Storm v Knights: Glasby to start, Bromwich to bench

Just like the Roosters, Cowboys and Sharks, perennial heavyweights Melbourne are yet to stamp their authority in 2018.

There have been flashes of the usual excellence we've come to expect, but even with the peerless Cameron Smith still calling the shots, the Storm haven't proved they have settled comfortably into the life-after-Cronk era.

Newcastle have had their bright moments over the opening rounds and boast a star in the making in Kalyn Ponga. A rare road win over the reigning premiers might be just what the Knights need to truly convince themselves they are top eight material.

The key match-up: Billy Slater v Kalyn Ponga. The two fullbacks are key for their team in both defence and attack. Ponga is coming off a superb game against the Broncos – 223 metres gained and a try assist – while Slater has had a couple of disappointing weeks.

For the Storm to win: Hold the ball. They completed 64% of their sets and had 19 errors last round. To quote coach Craig Bellamy, "It ain't good enough."

For the Knights to win: Keep the faith. They'll have the belief after beating the Broncos – a team they've struggled against recently – and Mitchell Pearce will be telling his troops they can do the same against the Storm.

Storm Stat Attack: Melbourne managed 43 tackle breaks against the Tigers but failed to convert them into regular points.

Knights Stat Attack: 83%. That was their completion rate against the Broncos. They're gritty and committed with the football.

And another thing: The Storm last started a season 2-3 in 2004. They still managed to make the preliminary final.

The prediction: Knights by 4.