The Warriors are fighting to snare a berth in the top eight while perennial contenders Melbourne are yet again in with a chance of taking out the minor premiership.
With a 5-7 record, the Warriors have been hot and cold but the emergence of young fullback Reece Walsh in recent weeks has given the club optimism for this season and beyond when captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck embarks on a stint in rugby union.
Melbourne have adapted strongly in the post-Cameron Smith era and they have also received a massive mid-season boost at the back in the form of Nicho Hynes, who has been in a purple patch in the No.1 jersey, filling in for Ryan Papenhuyzen after he was laid low by a head knock.
This article contains content that is only available on pan66.com
The rundown
Team news
Warriors: Star prop Addin Fonua-Blake will return via the interchange bench after not playing since round four due to a knee injury. In other news announced an hour before kick-off, Ken Maumalo moves from the reserves list to the wing, with Marcelo Montoya moving into the centres.
Jazz Tevaga will be the 18th man.
Jamayne Taunoa-Brown is out with Ben Murdoch-Masila coming into the starting side at prop. Sean O'Sullivan was the other player to drop out of the initial 21-man squad on Saturday.
Skipper Roger Tuivasa-Sheck returns to the fullback role with young gun Reece Walsh suspended.
Kodi Nikorima suffered a head knock against the Cowboys before the bye but is good to go.
The Warriors have won four of their past six games at Central Coast Stadium.
Storm: Nelson Asofa-Solomona will miss the Warriors game after he was found guilty of contrary conduct at the judiciary on Tuesday night.
There was better luck for centre Reimis Smith who had a high tackle charge downgraded and he is free to play.
George Jennings and Kenny Bromwich (rib) are also out, with Dean Ieremia to start on the wing, Tui Kamikamica at prop, Tom Eisenhuth in the second row and Trent Loiero and Chris Lewis joining the bench.
Marion Seve will be the 18th man.
Origin reps Cameron Munster, Felise Kaufusi and Josh Addo-Carr have been selected in the starting side with Harry Grant on the interchange.
Christian Welch won't play.
The Storm have won their past 10 games against the Warriors.
This article contains content that is only available on pan66.com
Key match-up
Tohu Harris v Dale Finucane: These two warhorses have been models of consistency for their teams - they were teammates at the Storm before Harris switched to his homeland in 2018.
Neither player receives too many headlines for flashy play but they are integral members of their respective packs, doing all the dirty work around the rucks which is critical to team success.
This article contains content that is only available on pan66.com
Stat attack
The Warriors' defensive line needs to be on its toes - the Storm not only rank No.1 in the NRL for line-break assists with 67, they are also the best for try assists with 60.
Head to and get pickin’ to win a share of $100,000 cash every week!
This article contains content that is only available on pan66.com