A big loss to the Panthers has set them back on their heels but the Storm will be out to prove they're still a premiership heavyweight when they host the Raiders who sit just one place behind them on the ladder.
Craig Bellamy's side will be out for redemption after their last meeting saw the eighth-placed Raiders' end their 2022 campaign at home in a week one finals upset at AAMI Park.
Struggling to put consistent performances together this season, the Storm will be desperate to welcome some troops back and pick up where they left off in Melbourne when Jahrome Hughes and Harry Grant put on an attacking masterclass against the Eels in Round 22.
Meanwhile, the Raiders managed to get the two-points over the Wests Tigers on Sunday but will need to find a way to clean up their errors and discipline after completing just four from 12 sets in the first 20 minutes of the Round 23 match.
Ricky Stuart's side has made a habit of scraping through this season, carrying a greatest winning margin of just ten points into Round 24 but will need to start scoring tries to ensure their for and against doesn't haunt them come September.
Storm will go in as favourites, sitting one position higher in third but if history is anything to by, the Raiders should be confident with an upset on the road after winning their last five games at AAMI Park.
This article contains content that is only available on NRL.com
Team News
Storm: Harry Grant has been benched in a surprise from Craig Bellamy with Bronson Garlick set to start at hooker. Halfback Jahrome Hughes (ankle) and winger Xavier Coates (hip) are back on deck while centre Reimis Smith comes onto the wing for Will Warbrick, who has withdrawn due to neck soreness. Eli Katoa will start with Tom Eisenhuth reverting to the pine.
Raiders: The visitors are unchanged one hour before kick-off. With the Raiders confirming Seb Kris (hamstring) will likely spend the remainder of the season on the sideline, NSW Under 19s star Ethan Strange will make his NRL debut in the centres.
This article contains content that is only available on NRL.com
Stat Attack
- The Storm have won seven of their past eight games in Melbourne.
- The Raiders have won their past five games at AAMI Park.
- Storm hooker Harry Grant has scored five tries in his past four games in Melbourne.
- Raiders fullback Jordan Rapana has scored five tries in eight games at AAMI Park and requires two tries to rack up 100 for the club.
- Storm fullback Nick Meaney has landed 20 of his past 22 attempts at goal.
- The Storm haven't beat the Raiders at AAMI Park since 2018.
- Storm prop Josh King is leading the competition in decoy runs with 194. Warriors forward Addin Fonua-Blake is second with 148.
This article contains content that is only available on NRL.com
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.