New Zealand Warriors vs Melbourne Storm Prediction, Preview, Team News and More: NRL Round 15, 2024

Melbourne Storm will look to protect their No. 1 spot in the standings when they travel to face a rejuvenated New Zealand Warriors side this Saturday at Go Media Stadium in the NRL Round 15.

Both sides come into this clash with wins in the previous round, and fans will expect another thriller like Round 2, where the Strom produced a second-half comeback, extending their winning run over the Warriors to 15.

However, they will come up against a Warriors side that are riding high on form with three consecutive wins and eyeing a top-eight spot. In the previous round, New Zealand were too good for North Queensland, thrashing them 42-12 away from home.

The Storm themselves have been a bit inconsistent in recent weeks. They defeated the Newcastle Knights last week, but have not recorded consecutive wins since Round 9.

This fixture is billed to be one of the most intriguing encounters in this round. Melbourne have a terrific record (15 straight wins) against New Zealand, but the Warriors' recent form can not be overlooked. They will look to break the streak, and what better time if not now when they are in top form.

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New Zealand Warriors vs Melbourne Storm Form Guide

New Zealand Warriors Form Guide (LLWWW): The New Zealand Warriors are 10th in the NRL ladder.

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

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New Zealand Warriors vs Melbourne Storm Team News

New Zealand Warriors

Injured: Shaun Johnson (Pectoral), Paul Roache (Ankle), Luke Metcalf (Fractured leg), Ali Leiataua (Ankle), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Hamstring)

Suspended: none

Melbourne Storm

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

Suspended: none

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New Zealand Warriors vs Melbourne Storm Predicted Lineups

New Zealand Warriors

Backs: Shaun Johnson, Rocco Berry, Marcelo Montoya, Adam Pompey, Te Maire Martin, Charzne Nicoli-Klokstad, Dallim Watene-Zelezniak

Forwards: Wayde Egan, Tohu Harris, Mitchell Barnett, Jackson Ford, Marata Niukore, Addin Fonua-Blake

Interchange: Kurt Capewell, Jazz Tevaga, Dylan Walker, Chanel Harris-Tavita

Reserves: Tom Ale, Jacob Laban, Freddy Lussick, Taine Tuaupiki, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

Melbourne Storm

Backs: Nick Meaney, Grant Anderson, Sulauvi Faalogo, Dean Ieremia, Xavier Coates, Tyran Wishart, Jahrome Hughes

Forwards: Harry Grant, Eliesa Katoa, Trent Loiero, Shawn Blore, Tui Kamikamica, Josh King

Interchange: Joe Chan, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Christian Welch, Bronson Garlick

Reserves: Jack Howarth, Lazarus Vaalepu, Chris Lewis, Kane Bradley, Young Tonumaipea

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New Zealand Warriors vs Melbourne Storm Prediction

Prediction: Warriors to win by 8 points