ethos
BroncoKiwi
Finals Week 1 - Storm v Warriors Preview
September 13th 2008 01:56
Category: Weekly Tips
Melbourne Storm (1st) v New Zealand Warriors (8th)
Sunday 4:00pm, Olympic Park
Total Games 21 – Storm 11 wins, Warriors 9 wins, 1 draw
Most Recent Meeting – Round 20 2008, Warriors 8 def. Storm 6
The Warriors beat the Storm in their last encounter but I think we’ll see a different result on this side of the Tasman. The Storm are an almost impossible prospect at Olympic Park and the boys from New Zealand traditionally struggle away from home. Doubt remains over the fitness of Melbourne lock Dallas Johnson, who suffered a leg injury last weekend. Craig Bellamy has not named an 18th man.
New Zealand will miss the services of Wade McKinnon but have an able replacement in the form of Lance Hohaia. However, Hohaia isn’t exactly the tallest fullback going around and one gets the feeling he’ll be on the end of an aerial assault from the Storm.
Overall, the Storm look too classy across the park. Their pack will lay the platform for Greg Inglis, Israel Folau and Billy Slater to run riot. The Warriors may have the odd moment of brilliance but I can’t see them playing consistent footy at a high enough level.
Players to Watch:
Jeff Lima (Storm)
In a side full of representative stars, Jeff Lima rarely receives due recognition for his efforts in the front row. Last weekend against the Rabbitohs he chalked up 17 runs (the most of any player on the field) for an impressive 148 metres (third only behind backline dynamos Slater and Folau). Watch for his cannonball-like hit ups.
Ian Henderson (Warriors)
When Henderson plays well at hooker, the Warriors play well. His probing runs from dummy half should pose some problems for the Storm defence. Whether it will be enough to win the game for his team is another question but he’ll be dangerous.
Prediction: Storm by 18
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Comment by ethos
NRL Live
Melbourne Storm - 15
Tries: Anthony Quinn, Israel Folau
Field Goals: Greg Inglis
Goals: Cameron Smith 3/4
lost to
New Zealand Warriors - 18
Tries: Jerome Ropati, Manu Vatuvei, Michael Witt
Goals: Michael Witt 3/4
WHAT AN UPSET!