The Toyota Forklift Raiders will be looking to make it two wins in a row heading into Sunday's clash when they take on the Storm, after showing true courage and grit to defeat the Tigers last week at home.
With the Raiders just one spot behind the Storm on the ladder, this will be a battle for fourth position as each side tries desperately to secure their finals ticket as the season's end approaches.
The Storm are coming off the back of a 26-6 defeat to the Panthers, and the Raiders will look to take control of the play as they carry their winning momentum into this heated battle.
Execution will be the main focus this week, with Raiders coach Ricky Stuart stating that his side could have won their clash against the Tigers in the first half if they had taken the opportunities that were presented to them early on in the game.
Unfortunately for Canberra, the side are without Jarrod Croker as he still recovers from a hamstring injury sustained in round 22 against the Knights.
Sebastian Kris was seen leaving the field of play before full-time against the Tigers last week, and will be sidelined for up to four weeks as he also recovers from a hamstring injury.
This sees a reshuffle in the Canberra backline, with Jordan Rapana slotting into the fullback position and Nick Cotric sliding onto the wing.
The Raiders have also announced that Ethan Strange will make his NRL debut, stepping up to play in the centres after his outstanding efforts in the NSW Cup and U19s State of Origin this year.
Match: Storm v Raiders
Round 24 -
home Team
Storm
away Team
Raiders
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Storm is number 1 Nick MeaneyFullback for Raiders is number 1 Jordan Rapana
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Winger for Storm is number 5 Xavier CoatesWinger for Raiders is number 2 Albert Hopoate
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Centre for Storm is number 3 Marion SeveCentre for Raiders is number 3 Ethan Strange
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Centre for Storm is number 4 Young TonumaipeaCentre for Raiders is number 4 Matthew Timoko
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Winger for Storm is number 19 Reimis SmithWinger for Raiders is number 5 Nick Cotric
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Five-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Cameron MunsterFive-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Jack Wighton
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Halfback for Storm is number 7 Jahrome HughesHalfback for Raiders is number 7 Jamal Fogarty
Forwards
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Prop for Storm is number 8 Tui KamikamicaProp for Raiders is number 8 Josh Papali'i
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Hooker for Storm is number 14 Bronson GarlickHooker for Raiders is number 9 Zac Woolford
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Prop for Storm is number 10 Christian WelchProp for Raiders is number 10 Joseph Tapine
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2nd Row for Storm is number 11 Trent Loiero2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Hudson Young
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2nd Row for Storm is number 15 Eliesa Katoa2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Elliott Whitehead
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Lock for Storm is number 13 Josh KingLock for Raiders is number 13 Corey Horsburgh
Interchange
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Interchange for Storm is number 9 Harry GrantInterchange for Raiders is number 14 Adrian Trevilyan
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Interchange for Storm is number 12 Tom EisenhuthInterchange for Raiders is number 15 Emre Guler
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Interchange for Storm is number 16 Tepai MoeroaInterchange for Raiders is number 16 Pasami Saulo
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Interchange for Storm is number 17 Nelson Asofa-SolomonaInterchange for Raiders is number 17 Ata Mariota
Reserves
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Replacement for Storm is number 18 Alec MacDonaldReplacement for Raiders is number 18 Brad Morkos
Match Officials
- Referee: Grant Atkins
- Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Senior Review Official: Ben Cummins
Last updated:
Last time they met
The Green Machine was victorious in their last encounter against the Storm, defeating Melbourne 28-20 at AAMI Park in round one of finals week last season.
Key Match-ups
Jamal Fogarty v Jahrome Hughes
The stage is set for Jamal Fogarty and Jahrome Hughes as they will be sure to display their brilliance come Sunday.
Fogarty and Hughes are two of the competition's best halves who both have the ability to break the game open and lead their side to victory.
Fogarty is in career best form and has been a pinnacle part of the Raiders success in their 2023 campaign as he continues to improve each week in every aspect.
Fogarty has the ability to take control of a game with his smart attacking plays and precise kicking game. He is not only crucial in Canberra’s attack, but he has proved his worth in defence, displaying a 90.2% tackle efficiency.
Fogarty has gelled the side together this season, forcing 17 dropouts, assisting 12 tries, and averaging 388.1 kicking meters.
Hughes is a decorated halfback, having cemented himself as one of the competition's best players as he continues to dominate his opposition through his skillful playmaking.
Hughes is a huge threat for the Raiders, having scored six tries in 12 appearances this season, whilst also assisting 15 tries for his side.
Not only is Hughes a key part of Melbourne’s attack, but he has also proven that he is valuable in defence, recording an 87.5% tackle efficiency in 2023.
On Sunday look out for these two world-class players as they go head-to-head and try to lead their side to victory with their outstanding playmaking.
Josh Papali’i v Christian Welch
These two athletes have dominated the game for some time now, cementing themselves as the competition's most powerful forwards with their hard runs and brutal tackles.
Papali’i is an absolute powerhouse who will be sure to breakdown the Melbourne forward pack on Sunday. The decorated prop has represented Queensland and Australia, having the ability and experience to lead his side to victory when they take on the Storm.
Canberra’s enforcer is known for his strong runs and powerful hits, boasting an impressive 96.1% tackle efficiency, consistently defusing any attacking threat that comes his way.
Papali’i has also played a key role in the Raiders attack this season, recording 10 offloads, 32 tackle breaks, and even scoring a try, proving that he is one to watch for the Storm.
Melbourne’s Christian Welch is an experienced veteran for the Storm who will be looking to lead from the front, and guide his side to victory.
Welch is also a decorated forward, having represented Queensland in State of Origin, earning himself the captain role for his club.
Welch has held his side together this season with his defensive efforts, displaying a 91.4% tackle efficiency but his attacking stats have also been highly impressive, making 43 offloads, 23 tackle breaks, and 117 running metres.
These two forwards will look to take charge on Sunday as they battle it out with their brutal runs and bone rattling tackles.
Albert Hopoate v Will Warbrick
2023 has been a breakout season for these two wingers as they have made a name for themselves, rising to the top of the NRL scene as the competition's best.
Hopoate has been a pivotal part of Canberra’s success this season, proving hard to stop with his elusive runs and athletic try scoring ability.
Hopoate has had an outstanding 2023 campaign and will be hard to stop for Melbourne, scoring eight tries, having 57 tackle breaks, and averaging 167m.
The Raiders winger has proved to be a dangerous attacking threat for the Canberra side, and the Storm will need to keep Hopoate on their radar on Sunday.
Warbrick has taken the NRL world by storm as he establishes himself as one of the biggest threats in the NRL.
Warbrick is a threat in the air and on foot, scoring 12 tries in 20 appearances this season whilst also logging 15 line-breaks, and one try assist.
These two athletes will be sure to put on an electric display of skill and athleticism on Sunday when they come together to battle it out on the national stage as they fight for the top four position ahead of finals.
Head to Head
The Raiders have taken on the Storm 52 times, with Melbourne proving to be the stronger side historically, defeating the Raiders 36 of those times. The Raiders have won their last five games at AAMI Park against the Storm.
