NRL Match Preview: Sharks v Storm

Author: Troy Whittaker Media Coordinator
Timestamp: Fri 10 May 2024, 07:34 PM

Weathering the Storm in Melbourne can be a daunting task, but the sentiment among the Sharks squad is one of excitement leading into a top-of-the-table clash at AAMI Park.

Both teams are on five-match winning streaks and sit on 16 competition points, with the victor to claim outright first place on the ladder.

Cronulla and Melbourne have waged several epic battles over the past decade, most notably the historic 2016 grand final which the Sharks won 14-12.

While the Storm are missing key personnel including fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen (ankle), halfback Jahrome Hughes (calf) and winger Xavier Coates (hamstring), it's never easy to topple Craig Bellamy's men on their home turf.

Tyran Wishart will step into Hughes' role to partner five-eighth Cameron Munster, while electric rookie Sua Fa'alogo has been named in the No.1 jersey.

Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon is preparing for a Melbourne outfit at their best despite the injury toll, noting they've found a way to win when the likes of Papenhuyzen and Hughes have been sidelined in recent seasons.

"It's a relatively consistent start," Fitzgibbon said of his team's 7-1 record.

"We don't feel like we're where we need to be yet either ... We need to improve in a few areas to be competitive against Melbourne in Melbourne.

"Not many teams come down here and have much joy, so we need to be better."

In 14 encounters at AAMI Park since 2010, the Sharks have won just twice (they went back-to-back in 2017-18) while losing the past five. Melbourne are on an overall 14-game winning streak at the venue dating back to March 2023.

However, Cronulla have enjoyed success on the road in recent times with five victories in their past seven fixtures away from PointsBet Stadium.

"We're understanding it's going to be a difficult challenge, but we're excited for that. That's part of what we need to do," Fitzgibbon added.

"But it's also very early in the season. There's a long way to adjust."

The Sharks have conceded the fewest points in the competition (110 – 13.75 per game), prioritising their work without the ball. They will need to present another firm black, white and blue wall to keep the Storm at bay.

"It's no fluke the best defensive sides win the competition and hold that trophy at the end of the year," Sharks hooker Blayke Brailey said.

"We know we need to be (in) that top four, top three sides in the competition in defence and I know Fitzy (Fitzgibbon) drives it massively here."

A knee injury to prop Toby Rudolf has forced Fitzgibbon to make one change to the 17 that beat the Dragons last week, naming Royce Hunt on the bench.

The Sharks are otherwise building important continuity with Nicho Hynes and Daniel Atkinson linking in the halves for a third consecutive game. The duo know what to expect from the Storm having made their NRL debuts for the club.

Undaunted, the Sharks are eager to match motors with a perennial powerhouse.

"You definitely want to test yourself against the best teams and the Storm are up there at the top of the table," second-rower Teig Wilton said.

Kick-off tomorrow is at 7.35pm, with live coverage on Foxtel and Kayo.

See the updated 19-man team lists below.

Round 10 - Round 10 - Saturday 11 May

Full Time

Storm

Sharks

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Storm is number 1 Sualauvi Faalogo

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 William Kennedy
Winger for Storm is number 2 Will Warbrick

Winger for Sharks is number 2 Sione Katoa
Centre for Storm is number 3 Reimis Smith

Centre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse Ramien
Centre for Storm is number 4 Nick Meaney

Centre for Sharks is number 4 Kayal Iro
Winger for Storm is number 5 Grant Anderson

Winger for Sharks is number 5 Ronaldo Mulitalo
Five-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Cameron Munster

Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Daniel Atkinson
Halfback for Storm is number 7 Tyran Wishart

Halfback for Sharks is number 9 Blayke Brailey

Forwards

Prop for Storm is number 8 Christian Welch

Prop for Sharks is number 8 Thomas Hazelton
Hooker for Storm is number 9 Harry Grant

Hooker for Sharks is number 13 Cameron McInnes
Prop for Storm is number 10 Josh King

Prop for Sharks is number 10 Oregon Kaufusi
2nd Row for Storm is number 11 Shawn Blore

2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora
2nd Row for Storm is number 12 Eliesa Katoa

2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Teig Wilton
Lock for Storm is number 13 Trent Loiero

Lock for Sharks is number 14 Jack Williams

Interchange

Interchange for Storm is number 16 Nelson Asofa-Solomona

Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Siosifa Talakai
Interchange for Storm is number 17 Alec MacDonald

Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Royce Hunt
Interchange for Storm is number 19 Jack Howarth

Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Braden Hamlin-Uele
Interchange for Storm is number 22 Tui Kamikamica

Interchange for Sharks is number 18 Tuku Hau Tapuha