Storm v Titans: Papenhuyzen returns; Foran back on deck
The Storm have put themselves in prime position for another top-four finish but they face a danger game against a Titans outfit capable of piling on plenty of points on their day.
While fourth vs 13th shapes as a mismatch and another two points in the bank for the Storm, these are the sorts of games that keep coaches awake at night,
When these sides met in Round 3 it was the Titans getting home 38-34 in a 12-try shootout on the Gold Coast so there's no chance of Craig Bellamy allowing any complacency to slip in at Storm HQ this week.
The Titans started with a flourish against the Panthers on Saturday but after scoring in the third minute they conceded four tries before crossing again and the game had slipped away.
If the Titans can produce an upset in Melbourne and then account for the Bulldogs in Round 27 it will give them 10 wins for the season - four more than last year and a springboard into the Des Hasler era.
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Team News
Storm: A huge late inclusion for the Storm with fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen named to make his long-awaited return from a serious knee injury off the bench. Nick Meaney will remain at fullback with Alec MacDonald dropping out of the side to accommodate Papenhuyzen's return. Bronson Garlick has come into the starting side on game day with Harry Grant going to the bench.
Titans: Moeaki Fotuaika did not travel with the team as he remained in Queensland for the impending birth of his first child. His his place is taken by Isaac Liu with Keano Kini added to the bench. Veteran five-eighth Kieran Foran is back from a sternum injury while Jojo Fifita returns from an ankle injury. Jaimine Jolliffe will start the game at prop.
Match: Storm v Titans
Round 26 -
home Team
Storm
away Team
Titans
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Storm is number 1 Nick MeaneyFullback for Titans is number 1 AJ Brimson
-
Winger for Storm is number 2 Will WarbrickWinger for Titans is number 2 Alofiana Khan-Pereira
-
Centre for Storm is number 3 Marion SeveCentre for Titans is number 3 Brian Kelly
-
Centre for Storm is number 4 Young TonumaipeaCentre for Titans is number 4 Aaron Schoupp
-
Winger for Storm is number 5 Xavier CoatesWinger for Titans is number 5 Jojo Fifita
-
Five-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Cameron MunsterFive-Eighth for Titans is number 6 Kieran Foran
-
Halfback for Storm is number 7 Jahrome HughesHalfback for Titans is number 7 Tom Weaver
Forwards
-
Prop for Storm is number 8 Tui KamikamicaProp for Titans is number 10 Jaimin Jolliffe
-
Hooker for Storm is number 14 Bronson GarlickHooker for Titans is number 9 Chris Randall
-
Prop for Storm is number 10 Christian WelchProp for Titans is number 15 Isaac Liu
-
2nd Row for Storm is number 11 Trent Loiero2nd Row for Titans is number 11 David Fifita
-
2nd Row for Storm is number 12 Eliesa Katoa2nd Row for Titans is number 12 Klese Haas
-
Lock for Storm is number 13 Nelson Asofa-SolomonaLock for Titans is number 13 Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
Interchange
-
Interchange for Storm is number 9 Harry GrantInterchange for Titans is number 14 Kruise Leeming
-
Interchange for Storm is number 15 Tom EisenhuthInterchange for Titans is number 16 Joe Stimson
-
Interchange for Storm is number 16 Tepai MoeroaInterchange for Titans is number 17 Jacob Alick
-
Interchange for Storm is number 19 Ryan PapenhuyzenInterchange for Titans is number 18 Keano Kini
Reserves
-
Replacement for Storm is number 20 Chris LewisReplacement for Titans is number 19 Joe Vuna
Match Officials
- Referee: Chris Butler
- Touch Judge: Wyatt Raymond
- Touch Judge: Nick Morel
- Senior Review Official: Kasey Badger
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- Storm fullback Nick Meaney has racked up 204 points so far this season. The club record for points in a season is 242 by Matt Geyer in 1999.
- Titans winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira has made 27 line breaks this season to sit third in the NRL behind Alex Johnston (30) and Ronaldo Mulitalo (29).
- The Storm have won eight of their past nine games against the Titans.
- The Titans have not won at AAMI Park since 2014.
- The Storm have scored over 30 points in three of their past four games against the Titans.
- The Titans have conceded 104 points in their past three games.
- Storm five-eighth Cameron Munster has scored 11 tries in 10 games against the Titans.
Match: Storm v Titans
Round 26 -
home Team
Storm
4th Position
away Team
Titans
13th Position
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
