Melbourne Storm vs Newcastle Knights Prediction, Preview, Team News and More: NRL Round 14, 2024

The Melbourne Storm will be looking to hold onto their No. 1 spot in the NRL standings by defeating Newcastle Knights on Sunday, June 9, at the AAMI Park in Melbourne.

Melbourne were not in action last week but picked up two points with a bye. In Round 12, they fell to Manly Sea Eagles and will be desperate to consolidate their first position with a win over the Knights. The Storm have been performing exceptionally well at home this season, securing victories in six out of seven games at AAMI Park.

On the other hand, the Knights produced one of their worst performances of the season last week against the Canterbury Bulldogs. After a four-game winning streak, Newcastle lost 32-2 to the Bulldogs.

The result saw them drop from the top eight into 13th position. Newcastle coach Adam O'Brien cited "a lack of creativity" as the reason for his side's bad display against the Bulldogs, and they will be out to make a statement against a better Melbourne side.

The two teams met earlier this season in Round 3, and the Newcastle Knights won by a two-point margin. However, Melbourne had a week off to prepare for this encounter, unlike Newcastle and should have their revenge in front of their home fans.

---

Melbourne Storm vs Newcastle Knights Form Guide

Melbourne Storm Form Guide (WWLWL): The Melbourne Storm are first in the NRL ladder.

Newcastle Knights Form Guide (WWWWL): The Newcastle Knights are 13th in the NRL ladder.

---

Melbourne Storm vs Newcastle Knights Team News

Melbourne Storm

Injured: Will Warbrick (Groin), Ryan Papenhuyzen (Ankle), Jonah Pezet (Knee), Cameron Munster (Groin), Tepai Moeroa (Back)

Suspended: none

Newcastle Knights

Injured: Tyson Gamble (Foot), Daniel Saifiti (Knee), David Armstrong (Quad), Bradman Best (Hamstring), Kalyn Ponga (Foot)

Suspended: none

---

Melbourne Storm vs Newcastle Knights Predicted Lineups

Melbourne Storm

Backs: Grant Anderson, Tyran Wishart, Reimis Smith, Sualauvi Faalogo, Xavier Coates, Nick Meaney, Jahrome Hughes

Forwards: Shawn Blore, Josh King, Tui Kamikamica, Harry Grant, Christian Welch, Eliesa Katoa

Interchange: Trent Loiero, Joe Chan, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Bronson Garlick

Reserves: Young Tonumaipea, Jack Howarth

Newcastle Knights

Backs: Enari Tuala, Dane Gagai, Greg Marzhew, Jack Cogger, Jackson Hastings, Krystian Mapapalangi, Flecther Sharpe

Forwards: Kai Pearce-Paul, Dylan Lucas, Adam Elliot, Leo Thompson, Jacob Saifiti, Jayden Brailey

Interchange: Jack Hetherington, Brodie Jones, Tyson Frizell, Phoenix Crossland

Reserves: Mat Croker, Thomas Cant

---

Melbourne Storm vs Newcastle Knights Prediction

Prediction: Melbourne Storm to win by 12 points