Two of the NRL's hottest teams go head-to-head in an epic clash that pits an array of the game's superstars against one another.
From Cameron Munster, Harry Grant and Jahrome Hughes in the purple corner to James Tedesco, Joey Manu and Luke Keary in the red, white and blue corner, this is a Friday night showdown to savour.
The Storm sit fourth with tough games to come against the Roosters and Eels, while Trent Robinson's men are sixth, equal on 28 competition points with the Rabbitohs and Broncos but boasting a far superior differential thanks to their demolition of Wests Tigers.
Melbourne are another side with a monster points differential so a win in either of their last two games will be enough to secure the double chance in the finals.
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The Rundown
Team news
Storm: Late changes an hour before kick-off with Marion Seve to start in the centres and Young Tonumaipea dropping back to 18th Man. Chris Lewis drops out, replaced on the bench by Trent Loiero. In his return from personal leave Felise Kaufusi has gone back to the bench and Tui Kamikamica will start the game.
Winger Xavier Coates is good to go after suffering a head knock against Brisbane but utility Tyran Wishart won't play until the finals due to an ankle injury.
Roosters: Drew Hutchison will start the game in the centres and Paul Momirovski has gone to 18th Man in a late switch. Experienced forwards Lindsay Collins (concussion) and Siosiua Taukeiaho (cheekbone) make their returns via the bench in a timely boost for the Roosters ahead of the finals. Terrell May and Oliver Gildart are the men to make way.
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Key match-up
Cameron Munster v James Tedesco: The Storm's main man has been electric since making the move to fullback, bobbing up all over the field and revelling in the open spaces provided. He is also being asked to do far less defensive work which means he is fresher and even more lethal when an opportunity presents itself. Tedesco has 12 tries, 12 try assists and 159 tackle breaks to his credit in 2022 - another stellar season in a career that continues to hit new heights. The Roosters No.1 is averaging 216 running metres per game, bobbing up anywhere and everywhere to capitalise on the work of JWH and Lodge in the middle and Keary and Walker out wide.
Stat Attack
They say defence wins premierships but it's with ball in hand that the Storm and Roosters are setting the benchmark. Melbourne have scored more points (629) and tries (105) than any other team in 2022 and the Roosters sit second in both categories with 591 points and 105 tries.
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