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Storm v Raiders: Nelson over hamstring woes; Bateman sidelined

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pan66.com
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Two of the NRL's premiership contenders will have plenty to play for when they line up in round three.

Canberra were impressive in knocking over the Titans and the Warriors to start the season and will be close to full strength after the two-month break due to the competition shutdown.

Melbourne got off to their annual good start with a win over Manly, followed by a tight victory over Cronulla. The Storm have relocated to Melbourne after a short stint in Albury.

The Rundown

Team news

Storm: The Storm are 1-17. Tui Kamikamica is out with a back problem but his absence is offset by the return of Brandon Smith, Christian Welch and Nelson Asofa-Solomona, who has overcome his hamstring issues. Tom Eisenhuth and Darryn Schonig were the first two cut from the extended squad 24 hours before kick-off while Ryley Jacks and Brenko Lee made way an hour before game time. The Storm are aiming for a 3-0 start for the seventh time in the past nine seasons.

Raiders: A late change for the Raiders with Jordan Rapana coming into the starting side on the wing and Michael Oldfield going to the bench. Winger Bailey Simonsson was ruled out on Friday with a minor leg infection. John Bateman remains on the sidelines after shoulder surgery. Kai O'Donnell was omitted on Friday and Matt Frawley and Tom Starling were cut an hour before kick-off. Canberra defeated the Storm twice at AAMI Park in 2019.

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Storm is number 1 Ryan Papenhuyzen
    Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Charnze  Nicoll-Klokstad
  • Winger for Storm is number 2 Suliasi Vunivalu
    Winger for Raiders is number 5 Nick Cotric
  • Centre for Storm is number 3 Justin Olam
    Centre for Raiders is number 3 Jarrod Croker
  • Centre for Storm is number 4 Marion Seve
    Centre for Raiders is number 4 Curtis Scott
  • Winger for Storm is number 5 Josh Addo-Carr
    Winger for Raiders is number 18 Jordan Rapana
  • Five-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Cameron Munster
    Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Jack Wighton
  • Halfback for Storm is number 7 Jahrome Hughes
    Halfback for Raiders is number 7 George Williams

Forwards

  • Prop for Storm is number 8 Jesse Bromwich
    Prop for Raiders is number 8 Josh Papali'i
  • Hooker for Storm is number 9 Cameron Smith
    Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Josh Hodgson
  • Prop for Storm is number 10 Nelson Asofa-Solomona
    Prop for Raiders is number 10 Dunamis Lui
  • 2nd Row for Storm is number 11 Felise Kaufusi
    2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Joseph Tapine
  • 2nd Row for Storm is number 12 Kenneath Bromwich
    2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Elliott Whitehead
  • Lock for Storm is number 13 Dale Finucane
    Lock for Raiders is number 13 Corey Horsburgh

Interchange

  • Interchange for Storm is number 14 Brandon Smith
    Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Siliva Havili
  • Interchange for Storm is number 15 Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
    Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Emre Guler
  • Interchange for Storm is number 16 Christian Welch
    Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Iosia Soliola
  • Interchange for Storm is number 17 Max King
    Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Michael Oldfield

Match Officials

  • Referee: Grant Atkins
  • Touch Judge: Todd Smith
  • Touch Judge: Gavin Badger
  • Senior Review Official: Steve Chiddy

Last updated:

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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.