Go Media Stadium will play host to Saturday's Round 15 NRL game between New Zealand Warriors and Melbourne Storm. The game kicks off at 5:30 pm with New Zealand Warriors heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the New Zealand Warriors vs. Melbourne Storm game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Saturday June 15, 2024 at 5:30 pm
Where: Go Media Stadium
Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE
New Zealand Warriors vs Melbourne Storm Odds
New Zealand Warriors vs Melbourne Storm Preview
The resurgent Warriors wont get many better opportunities to end their nine-year hoodoo against Melbourne Storm, who are battling a slew of backline injuries.
The Warriors 15-match losing streak against the Storm the longest between any two teams in the past 50 years is well-documented. They fell agonisingly short at AAMI Park in Round 2, conceding two tries in the last three minutes of a 30-26 loss after fighting back from 18-6 down.
Five matches of the current streak were played at Mt Smart, most recently a 24-12 result in late-2022.
The Warriors followed up their remarkable backs-to-the-wall wins over the Panthers and Dolphins with a 42-12 drubbing of the Cowboys in Townsville, welcoming back six first-choice stars.
Te Maire Martin again starred in his role as No.7 fill-in, while Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Rocco Berry picked up doubles in their return, and an engine-room spearheaded by Fonua-Blake, Barnett, Niukore and new prop Ford completely dominated their Cowboys counterparts.
Shaun Johnsons return is the only change to the starting line-up, while Chanel Harris-Tavita takes up the bench utility spot and Freddy Lussick drops out.
The Storm sit atop the NRL ladder despite being yet to really hit their straps in 2024. They came off a loss to Manly and a Round 13 bye to hold off Newcastle 36-28 at home last Sunday, with Nick Meaney and stand-in five-eighth Tyran Wishart scoring two tries apiece.
Dean Ieremia replaces Reimis Smith (head knock) in the centres, while Ryan Papenhuyzen, Will Warbrick and Cameron Munster remain sidelined.
The Warriors havent been overly impressive at Mt Smart this year in crafting a 2-1-2 record, though the shorthanded comeback win over the Dolphins in their last home game represented a significant form reversal as hosts. The Storm are 3-2 on the road (including a Magic Round over the Eels) in 2024.
Theres plenty of conjecture around how Shaun Johnson will slot back into a revitalised Warriors line-up. But the return of the only survivor from their last win over the Storm can only help in this bogey-busting mission. They should do it in style if their pack replicates last weeks performance.
Content provided by Ladbrokes
New Zealand Warriors vs Melbourne Storm Tip
We're tipping New Zealand Warriors to win at $1.75 odds.
New Zealand Warriors vs Melbourne Storm Teams
Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Marata Niukore 12. Mitchell Barnett 13. Tohu Harris 14. Chanel Harris-Tavita 15. Dylan Walker 16. Jazz Tevaga 17. Kurt Capewell 18. Tom Ale 20. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 21. Taine Tuaupiki 22. Freddy Lussick 23. Jacob Laban
Storm team: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. Grant Anderson 3. Dean Ieremia 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Tyran Wishart 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Christian Welch 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Joe Chan 18. Young Tonumaipea 19. Jack Howarth 20. Lazarus Vaalepu 21. Chris Lewis 22. Kane Bradley
