Storm v Sharks: Grant starts; Graham, Chambers bolster Cronulla
When you are in the midst of coaching upheaval, injuries and a rough patch of form the last thing any side wants to see on the schedule list is the Melbourne Storm.
That's the scenario facing the Sharks this week as they attempt to end a three-match losing streak that has also included the parting of ways with ex-coach John Morris.
While the Sharks are in a mire, things are looking as rosy as ever for Melbourne.
Starting the year 5-2 is de rigeur for Craig Bellamy's side. Another top-four finish and a serious run at a premiership looks on the cards.
Match: Storm v Sharks
Round 8 -
home Team
Storm
5th Position
away Team
Sharks
13th Position
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
The rundown
Team news
Storm: A few late changes for Melbourne with Harry Grant starting at hooker, Brandon Smith shifting to lock, Reimis Smith moving to centre, Dean Ieremia starting on the wing and Tui Kamikamica and Tom Eisenhuth bumped to the bench.
Ryley Jacks drops back to the 18th man role.
Trent Loiero and Isaac Lumelume were omitted from the squad 24 hours before kick-off.
The Storm are aiming for their 100th victory at AAMI Park.
Sharks: Matt Moylan (thigh) dropped out of the squad on Thursday along with centre Jesse Ramien, who suffered a glute injury at training.
Ramien's absence sees Teig Wilton move to the centres and Billy Magoulias promoted to the bench.
The returning Will Chambers has won the nod over Josh Dugan to come up against his former side at AAMI Park with Dugan named 18th man.
Cronulla captain Wade Graham has been declared fit to play after missing a few weeks due to a head knock.
The Sharks have lost seven of their past eight games away from home.
Match: Storm v Sharks
Round 8 -
home Team
Storm
away Team
Sharks
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Storm is number 1 Nicholas HynesFullback for Sharks is number 1 William Kennedy
-
Winger for Storm is number 5 Josh Addo-CarrWinger for Sharks is number 2 Mawene Hiroti
-
Centre for Storm is number 2 Reimis SmithCentre for Sharks is number 3 Will Chambers
-
Centre for Storm is number 4 Justin OlamCentre for Sharks is number 14 Teig Wilton
-
Winger for Storm is number 19 Dean IeremiaWinger for Sharks is number 5 Connor Tracey
-
Five-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Cameron MunsterFive-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Shaun Johnson
-
Halfback for Storm is number 7 Jahrome HughesHalfback for Sharks is number 7 Chad Townsend
Forwards
-
Prop for Storm is number 8 Jesse BromwichProp for Sharks is number 8 Aiden Tolman
-
Hooker for Storm is number 14 Harry GrantHooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke Brailey
-
Prop for Storm is number 10 Christian WelchProp for Sharks is number 10 Aaron Woods
-
2nd Row for Storm is number 11 Felise Kaufusi2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora
-
2nd Row for Storm is number 12 Kenneath Bromwich2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Wade Graham
-
Lock for Storm is number 9 Brandon SmithLock for Sharks is number 13 Toby Rudolf
Interchange
-
Interchange for Storm is number 3 Tom EisenhuthInterchange for Sharks is number 15 Braydon Trindall
-
Interchange for Storm is number 13 Tui KamikamicaInterchange for Sharks is number 16 Jack Williams
-
Interchange for Storm is number 15 Dale FinucaneInterchange for Sharks is number 17 Braden Hamlin-Uele
-
Interchange for Storm is number 16 Chris LewisInterchange for Sharks is number 19 Billy Magoulias
Reserves
-
Reserve for Storm is number 17 Ryley JacksReserve for Sharks is number 21 Josh Dugan
Match Officials
- Referee: Gerard Sutton
- Touch Judge: Jon Stone
- Touch Judge: Wyatt Raymond
- Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen
Last updated:
Key match-up
Anyone who is marking Will Chambers: The former Storm, Queensland and Australian centre knows every blade of AAMI Park grass and 12 of the 17 teammates are still there from the last time Chambers played in purple - the 2019 preliminary final loss to the Roosters at the SCG. Chambers got to shake off some cobwebs playing centre in the Jets' 30-14 win over the Mounties last week.
Stat attack
The Storm attack is looking great and the numbers back that up. They've scored more points (202) than any other team and their possession rate of 55 per cent is also top of the league. They've also had the most line breaks and line-break assists.
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