Sydney Roosters vs Melbourne Storm Verdict
The Roosters have won six of seven games played at Allianz Stadium this season and Sydney can add another one to that record. Melbourne continue to bounce back from a woeful start but must do without Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes in this one.
- The Roosters have won six of seven games at Allianz Stadium this season.
- Sydney have conceded only 12.6 points per game across their last three matches.
- Melbourne are without Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes.
- Billy Smith has scored four tries in his last three games.
Head to Head
Melbourne have controlled this matchup over the longer term, winning eight of their last nine games against the Roosters. They also claimed an 18-4 victory when the teams met earlier this season.
However, Sydney produced a dominant 40-10 win over the Storm late last season and enter this meeting in much better shape.
Melbourne’s current injury list makes the recent head-to-head record less relevant, with the Storm forced to field a makeshift halves combination against a Roosters side sitting third.
Sydney Roosters Form - 4 Wins In 5
The Roosters have won four of their last five matches and continue to consolidate their position inside the top four and are second favourites in the Premiership Odds race.
Their 28-12 win over Parramatta was built on patience and defence, with Sydney absorbing pressure before pulling clear late through Daniel Tupou’s milestone hat-trick.
Across their recent run, the Roosters have held Canberra scoreless, restricted Cronulla to eight points and kept Parramatta to 12.
They are conceding only 12.6 points per game across their last three and 16.75 across their past eight, giving them the defensive foundation to control weaker attacking sides.
Cody Ramsey remains at fullback while James Tedesco completes the concussion protocols, but Ramsey was excellent against Parramatta and provides enough speed and support play to keep Sydney dangerous.
Melbourne Storm Form - Rebounding Storm
Melbourne have won four of their last five matches, but their form remains difficult to assess.
They were impressive in wins over Canberra and Newcastle, yet were comprehensively beaten 30-4 by Manly before scraping past the Titans with a last-minute try.
The Storm sit 10th and remain four competition points outside the top eight, meaning every match has become essential.
Their resilience cannot be questioned, but the loss of Munster and Hughes leaves them without their two primary organisers and most dangerous attacking kickers.
Harry Grant returns at hooker and will likely be asked to play a bigger role, while Wishart and Toelau form a new halves pairing.