Talking Points | Storm v Roosters

SIX AGAIN VARIATION

The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) approved a variation to the "Six Again" rule this week, which will allow referees to re-start the tackle count if markers are not square or break early at the play the ball. 

Basically what this means is less penalties and more six again calls, leading to a faster speed and a disadvantage for players who are trying to slow down play. 

"You just adapt adapt," Assistant Coach Nathan Cayless said of the rule change.

"That's the great thing about this Club, they just keep adapting and the players keep improving."

BUTCHER TO SEIZE OPPORTUNITY

For the first time this season, Nat Butcher will get an opportunity to start at lock. 

We've seen Butcher in the starting line-up over the past couple of seasons, but this will be his first challenge starting at lock in the absense of Isaac Liu and Victor Radley. 

The weeks forward will see improved minutes for the likes of Sitili Tupouniua and Lindsay Collins, while the returning Poasa Faamausili will also be integral to the forward pack going forward. 

"Nat Butcher is a top end player and he's proven that over the last couple of years," Head Coach Trent Robinson said of the lock position. 

"It's a great opportunity for him to step into that role on Thursday night."

THE RETURN OF POASA

After a short stint at the New Zealand Warriors under the newly approved player loan-out rule, Poasa Faamausili returned to Roosters Headquarters late last week to prepare for Round 8. 

Faamausili started in the front row for the Warriors last week, a match that was also played against the Melbourne Storm. 

"To be able to call on Poasa, who's been able to play over the last month is invaluable," Assistant Coach Nathan Cayless said of Poasa's return

"We're confident that Poasa is going to come in and do a job for us."

ROOSTERS IN NUMBERS

For the first time since the competition's resumption, there could be a crowd of up to 10,000 at Suncorp Stadium for the match.

Roosters Queensland Members were given an opportunity to pre-purchase their tickets late last week, while the general public were given a window early in the week. 

Allocation is currently exhausted, with Suncorp Stadium allowing 25% of the stadium's capacity. 

LAST TIME WE MET 

The Last Time We Met the Melbourne Storm was in a Preliminary Final to decide who would play the Canberra Raiders in the NRL Grand Final.

It was one of many that were decided by just a couple of points between the Roosters and Storm in recent years.

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