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Match Preview

Raiders v Storm: O'Donnell to start on debut; Kaufusi ruled out

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Timestamp

The Raiders got Melbourne's measure 22-6 when they squared off in round three but their form has been questionable over the past month.

After losses in three of four games since beating the Storm, Canberra held on for a narrow win over the Dragons last week but it wasn't overly convincing given they led 22-0.

Nothing less than an 80-minute effort will be required this week.

The Storm beat the Roosters in an all-time epic battle last week without star playmaker Cameron Munster and will be in a vengeful mood after being shut down by the Raiders in the previous clash.

The Rundown

Team news

Raiders: A late switch for the Raiders with debutant Kai O'Donnell moving into the starting side at lock in No.15 and Joseph Tapine reverting to the bench.

Sia Soliola (facial fracture) and Emre Guler (ankle) are out with Dunamis Lui back at starting prop alongside Josh Papalii and Ryan Sutton reverting to the pine.

Jordan Rapana has recovered from a calf strain and has taken Curtis Scott's place on the interchange. Matt Frawley and Darby Medlyn were omitted 24 hours before kick-off while Tom Starling and Scott were the last two cut an hour before kick-off. The Raiders have won their past three games against the Storm.

Storm: Brenko Lee and Tom Eisenhuth have come into the starting side an hour before kick-off. Marion Seve drops out of the squad and Tino Fa’Asuamaleaui goes to the bench. Nicho Hynes has been added to the bench.

Ryley Jacks has been named to start in the halves with Cameron Smith at hooker and Brandon Smith on the bench.

Five-eighth Cameron Munster (knee) was named on the extended bench but was ruled out 24 hours before kick-off along with Felise Kaufusi (knee swelling). 

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
    Fullback for Storm is number 1 Ryan  Papenhuyzen 
  • Winger for Raiders is number 2 Nick Cotric
    Winger for Storm is number 5 Josh Addo-Carr
  • Centre for Raiders is number 3 Jarrod Croker
    Centre for Storm is number 3 Justin Olam
  • Centre for Raiders is number 4 Michael Oldfield
    Centre for Storm is number 4 Paul Momirovski 
  • Winger for Raiders is number 5 Bailey Simonsson
    Winger for Storm is number 20 Brenko Lee
  • Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Jack Wighton
    Five-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Ryley Jacks
  • Halfback for Raiders is number 7 George Williams
    Halfback for Storm is number 7 Jahrome Hughes

Forwards

  • Prop for Raiders is number 8 Josh Papali'i
    Prop for Storm is number 8 Jesse Bromwich
  • Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Josh Hodgson
    Hooker for Storm is number 9 Cameron Smith
  • Prop for Raiders is number 10 Dunamis Lui
    Prop for Storm is number 10 Christian Welch
  • 2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Hudson Young
    2nd Row for Storm is number 12 Kenneath Bromwich
  • 2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Elliott Whitehead
    2nd Row for Storm is number 15 Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
  • Lock for Raiders is number 15 Kai O'Donnell
    Lock for Storm is number 13 Dale Finucane

Interchange

  • Interchange for Raiders is number 13 Joseph Tapine
    Interchange for Storm is number 14 Brandon Smith
  • Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Siliva Havili
    Interchange for Storm is number 17 Nelson  Asofa-Solomona 
  • Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Ryan Sutton
    Interchange for Storm is number 18 Darryn Schonig
  • Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Jordan Rapana
    Interchange for Storm is number 21 Nicholas Hynes

Match Officials

  • Referee: Grant Atkins
  • Touch Judge: Dave Munro
  • Touch Judge: Peter Gough
  • Senior Review Official: Steve Chiddy

Last updated:

Key match-up

Jack Wighton v Jahrome Hughes. While the Hodgson-Smith clash should be a ripper, Wighton and Hughes loom as trump cards for their sides. Wighton has run hot and cold in recent weeks and will have to bring his A-game against Hughes, who played a key role in Melbourne's comeback win over the Roosters. He enjoyed the extra responsibility in Munster's absence and needs to be similarly focused on Saturday night.

The odd couple

Stat Attack

Melbourne were off their game when they lost 22-6 to Canberra in round three, racking up 14 errors and completing 27/40 sets (68 per cent). Cameron Smith made a game-high 59 tackles that night, showing that he's still going strong at 37. Raiders fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad leads the NRL in runs (180), while speedy Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen (157) has also been effective at the back.

Related

Acknowledgement of Country

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.