One of the great modern-day rivalries ignites when the Sydney Roosters host the Melbourne Storm at the hallowed SCG this Saturday - and while State of Origin has taken the headlines, this clash will be a must-watch.
Recent History: Sydney Roosters vs Melbourne Storm
Season 2022 will be the 25th year of Roosters and Storm clashes, with the Round 14 match marking the 44th meeting between the two clubs since 1998.
Both the Roosters and Storm have dominated the competition in that period, with eighteen Grand Finals featuring either team, including the 2018 triumph which saw the Tricolours dominate their Victorian opponents to claim their 14th Premiership.
Recent years have been tough for Easts, with the Storm taking out the last four contest, however, Trent Robinson's men have reason to be quietly confident on Saturday, having won two of the last three contests at the SCG.
The Storm sit in second position on the ladder and will be coming off a bye, however their form in the last month has been shaky with big losses to Penrith and North Queensland.
Meanwhile, the men from Bondi have been inconsistent in 2022 with alternating results over the last four weeks, so they will be looking to get a roll-on heading into a challenging period with a win this weekend.
How They Line Up
With Origin talent back on deck, Trent Robinson has made several changes to the team sheet this week.
James Tedesco returns to Captain the side at fullback, with Daniel Tupou also returning to partner Joseph Suaalii on the wing.
Joey Manu shifts back into the centres alongside Paul Momirovski, while Sam Walker and Luke Keary remain as the halves pairing.
Match: Roosters v Storm
Round 14 -
home Team
Roosters
away Team
Storm
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Roosters is number 1 James TedescoFullback for Storm is number 1 Nick Meaney
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Winger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel TupouWinger for Storm is number 2 Dean Ieremia
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Centre for Roosters is number 3 Paul MomirovskiCentre for Storm is number 4 Justin Olam
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Centre for Roosters is number 4 Joseph ManuCentre for Storm is number 24 Grant Anderson
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Winger for Roosters is number 5 Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'iWinger for Storm is number 3 Marion Seve
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Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Sam WalkerFive-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Cameron Munster
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Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Luke KearyHalfback for Storm is number 7 Jahrome Hughes
Forwards
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Prop for Roosters is number 8 Lindsay CollinsProp for Storm is number 8 Jesse Bromwich
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Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Drew HutchisonHooker for Storm is number 14 Brandon Smith
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Prop for Roosters is number 10 Siosiua TaukeiahoProp for Storm is number 15 Tui Kamikamica
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2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Angus Crichton2nd Row for Storm is number 11 Felise Kaufusi
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2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Sitili Tupouniua2nd Row for Storm is number 12 Kenneath Bromwich
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Lock for Roosters is number 13 Nat ButcherLock for Storm is number 13 Josh King
Interchange
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Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Connor WatsonInterchange for Storm is number 9 Harry Grant
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Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Fletcher BakerInterchange for Storm is number 10 Nelson Asofa-Solomona
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Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Terrell MayInterchange for Storm is number 16 Trent Loiero
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Interchange for Roosters is number 19 Daniel Suluka-FifitaInterchange for Storm is number 18 Chris Lewis
Reserves
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Replacement for Roosters is number 23 Billy SmithReplacement for Storm is number 19 Jayden Nikorima
Match Officials
- Referee: Gerard Sutton
- Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
- Touch Judge: Kasey Badger
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Lindsay Collins returns to the front row alongside Siosiua Taukeiaho, with Drew Hutchison at dummy half. Angus Crichton, Sitili Tupouniua and Nat Butcher round out the starting side.
Connor Watson, Fletcher Baker, Egan Butcher and Terrell May have been named on the bench, with Lachlan Lam at 18th man.
Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Ben Marschke, Naufahu Whyte, Kevin Naiqama and Billy Smith make up the reserves list this week, with 23 players named due to the three returning Origin players.
Melbourne will be boosted by the return of front rower Nelson Asofa-Solomona who returns from a knee injury, alongside Alec MacDonald while Origin trio Harry Grant, Cameron Munster, Felise Kaufusi have been named.
Maroons winger Xavier Coates was also named in their side, however, he will be unlikely to take the field after succumbing to injury during the first State of Origin game. A replacement has yet to be named.
Key Match Up: Siosiua Taukeiaho vs Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Two colossal front rowers - both figuratively and physically - match up this Saturday night in the battle between Siosiua Taukeiaho and Nelson Asofa-Solomona.
In what will be his last season in the famous Red, White and Blue, Taukeiaho will be determined to leave a lasting impression at Bondi, where he has plied his trade for nearly a decade.
The two-time Premiership winner has been a consistent force this season, punching out an average of 141 metres and 26 tackles with an impressive 93.5% tackle efficiency, having moved between front row, lock and the bench when required.
His opponent in the towering Asofa-Solomona has been just as effective for Melbourne, despite missing some game time through injury; with 122 metres and 18 tackles on average, with a 92.7% tackle efficiency over his ten games.
With Origin stars potentially on the sidelines as the coaches balance their heavy schedules, look no further than the men in the middle to dictate the result.
What They Said
Final Verdict
With the second half of the season officially begun, it's time for the Roosters to click into gear and get on a winning run as they lock in a sixth consecutive finals series.
Melbourne are universally consistent, but the Tricolours have the perfect opportunity to make a statement at home against a side that has shown some chinks in their armour in recent times.
With less than six home games remaining for the Roosters as we tick over the first half of the season, you can Call Yourself a Rooster with up to 30% off all full-season memberships!
