey
-
Halfback for Storm is number 1 Jahrome HughesHalfback for Titans is number 7 Ryley Jacks
Forwards
-
Prop for Storm is number 8 Jesse BromwichProp for Titans is number 8 Moeaki Fotuaika
-
Hooker for Storm is number 9 Cameron SmithHooker for Titans is number 9 Mitch Rein
-
Prop for Storm is number 10 Nelson Asofa-SolomonaProp for Titans is number 10 Jai Arrow
-
2nd Row for Storm is number 11 Felise Kaufusi2nd Row for Titans is number 11 Kevin Proctor
-
2nd Row for Storm is number 12 Kenneath Bromwich2nd Row for Titans is number 12 Sam Stone
-
Lock for Storm is number 13 Dale FinucaneLock for Titans is number 13 Nathan Peats
Interchange
-
Interchange for Storm is number 14 Brandon SmithInterchange for Titans is number 14 Alexander Brimson
-
Interchange for Storm is number 15 Tui KamikamicaInterchange for Titans is number 15 Jai Whitbread
-
Interchange for Storm is number 19 Tom EisenhuthInterchange for Titans is number 16 Jarrod Wallace
-
Interchange for Storm is number 20 Max KingInterchange for Titans is number 18 Bryce Cartwright
Match Officials
- Referee: Chris Butler
- Referee: Dave Munro
- Senior Review Official: Henry Perenara
Last updated:
Key match-up
Brodie Croft and Ryley Jacks were vying for the same spot when they were teammates at the Storm. Croft ultimately emerged as Craig Bellamy's first-choice halfback and Jacks packed his bag for the Gold Coast. Jacks will be fired up to remind Bellamy of his talents.
For the Storm to win
Defence has to improve after they let the Raiders in for 22 unanswered points last week, as does the composure of some of their experienced campaigners. Bellamy will demand sharp attention to detail and won't accept any complacency, laziness or ill-discipline one week after watching his team invite the Raiders back into the contest.
For the Titans to win
Hands down it will be the upset of the season and one of the biggest in the last decade if they somehow produce a win. They will need to play a near-perfect game in attack and defence and hope the competition leaders are way off their game. If they can defy the odds and keep it close, maybe they can snatch it at the death.
Brett Kimmorley says
I think the Storm, who gave up an 18-point lead and lost last week, will be seething. I think that is a nice, timely reminder for them a few weeks out form the semi-finals. They copped criticism for wrestling and tackling techniques, and I think they will respond. The Titans might be the team they respond against. I’d love to see some of the Titans forward – apart from Jai Arrow – stand up and help him out a bit. Storm by 18
Stat Attack
Melbourne are the NRL's best team for returning kicks, gaining 4,513 metres - well ahead of the second-placed Roosters (4,183). The Storm are equal leaders with the Bulldogs for completions (80%).
And another thing ...
The Titans stunned the Storm with two quick tries for an early 12-0 lead when they met in Round 18 on the Gold Coast. Melbourne soon hit back, but the home team hung tough to trail 22-18 at half-time. It was all Melbourne after the break, as Ryan Papenhuyzen, Cameron Smith and Justin Olam all scored in the second half to set up a 38-18 victory.
