For the second week in a row, the Storm produced a field goal in the dying minutes of the match to snatch a one-point victory.

In round 1 they came from 20 – 0 down to defeat Manly 23 – 22 in golden-point time whilst last week, against an enthusiastic Panthers outfit who dominated the first half, they toughed out a 18 – 17 win.

The Panthers took it up to the Storm last week and headed the home-side in most match stats at the conclusion of the game including time in opposition half and completed sets but, as they always seem to do, the Storm found a way to win.

It was Cooper Cronk’s first game back from injury and one that will see him better again for having had the run.

It hasn’t been the ideal start to 2014 for the Knights who have been the focus of off-field incidents and suffered numerous injuries including one to pivot Jarrod Mullin that will see him out for several more weeks to come.

Despite these setbacks and losing both of their games, the effort and commitment has still be there from the Knights.

It was only late in the second half, when Newcastle were down on numbers, that the Panthers got the better of them and a try in the final minute of last week’s match against Canberra, saw them go down 26 – 20.

This week they travel to Melbourne and will fondly remember their last visit to AAMI Park which resulted in a 18 – 16 win in last year’s semi-finals.

It was the third time the two sides had met last season with the Storm winning the competition matches by 2 and 13 points.

Newcastle always gives the Storm plenty to think about in their clashes and this game may be closer than the market suggests however, it should still result in a Melbourne victory.

 TIP: MELBOURNE 1 – 12

Odds Comparison:

Melbourne Storm	1.28	1.28	1.27	1.28	1.28	1.29
Newcastle Knights	3.70	3.75	3.90	3.75	3.70	3.70

All odds are subject to change. Odds listed are correct at the time of the latest update.

Teams:

Melbourne Storm:

1. Billy Slater 2. Sisa Waqa 3. Will Chambers 4. Mahe Fonua 5. Young Tonumaipea 6. Ben Hampton 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Bryan Norrie 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Ryan Hinchcliffe 14. Kenneath Bromwich 15. Tohu Harris 16. Jordan McLean 17. George Rose

Newcastle Knights:

1. Matt Minto 2. James McManus 3. Dane Gagai 4. Joseph Leilua 5. Akuila Uate 6. Michael Dobson 7. Tyrone Roberts 8. Kade Snowden 9. Kurt Gidley 10. Willie Mason 11. Beau Scott 12. Robbie Rochow 13. Jeremy Smith 14. Travis Waddell 15. Chris Houston 16. Alex McKinnon 17. Adam Cuthbertson 18. David Fa’alogo