Wins over the Storm have been few and far between for the Roosters lately, but the Tricolours will be looking at this week’s clash against Melbourne as a chance to launch their late-season revival in 2023.
Having enjoyed their last bye round of the season last week, the Roosters now have two months to try and get back on track in what has been an up-and-down campaign to date, with just seven wins from 16 games.
The Storm too head into Round 20 fresh off a bye, with Saturday’s trip to the Sydney Cricket Ground kicking off a four-game stretch in which they play at home just once.
Prior to giving up 34 at the hands of Penrith in Round 18, the Storm had been on a three-game run which had seen them concede just 7.3 points per game on average.
The Roosters have beaten Melbourne just once since 2019, getting over the Storm in this corresponding fixture in Sydney last year.
This week is their first visit to the venue this year, but last season the Roosters won five of nine at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
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Team News
Roosters: With captain James Tedesco rested after leading NSW to victory in Origin III, Joey Manu moves to fullback, Joseph Suaalii to centre and Junior Pauga comes in on the wing. Maroons prop Lindsay Collins will back up. Kiwi Test hooker Brandon Smith returns from a thumb injury, while fellow hooker Jake Turpin and forward Egan Butcher are back on deck after suffering head knocks.
Storm: No late changes, with Maroons stars Harry Grant, Xavier Coates and Cameron Munster all backing up 72 hours after Origin III. After serving his mandatory stand down through the bye week, Will Warbrick returns from a head knock. Bronson Garlick was replaced on the bench by Alec MacDonald on Friday.
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Stat Attack
- This year the Roosters have made more tackles than any other side in the competition, at an average of 367 per game, compared to the Storm who average 339 per game.
- The Storm have won in three of their four trips to venues in Sydney this season.
- The Roosters have scored 138 points in their past three games at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
- The Storm have won six of their past seven games against the Roosters.
- Roosters centre Joseph Manu has scored four tries in his past three games.
- Storm centres Justin Olam and Reimis Smith will play their 100th NRL games.
- Roosters forward Nat Butcher has scored six tries in his past three games at the SCG
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Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the