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The Melbourne Storm will look to add another win to their record and consolidate first position when they host the Canberra Raiders at AAMI Park this Saturday in the NRL Round 17. The Storm come into this match as clear favorites and will look to extend their winning streak to four games.
They solidified their position at the summit in the previous round against the Redcliffe Dolphins, beating them by six points away from home. Melbourne boast of a near-immaculate home record, with only one loss in 16 previous matches at AAMI Park, a record that stretches into last season.
The Storm will look to compound the woes of Canberra who have been below par in their recent outings. Speaking of the Raiders, they will hope to avoid a third consecutive defeat and upset the league leaders.
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The Raiders have three losses in their past five games, including a disappointing loss to 16th-placed Wests Tigers in the previous round. A win over the Storm will be a huge morale booster for Ricky Stuart's side and could see them leap into the top eight.
However, if they want to cause an upset against the league leaders, they need to produce more than average performance on Saturday. Melbourne's strong performance at home makes it hard to imagine anything other than a home victory in this match.
Melbourne Storm vs Canberra Raiders Form Guide
Melbourne Storm Form Guide (WLWWW): The Melbourne Storm are first in the NRL table.
Canberra Raiders Form Guide (WLWLL): The Canberra Raiders are 10th in the NRL standings.
Melbourne Storm vs Canberra Raiders Team News
Melbourne Storm
Injured: Ryan Papenhuyzen (Foot), Reimis Smith (Concussion), Cameron Munster (Groin), Jonah Pezet (Knee)
Suspended: none
Canberra Raiders
Injured: Nick Cotric (Ankle), Corey Horsburgh (Groin), Jamal Fogarty (Biceps), Zac Hosking (Shoulder), Corey Harawira-Naera (Seizure/medical), Pasami Saulo (Back)
Suspended: none
Melbourne Storm vs Canberra Raiders Predicted Lineups
Melbourne Storm
Backs: Sualauvi Faalogo, Grant Anderson, Xavier Coates, Jahrome Hughes, Tyran Wishart, Will Warbrick, Jack Howarth
Forwards: Bronson Garlick, Trent Loiero, Shawn Blore, Josh King, Tui Kamikamica, Eliesa Katoa
Interchange: Joe Chan, Kane Bradley, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Christian Welch
Reserves: Dean Ieremia, Alec MacDonald
Canberra Raiders
Backs: Jordan Rapana, Sebastian Kris, Xavier Savage, Kaeo Weekes, Albert Hopoate, Matthew Timoko, Ethan Strange
Forwards: Josh Papalii, Joseph Tapine, Hudson Young, Morgan Smithies, Elliott Whitehead, Tom Starling
Interchange: Danny Levi, Jordan Martin, Ata Mariota, Trey Mooney
Reserves: Adam Cook, Simi Sasagi
Melbourne Storm vs Canberra Raiders Prediction
Prediction: Melbourne Storm to win by 12 points
