Storm V Sharks Preview – Will The Week Off Prove Crucial For The Storm

The first preliminary final will see the 2016 Grand Final replay of the Melbourne Storm and the Cronulla Sharks to battle it out for a spot in the 2018 Grand Final.

The reigning premiers, Melbourne Storm, will have the home ground advantage on Friday night as the Sharks come into enemy territory (AAMI Park) as underdogs. The Sharks will be tired after playing physical finals matches against the Panthers and the Roosters. The Panthers almost got the win but Chad Townsend slotted over a field goal. The Storm are fresh after having a week off but with the tenacity and the belief that the Sharks have shown in recent weeks promises to bring a thrilling game. Rest assured, either team will not lie down easily.

The Sharks have won all of their games against Melbourne this season yet the Storm remain favourites. Since 1998, both sides have played against each other 36 times with the Storm winning 22 games out of those clashes.

Currently, on Sportsbet, the price for Melbourne is $1.37 while the Sharks are out to $3.10.

Key ins: Josh Dugan returns from a shoulder injury to give the Sharks an extra boost in experience, tough defence and metres gained. Wade Graham remains out and Paul Gallen is waiting on clearance with his shoulder injury he sustained against the Penrith Panthers last weekend. Knowing the integrity of Gallen, he will be playing. Whether he is injured or not.

Australian and Queensland representative centre Will Chambers returns for Melbourne. He is a tough nut, has solid defence and will add a spark to Melbourne’s right edge. Ryan Hoffman has been named in the forward pack. Hoffman could be playing his last game as he is retiring at seasons end.

It will be a game that will have a lot of emotion for both clubs. Rugby League veterans Billy Slater and Luke Lewis could be playing their last Rugby League game. Slater is playing his final game in Melbourne and there will be plenty of signs in the crowd saying thank you Billy.

Fullbacks, Valentine Holmes and Slater will be the players to watch as it could be Slater passing his Australian jersey over to the future fullback that is arguably Holmes. Holmes has scored 22 tries this season. Slater will be out to prove he is one of the best fullbacks to ever grace a rugby league field. The game is a sell-out and is expected to be a physical, yet entertaining encounter.

Some insights for the game are:

Tip: Storm by 4.

By Jesse Mullens