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Storm v Sharks: Grant starts; Graham, Chambers bolster Cronulla

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Timestamp

When you are in the midst of coaching upheaval, injuries and a rough patch of form the last thing any side wants to see on the schedule list is the Melbourne Storm.

That's the scenario facing the Sharks this week as they attempt to end a three-match losing streak that has also included the parting of ways with ex-coach John Morris.

While the Sharks are in a mire, things are looking as rosy as ever for Melbourne. 

Starting the year 5-2 is de rigeur for Craig Bellamy's side. Another top-four finish and a serious run at a premiership looks on the cards.

The rundown

Team news

Storm: A few late changes for Melbourne with Harry Grant starting at hooker, Brandon Smith shifting to lock, Reimis Smith moving to centre, Dean Ieremia starting on the wing and Tui Kamikamica and Tom Eisenhuth bumped to the bench.

Ryley Jacks drops back to the 18th man role.

Trent Loiero and Isaac Lumelume were omitted from the squad 24 hours before kick-off.

The Storm are aiming for their 100th victory at AAMI Park.

Sharks: Matt Moylan (thigh) dropped out of the squad on Thursday along with centre Jesse Ramien, who suffered a glute injury at training.

Ramien's absence sees Teig Wilton move to the centres and Billy Magoulias promoted to the bench.

The returning Will Chambers has won the nod over Josh Dugan to come up against his former side at AAMI Park with Dugan named 18th man.

Cronulla captain Wade Graham has been declared fit to play after missing a few weeks due to a head knock.

The Sharks have lost seven of their past eight games away from home.

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Storm is number 1 Nicholas Hynes
    Fullback for Sharks is number 1 William Kennedy
  • Winger for Storm is number 5 Josh Addo-Carr
    Winger for Sharks is number 2 Mawene Hiroti
  • Centre for Storm is number 2 Reimis Smith
    Centre for Sharks is number 3 Will Chambers
  • Centre for Storm is number 4 Justin Olam
    Centre for Sharks is number 14 Teig Wilton
  • Winger for Storm is number 19 Dean Ieremia
    Winger for Sharks is number 5 Connor Tracey
  • Five-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Cameron Munster
    Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Shaun Johnson
  • Halfback for Storm is number 7 Jahrome Hughes
    Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Chad Townsend

Forwards

  • Prop for Storm is number 8 Jesse Bromwich
    Prop for Sharks is number 8 Aiden Tolman
  • Hooker for Storm is number 14 Harry Grant
    Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke Brailey
  • Prop for Storm is number 10 Christian Welch
    Prop for Sharks is number 10 Aaron Woods
  • 2nd Row for Storm is number 11 Felise Kaufusi
    2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora
  • 2nd Row for Storm is number 12 Kenneath Bromwich
    2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Wade Graham
  • Lock for Storm is number 9 Brandon Smith
    Lock for Sharks is number 13 Toby Rudolf

Interchange

  • Interchange for Storm is number 3 Tom Eisenhuth
    Interchange for Sharks is number 15 Braydon Trindall
  • Interchange for Storm is number 13 Tui Kamikamica
    Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Jack Williams
  • Interchange for Storm is number 15 Dale Finucane
    Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Braden Hamlin-Uele  
  • Interchange for Storm is number 16 Chris Lewis
    Interchange for Sharks is number 19 Billy Magoulias

Reserves

  • Reserve for Storm is number 17 Ryley Jacks
    Reserve for Sharks is number 21 Josh Dugan

Match Officials

  • Referee: Gerard Sutton
  • Touch Judge: Jon Stone
  • Touch Judge: Wyatt Raymond
  • Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen

Last updated:

Key match-up

Anyone who is marking Will Chambers: The former Storm, Queensland and Australian centre knows every blade of AAMI Park grass and 12 of the 17 teammates are still there from the last time Chambers played in purple - the 2019 preliminary final loss to the Roosters at the SCG. Chambers got to shake off some cobwebs playing centre in the Jets' 30-14 win over the Mounties last week.

Stat attack

The Storm attack is looking great and the numbers back that up. They've scored more points (202) than any other team and their possession rate of 55 per cent is also top of the league. They've also had the most line breaks and line-break assists.

 

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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.