SYDNEY ROOSTERS VS MELBOURNE STORM – SATURDAY 28 SEPTEMBER, 7.50PM, SCG
Many thought this would be the grand final match up but we’ll have to settle for seeing these two teams do battle a week earlier.
Melbourne sent a big warning sign to the remaining contenders last week, rebounding from their Week 1 Finals loss to the Raiders with a comforting 32-0 shutout over the Eels at home.
The Storm will now hit the road to take on the reigning premiers as 4.5-point underdogs. The Roosters, meanwhile, have had an extra week to prepare for their Preliminary Final clash after taking care of the Rabbitohs a fortnight ago.
How To Watch:
Team news:
Roosters: The loss of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves to suspension sees Siosiua Taukeiaho promoted to the starting side and Lindsay Collins come onto the bench. Sam Verrills retains his place at hooker with co-captain Jake Friend named among the reserves as he looks to make his long-awaited return from the arm injury which has sidelined him since round 18.
Storm: No changes for Craig Bellamy to the side which took care of Parramatta so impressively. Curtis Scott retains his spot in the centres and Will Chambers has again been named to come off the bench.
Betting Insights:
- Sydney has won each of its last nine matches at the SCG.
- Melbourne has covered the line in eight of its last nine interstate matches.
- Each of Sydney’s last four finals have gone UNDER the total match points line.
- Latrell Mitchell has scored at least one try in each of Sydney’s last eight matches at the SCG.
- James Tedesco has scored at least one try in each of Sydney’s last five matches at the SCG.
- Josh Addo-Carr has been the first try-scorer in four of Melbourne’s last eight finals.
