Storm v Broncos: Munster returns, Howarth in; Big Ben set to debut
A clash between two of the competition's heavyweights will kick off Round 5 with the Broncos coming off a big win over the Cowboys and the Storm looking to continue their strong start to the season after a bye.
After handing their Queensland rivals their first defeat of the season in front of a home crows on Good Friday, morale will be high in Brisbane as the Broncos look to go back-to-back for the first time this season.
With skipper Adam Reynolds carrying a niggle to the knee and Reece Walsh sidelined with a facial fracture, the win came as a strong showcase of the Broncos' depth with Tristan Sailor starring at fullback and veteran Corey Oates showing his versatility on the bench.
Melbourne, meanwhile, will be raring to go after their bye, running out a near full strength side with Cameron Munster, Jahrome Hughes and Christian Welch all back on deck.
Melbourne have the wood over the Broncos, having won 14 of their past 15 clashes.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Storm v Broncos
Team News
Storm: Three big inclusions for the Storm with Cameron Munster (groin), Jahrome Hughes (suspension) and Christian Welch (concussion) all back on deck. Tyran Wishart goes to the bench.In a late change before kick-off, Jack Howarth joins the bench, with Tepai Moeroa switching to 18th player.
Broncos: Just the one change to the side that downed the Cowboys with young forward Ben Te Kura named to make his NRL debut off the bench after being 18th man last week. He comes in for Xavier Willison, who will miss the game after suffering a head knock at training. Martin Taupau is the 18th Man.
Match: Storm v Broncos
Round 5 -
home Team
Storm
away Team
Broncos
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Storm is number 1 Ryan PapenhuyzenFullback for Broncos is number 1 Tristan Sailor
-
Winger for Storm is number 2 Will WarbrickWinger for Broncos is number 2 Jesse Arthars
-
Centre for Storm is number 3 Reimis SmithCentre for Broncos is number 3 Kotoni Staggs
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Centre for Storm is number 4 Nick MeaneyCentre for Broncos is number 4 Selwyn Cobbo
-
Winger for Storm is number 5 Xavier CoatesWinger for Broncos is number 5 Deine Mariner
-
Five-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Cameron MunsterFive-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Ezra Mam
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Halfback for Storm is number 7 Jahrome HughesHalfback for Broncos is number 7 Adam Reynolds
Forwards
-
Prop for Storm is number 8 Tui KamikamicaProp for Broncos is number 8 Corey Jensen
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Hooker for Storm is number 9 Harry GrantHooker for Broncos is number 9 Billy Walters
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Prop for Storm is number 10 Josh KingProp for Broncos is number 10 Fletcher Baker
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2nd Row for Storm is number 11 Shawn Blore2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Jaiyden Hunt
-
2nd Row for Storm is number 12 Eliesa Katoa2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Jordan Riki
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Lock for Storm is number 13 Trent LoieroLock for Broncos is number 13 Patrick Carrigan
Interchange
-
Interchange for Storm is number 14 Tyran WishartInterchange for Broncos is number 14 Tyson Smoothy
-
Interchange for Storm is number 15 Christian WelchInterchange for Broncos is number 15 Benjamin Te Kura
-
Interchange for Storm is number 17 Alec MacDonaldInterchange for Broncos is number 16 Kobe Hetherington
-
Interchange for Storm is number 19 Jack HowarthInterchange for Broncos is number 17 Corey Oates
Reserves
-
Replacement for Storm is number 16 Tepai MoeroaReplacement for Broncos is number 18 Martin Taupau
Match Officials
- Referee: Ashley Klein
- Touch Judge: Chris Sutton
- Touch Judge: Wyatt Raymond
- Senior Review Official: Gerard Sutton
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Broncos have not won at AAMI Park since 2016.
- The Storm are aiming for their 12th consecutive win at AAMI Park.
- Corey Oates and Tyson Smoothy are the only Broncos players who have won in Melbourne.
- Storm winger Xavier Coates has scored 24 tries in 20 games at AAMI Park.
Match: Storm v Broncos
Round 5 -
home Team
Storm
7th Position
away Team
Broncos
10th Position
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
