Wests Tigers v Storm: Welcome back, Paps: Olam returns
The Melbourne Storm are out to extend their lead at the top of the NRL ladder when they travel to Sydney to face the Wests Tigers.
Craig Bellamy's side recorded their fourth-straight victory with a 16-6 win over the Canberra Raiders last Saturday night.
While pleased with the result, the Storm are determined to produce a more clinical attacking performance after struggling to convert numerous opportunities last weekend.
That could spell trouble for the Wests Tigers, who leaked 40 points in a Round 17 loss to the Sydney Roosters.
The defeat snapped a two-game winning streak and saw the team drop to last on the ladder.
Benji Marshall's side does have the benefit of returning home this weekend and will look to maintain their unblemished record at Leichhardt Oval this season.
Melbourne are set to benefit from the return of Queensland Origin star Harry Grant, however they will be without Maroons teammate Xavier Coates after he injured his hamstring in the win over the Raiders.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Wests Tigers v Storm
Team News
Wests Tigers: Coach Benji Marshall confirmed on Friday that Justin Olam will make his return from a knee injury at centre after being initially listed in the reserves. As a result, Solomona Faataape moves to the wing and Luke Laulilii drops out of the 17. John Bateman returns to the starting side and will start on an edge. There are a few late changes to the pack an hour from kick-off with David Klemmer moving into the starting side at prop, pushing Fonua Pole to lock with Justin Matamua to come off the bench. Solomon Alaimalo the 18th man.
Storm: Fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen will return after a week out with a foot injury so Sua Fa'alogo reverts to the bench. Jack Howarth remains in the starting side despite picking up a moderate glute strain last weekend. With winger Xavier Coates sidelined by a hamstring injury, Kane Bradley comes into the starting side. Maroons hooker Harry Grant is being rested again after sitting out the Raiders game. There is a late change before kick-off, with Nelson Asofa-Solomona starting at prop and Tui Kamikamica providing his impact off the bench. Alec MacDonald joins the bench and Joe Chan will take on 18th player duties.
Match: Wests Tigers v Storm
Round 18 -
home Team
Wests Tigers
away Team
Storm
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Jahream BulaFullback for Storm is number 1 Ryan Papenhuyzen
-
Winger for Wests Tigers is number 3 Solomona FaataapeWinger for Storm is number 2 Will Warbrick
-
Centre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Adam DoueihiCentre for Storm is number 3 Grant Anderson
-
Centre for Wests Tigers is number 22 Justin OlamCentre for Storm is number 4 Jack Howarth
-
Winger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Charlie StainesWinger for Storm is number 5 Kane Bradley
-
Five-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Lachlan GalvinFive-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Tyran Wishart
-
Halfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Aidan SezerHalfback for Storm is number 7 Jahrome Hughes
Forwards
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Prop for Wests Tigers is number 8 Stefano UtoikamanuProp for Storm is number 10 Josh King
-
Hooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Apisai KoroisauHooker for Storm is number 9 Bronson Garlick
-
Prop for Wests Tigers is number 17 David KlemmerProp for Storm is number 16 Nelson Asofa-Solomona
-
2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 John Bateman2nd Row for Storm is number 11 Shawn Blore
-
2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Samuela Fainu2nd Row for Storm is number 12 Eliesa Katoa
-
Lock for Wests Tigers is number 10 Fonua PoleLock for Storm is number 13 Trent Loiero
Interchange
-
Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 13 Justin MatamuaInterchange for Storm is number 8 Tui Kamikamica
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Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Heath MasonInterchange for Storm is number 14 Sualauvi Faalogo
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Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 15 Sione FainuInterchange for Storm is number 15 Christian Welch
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Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Alex SeyfarthInterchange for Storm is number 19 Alec MacDonald
Reserves
-
Replacement for Wests Tigers is number 20 Solomon AlaimaloReplacement for Storm is number 17 Joe Chan
Match Officials
- Referee: Peter Gough
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Senior Review Official: Wyatt Raymond
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- Wests Tigers have an 8-5 winning record against the Storm at Leichhardt Oval.
- The Storm have won their past six games against Wests Tigers.
- Wests Tigers have won their past three games at Leichhardt Oval.
- Storm centre Nick Meaney has scored six tries in his past seven games against the Tigers.
- Wests Tigers centre Justin Olam has scored three tries in two games at Leichhardt Oval.
Match: Wests Tigers v Storm
Round 18 -
home Team
Wests Tigers
17th Position
away Team
Storm
1st Position
Venue: Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
