Monday only NRL match with the last game for Round 3 is between Melbourne Storm and Newcastle Knights with the opening kick to commence at 7:00pm. The game is to be played at AAMI Park with the favourite for the match being Melbourne Storm. View our NRL live scores, odds and results for the game between Melbourne Storm and Newcastle Knights.
WHERE AND WHEN: AAMI Park, Monday 24 March 2014 Kickoff 7:00pm
Odds Comparison:
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| 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 |
Preview:
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.
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
News:
New Zealand international Jesse Bromwich has followed Melbourne Storm skipper Cameron Smith in re-signing with the NRL club.
The talented front-rower has committed for a further four years.
Promising youngsters Slade Griffin and Cameron Munster have also agreed to terms, tying them to the club for two and three years respectively.
Bromwich, 24, started in the Melbourne under 20s side and was the only Storm player to play every game last year.
This season he is scheduled to notch up his 100th first grade appearance.
He was one of their best in their tight opening wins over Manly and Penrith.
Melbourne Storm football director Frank Ponissi said the club was thrilled to have re-signed Bromwich.
“Jesse’s signing is terrific news for Melbourne Storm, it’s another great announcement for the club and a key part of our retention strategy,” Ponissi said.
“Jesse has progressed into an elite footballer who also has shown his leadership potential.
“He’s a big guy with good footwork and is very consistent.”
Utility Griffin, 23, made his NRL debut in round one last year and managed six games for the season.
Meanwhile, Munster, 19, made an eye catching debut during Storm’s trial matches.
The Queenslander, part of the club’s NYC team, is tipped to be next Billy Slater.