Ahead of tonight's blockbuster Round 14 battle at the SCG, let's go over the talking points.
Match: Roosters v Storm
Round 14 -
home Team
Roosters
4th Position
away Team
Storm
2nd Position
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
BUTCHER'S FIRST 50
Nat Butcher is set to play his 50th NRL match tonight for the Tricolours, marking the first milestone in his young career.
Butcher made his debut late in 2016 and has worked with a tradesman like attitude to make himself a regular first grader ever since.
Though humble in his approach to tonight's clash, there's no denying the quiet pride in achieving any milestone in the NRL.
"Look, not really," Butcher responded when asked if he'd take a moment to reflect on his milestone.
"I'm just ready to play Melbourne, I know it's such a big game."
Every Year Is Your Most Important | Butcher Talks 50
FOR THE LOVE OF THE ARM WRESTLE
Much like an arm wrestle, contests between the Roosters and Storm tend to be tight, strategic, back-and-forth affairs as history will show.
The last time they met they were separated by just a couple of points, and was one of three matches in the last four season between the two sides to go to Golden Point.
While finals battles of late have had larger scorelines, regular season battles between the two sides are separated by just one or two points.
In 2017 Mitchell Pearce won the Adelaide match with a field goal, Cameron Smith sealed a victory for the Storm with a field goal in 2018 and Latrell Mitchell iced one on enemy territory in 2019.
Memorable Clash | Roosters v Storm @ Adelaide Oval
A WELCOMED RETURN FOR MORRIS
After two weeks on the sideline, Josh Morris makes his return to his preferred position on the left hand centre.
Morris last lined up in Round 11 against the New Zealand Warriors, an occasion where Josh was one of the star performers in the side.
The defensive minded centre will have his hands full against the Storm backline.
Let's Get It On | Round 14 Media
FIFITA GOES FOR THIRD STRAIGHT
Daniel Suluka-Fifita started the week in the 17 for the first time in what's set to be his third straight week playing first grade football.
Daniel has been solid coming from the bench over the past couple of weeks in his young NRL career, and will get another opportunity against the Melbourne Storm.
"The next player in the squad needs to be ready to go," Nathan Cayless said at this week's Team Talk.
"It's an exciting time when you see guys being able to achieve their dream and it's great to be a part of."
Team Talk with Nathan Cayless | Round 14
