Preview
It's not often the biggest headline in the NRL comes from south of the NSW border but when Billy The Kid returns, it's sure to make news around the NRL.
Billy Slater will run out in the purple jersey for the first time in over a year as the Storm take on a Broncos side still hurting from their one-point loss to Jonathon Thurston's Cowboys last week.
The Storm go into the match undefeated after strong wet weather wins in New Zealand and Belmore to start the season. However, with Slater back, Cameron Munster will slot into the five-eighth role, pairing with Cooper Cronk in the halves. Suliasi Vunivalu and new recruit Josh Addo-Carr have been fantastic for the Storm to begin the season - both offensively and defensively - and will be looking to continue that under the AAMI Park lights.
Typically, the Broncos forward pack consisting of Sam Thaiday, Josh McGuire, Matt Gillett and co have been strong to start the season and will look to target the Storm's depleted frontline as they aim to win back to back games at AAMI Park following a 26-16 win down south in Round 25 last season.
The Broncos will be up for the fight after last week's stinging loss against a Storm side buzzing with Slater's return and the opportunity to begin the season 3-0. The Broncos must start fast if they want to cause an upset as the Storm are one of the best front-runners in the competition.
Storm by 8
Team Lists
Storm
Broncos
Fullback |
Wing |
Centre |
Centre |
Wing |
Five-eighth |
Halfback |
Prop |
Hooker |
Prop |
Second Row |
Second Row |
Lock |
Interchange |
Interchange |
Interchange |
Interchange |
Team Stats
Storm
Broncos
Player Stats
Summary
Melbourne Storm 14 (Ryley Jacks, Josh Addo-Carr tries; Cameron Smith 3 goals) defeated Brisbane Broncos 12 (James Roberts, Ben Hunt tries; Jordan Kahu 2 goals) at AAMI Park. Half-time: Storm 8-6.