Round 16 vs Dragons

[Scooter]

Cooper Johns named in NSW Under 20s. So assuming Hughes is fit, we will only have 21 players in our 30 available. So won't take much work to guess our 21 we name tomorrow.

[Mattpoet]

Can see Hynes being named as cover then

[TC]

Congrats to Christian for being selected for Queensland.

[Bartos]

Good for us that Norman was selected for QLD

[yourhero]

https://www.melbournestorm.com.au/news/ ... 6-preview/

Dragons v Storm - Round 16 preview
NRL.com
Tue 2 Jul 2019

Last week the Dragons got the win they needed to stay in the finals race, overcoming a disrupted preparation to beat the Cowboys in Wollongong.

But the Cowboys ain't no Storm and it's fair to say the Dragons have to approach Thursday's clash with the kind of intensity, energy and single-minded resolve more suited to a grand final.

The fact they don't have to travel and usually play well in Wollongong should work in their favour, but their opponents clearly don't fear being in enemy territory if their 6-1 road record is any guide.

The Storm held off the Roosters last week to remain alone at the top of the ladder and will like their chances against the hot and cold Dragons.

The Rundown

Key match-up
It's the ultimate challenge for every hooker in the game - a head to head meeting with the GOAT. If the Dragons are going to end Melbourne's six-game winning streak, Cameron McInnes has to hold his own against Cameron Smith. McInnes won't shy away and Smith knows he'll be in for a tough battle.

For the Dragons to win
Whether they like it or not, the Dragons have put themselves in such a precarious position that they have to treat every game like it's do or die. That still might not be enough to topple mighty Melbourne but it's a good starting point. The Dragons have to be prepared to match the Storm's methodical power game but also stick to their own game plan and be ready to pounce on any scoring opportunities that might surface.

For the Storm to win
Since losing to the Sharks on the road in round eight, Melbourne have won six straight. Craig Bellamy sometimes looks angry enough to headbutt walls but he has his team humming along nicely toward a top two finish. They will look to wear down the Dragons with their usual uncompromising defence, while Smith and Brodie Croft will be keen to give their outside backs room to move against a suspect Dragons backline.

Brett Kimmorley says
The good news for the Storm is they have got Cameron Smith playing for them. The Storm were great last week against the Roosters. Ryan Papenhuyzen did really well for them in Adelaide. With the Origin players out, watch for others to step up. As for the Dragons, they are losing key players and I’m not too sure the depth will be there to cover for that. Storm by 6

Stat Attack
Brodie Croft might be too young to know about Terry Lamb but he does a fair impersonation with his ability to back up teammates. Croft leads the NRL in the player in support category with 244. The Storm boast the best attack and best defence in the league, with an impressive for and against differential of 190.

And another thing ...
Barring injury or suspension, the great Cameron Smith will become the first player to reach 400 games when he lines up for Melbourne's round 17 home meeting with 2016 grand final rivals Cronulla. Cooper Cronk has played the second-most games (362), followed by Darren Lockyer (355), Terry Lamb (350) and Steve Menzies (349).

[yourhero]

On one hand I despise this aspect of Origin - team's depleted of their stars (particularly us) and it really is a concern as to how much the result may be affected by Origin absences... on the other hand though, part of me really likes these games. An opportunity to see our young blokes and fringe first graders get an opportunity and put their hand up for a first grade spot.

Excited to see the final 17 that run out.

[Scooter]

Just read that Jesse Bromwich was charged with a grade one dangerous contact charge v Roosters but is free to play v Dragons.

[yourhero]

Team named:

1. Jahrome Hughes
2. Suliasi Vunivalu
4. Solomone Kata
3. Justin Olam
5. Sandor Earl
6. Billy Walters
7. Brodie Croft
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Cameron Smith (c)
10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
11. Joe Stimson
12. Kenneath Bromwich
13 Brandon Smith

14. Albert Vete
15. Tino Faasuamaleaui
16. Tui Kamikamica
17. Ryan Papenhuyzen

18. Marion Seve
19. Tom Eisenhuth
20. Max King
21. Harry Grant

[yourhero]

Dragons team:

1. Matthew Dufty
2. Jonus Pearson
3. Euan Aitken
4. Timoteo Lafai
5. Mikaele Ravalawa
6. Jai Field
7. Darren Nicholls
8. Korbin Sims
9. Cameron McInnes
10. Jeremy Latimore
11. Jacob Host
12. Luciano Leilua
13. Blake Lawrie

14. Josh Kerr
15. Reece Robson
16. Patrick Kaufusi
17. Mitchell Allgood

18. Jordan Pereira
19. Jackson Ford
20. Lachlan Timm
21. Tristan Sailor

[yourhero]

I know we are missing a huge portion of our own best 17, but geez that Dragons line-up looks average.

[Mattpoet]

Excited to see how Walters and Fa'asuamealeuai go.

[RobbieRoss]

I know we are missing a huge portion of our own best 17, but geez that Dragons line-up looks average.

Very good that they have 5 in State of origin, plus Gareth Widdop and James Graham injured, and deBelin of course is in a huddle with his barristers .

QRL must have allowed Tino to play then join the under 20 squad. Excellent.

[blazza18]

Seve gone from starting to not in 17 during origin?

Needed captain Cam to take a night off so we could see both our young hookers.

[bula]

Feel bad for Seve I’m not sure Kata offers much more in attack or defense.
Also looking forward to see how Tino and Billy play.

[Lucas]

Wouldn't stress too much over the numbers handed out. Surely there is no chance that Paps comes off the bench again? Surely!