Storm v Raiders: Paps, Grant to miss; Starling returns
Ladder leaders Melbourne renew their rivalry with a Raiders outfit low on confidence after conceding 82 points in back-to-back losses to the Cowboys and Wests Tigers.
Battles between the Storm and Raiders have always had an extra edge and Canberra coach Ricky Stuart will be hoping that brings out the best in his team as they look to jump back into the top eight.
The Storm didn't have it all their own way against the Dolphins but still managed to sneak home 30-24 in star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen's return match after five games out with an ankle injury.
Coach Craig Bellamy kept a close eye on Origin Two on Wednesday night with hooker Harry Grant and winger Xavier Coates in action for Queensland.
The star hooker will be rested but Coates will back up for the Raiders clash.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Storm v Raiders
Team News
Storm: A blow on Friday with fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen ruled out due to a foot injury while Maroons hooker Harry Grant will be rested. Su'a Fa'alogo shifts to fullback, Bronson Garlick comes in at hooker and Kane Bradley joins the bench. A game day swap with Nelson Asofa-Solomona starting the match at lock and Trent Loiero shifting to the bench.
Raiders: Seb Kris has dropped out of the side an hour before kick-off with Adam Cook coming into the centres for his first NRL game since 2020. Hooker Tom Starling returns from concussion so Zac Woolford makes way while 24-year-old second-rower Jordan Martin makes his NRL debut off the bench. Winger Nick Cotric is out with an ankle injury, his place taken by Albert Hopoate.
Match: Storm v Raiders
Round 17 -
home Team
Storm
away Team
Raiders
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Storm is number 22 Sualauvi FaalogoFullback for Raiders is number 1 Jordan Rapana
-
Winger for Storm is number 2 Will WarbrickWinger for Raiders is number 2 Albert Hopoate
-
Centre for Storm is number 3 Grant AndersonCentre for Raiders is number 3 Matthew Timoko
-
Centre for Storm is number 4 Jack HowarthCentre for Raiders is number 20 Adam Cook
-
Winger for Storm is number 5 Xavier CoatesWinger for Raiders is number 5 Xavier Savage
-
Five-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Tyran WishartFive-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Ethan Strange
-
Halfback for Storm is number 7 Jahrome HughesHalfback for Raiders is number 7 Kaeo Weekes
Forwards
-
Prop for Storm is number 8 Tui KamikamicaProp for Raiders is number 8 Josh Papalii
-
Hooker for Storm is number 15 Bronson GarlickHooker for Raiders is number 9 Tom Starling
-
Prop for Storm is number 10 Josh KingProp for Raiders is number 10 Joseph Tapine
-
2nd Row for Storm is number 11 Shawn Blore2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Hudson Young
-
2nd Row for Storm is number 12 Eliesa Katoa2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Elliott Whitehead
-
Lock for Storm is number 16 Nelson Asofa-SolomonaLock for Raiders is number 13 Morgan Smithies
Interchange
-
Interchange for Storm is number 13 Trent LoieroInterchange for Raiders is number 14 Danny Levi
-
Interchange for Storm is number 14 Christian WelchInterchange for Raiders is number 15 Ata Mariota
-
Interchange for Storm is number 17 Joe ChanInterchange for Raiders is number 16 Trey Mooney
-
Interchange for Storm is number 21 Kane BradleyInterchange for Raiders is number 17 Jordan Martin
Reserves
-
Replacement for Storm is number 19 Dean IeremiaReplacement for Raiders is number 18 Simi Sasagi
Match Officials
- Referee: Grant Atkins
- Touch Judge: Belinda Sharpe
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Storm have won six of their past eight games against the Raiders.
- The Raiders have won five of their past six games at AAMI Park.
- Storm winger Xavier Coates has scored 29 tries in 24 games at AAMI Park.
- The Storm have conceded at least 24 points in their past four games.
Match: Storm v Raiders
Round 17 -
home Team
Storm
1st Position
away Team
Raiders
11th Position
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
