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.
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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.
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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.
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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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