The Redcliffe Dolphins and Melbourne Storm face off at Suncorp Stadium on Friday, June 21, for the first game in the NRL Round 16. The Dolphins have been the surprise team of the season. After finishing 13th in their debut season, they have shown massive improvement this term and are currently ranked fourth.
Last week, Redcliffe produced an upset by defeating Cronulla Sharks away from home. This week, they will flex muscles with the league leaders with hopes of another positive result.
Coach Wayne Bennett will be without Felise Kaufusi and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow for this clash due to State of Origin obligations but is likely to have Tesi Niu and Jesse Bromwich back from the sidelines.
Melbourne, meanwhile will be gunning for a third consecutive victory. The Storm were complacent three weeks ago, losing to Manly Sea Eagles, but have since regained their footing with wins over Newcastle Knights and New Zealand Warriors.
With Cronulla and Penrith breathing down their neck, Melbourne will be fired up to take maximum points against the Dolphins, otherwise, they risk losing their first position by the end of the round.
The two sides have met just once, with the Storm taking an eight-point victory over the Dolphins in their debut season. Expect a similar result this time around.
Redcliffe Dolphins vs Melbourne Storm Form Guide
Redcliffe Dolphins Form Guide (WWLLW): The Redcliffe Dolphins are fourth in the NRL ladder.
Melbourne Storm Form Guide (LWLWW): The Melbourne Storm are first in the NRL ladder.
Redcliffe Dolphins vs Melbourne Storm Team News
Redcliffe Dolphins
Injured: Tom Flegler (Shoulder), Tom Gilbert (Knee)
Suspended: none
Melbourne Storm
Injured: Tepai Moeroa (Back), Jonah Pezet (Knee), Cameron Munster (Groin), Alec MacDonald (Ankle)
Suspended: none
Redcliffe Dolphins vs Melbourne Storm Predicted Lineups
Redcliffe Dolphins
Backs: Jamayne Isaako, Trai Fuller, Kodi Nikorima, Isaiya Katoa, Jake Averillo, Herbie Farnworth, Jack Bostock
Forwards: Jeremy Marshall-King, Connelly Lemuelu, Euan Aitken, Max Plath, Jesse Bromwich, Kenneath Bromwich
Interchange: Tevita Pangai Junior, Josh Kerr, Mark Nicholls, Ray Stone
Reserves: Mason Teague, Anthony Milford, Oryn Keeley, Sean O'Sullivan, Mason Teague
Melbourne Storm
Backs: Ryan Papenhuyzen, Tyran Wishart, Jahrome Hughes, Nick Meaney, Will Warbrick, Grant Anderson, Sualauvi Faalogo
Forwards: Eliesa Katoa, Tui Kamikamica, Josh King, Shawn Blore, Bronson Garlick, Trent Loiero
Interchange: Jack Howarth, Christian Welch, Joe Chan, Nelson Asofa-Solomna
Reserves: Reimis Smith, Dean Ieremia, Lazarus Vaalepu, Chris Lewis, Kane Bradley
Redcliffe Dolphins vs Melbourne Storm Prediction
Prediction: Melbourne Storm to win by 10 points