Semi Final Match Preview: Semi Final Stand-Off

Author: Sydney Roosters
Timestamp: Tue 12 Sep 2023, 04:12 PM

A tough test awaits the Sydney Roosters, who will travel to Melbourne to face the Storm on Friday evening in another must-win match.

Recent History: Sydney Roosters vs Melbourne Storm

Friday's Semi Final marks the third clash between the Roosters and Storm this season, with Melbourne claiming the two competition points in both previous encounters.

The Storm also hold the advantage overall, claiming 28 wins to the Roosters' 19 since they entered the competition back in 1998.

But the Tricolours will be determined to turn the fortunes around, entering the match on a six-game win-streak after defeating the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks by one point last week.

While Melbourne enter the contest following a comprehensive 26-0 loss to the Brisbane Broncos in finals week one.

How They Line Up

Trent Robinson has made multiple changes to the back-line ahead of Friday’s fixture, calling on Jaxson Paulo, Corey Allan and Paul Momirovski to return in the absence of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Joseph Manu and Billy Smith.

James Tedesco will lead the team from fullback, with Fetalaiga Pauga and Paulo on the wings and Allan and Momirovski in the centres.

Luke Keary and Sam Walker will steer the team in the halves, while the front row features Fletcher Baker, Brandon Smith and Lindsay Collins.

After playing a key role in the Tricolours Elimination Final victory, Siua Wong, Nat Butcher and Victor Radley have been retained in the back-row.

Sandon Smith, Egan Butcher, Terrell May and Angus Crichton make up the interchange bench, while Drew Hutchison, Naufahu Whyte, Zach Dockar-Clay, Jake Turpin and Nathan Brown have have been named on the extended bench.

Finals Week 2 - Finals Week 2 - Friday 15 Sep

Full Time

Storm

Roosters

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Storm is number 1 Nick Meaney

Fullback for Roosters is number 1 James Tedesco
Winger for Storm is number 2 Will Warbrick

Winger for Roosters is number 2 Fetalaiga Pauga
Centre for Storm is number 3 Marion Seve

Centre for Roosters is number 3 Paul Momirovski
Centre for Storm is number 4 Justin Olam

Centre for Roosters is number 4 Corey Allan
Winger for Storm is number 5 Reimis Smith

Winger for Roosters is number 5 Jaxson Paulo
Five-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Cameron Munster

Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Luke Keary
Halfback for Storm is number 21 Tyran Wishart

Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Sam Walker

Forwards

Prop for Storm is number 8 Tui Kamikamica

Prop for Roosters is number 10 Lindsay Collins
Hooker for Storm is number 19 Bronson Garlick

Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Brandon Smith
Prop for Storm is number 16 Nelson Asofa-Solomona

Prop for Roosters is number 15 Egan Butcher
2nd Row for Storm is number 11 Trent Loiero

2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Siua Wong
2nd Row for Storm is number 12 Eliesa Katoa

2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Nat Butcher
Lock for Storm is number 13 Josh King

Lock for Roosters is number 13 Victor Radley

Interchange

Interchange for Storm is number 9 Harry Grant

Interchange for Roosters is number 8 Fletcher Baker
Interchange for Storm is number 10 Christian Welch

Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Sandon Smith
Interchange for Storm is number 15 Tom Eisenhuth

Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Terrell May
Interchange for Storm is number 17 Tariq Sims

Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Angus Crichton

Reserves

Replacement for Storm is number 18 Grant Anderson

Replacement for Roosters is number 18 Drew Hutchison

Match Officials

Referee: Ashley Klein
Touch Judge: Chris Sutton
Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
Senior Review Official: Chris Butler

Last updated: 12/8/2023 1:10:37 AM

Craig Bellamy has named Reimis Smith to replace Xavier Coates on the wing after the towering winger picked up an ankle injury against the Broncos. Justin Olam has been recalled in the centres, while Alec MacDonald will feature from the bench replacing Ryan Papenhuyzen.

Castore Key Match Up: Luke Keary vs Cameron Munster

With a number of key match-ups taking place across the field, it's difficult to look past the battle between veteran playmakers Luke Keary and Cameron Munster.

For almost a decade, both Keary and Munster have demonstrated their talents in game-defining moments to lead their respective teams to victory and this week will be no different.

In 2023, Keary has bagged five tries and set up a further 19 with creative passing and pin-point kicks a key feature of his game.

The Irish International has nine forced drop-outs to his name, as well as eight offloads and three goals, stepping up to lead the Roosters to a number of key victories.

Munster has also been monumental for the Storm this season, featuring in the halves and at fullback.

The Kangaroos representative has crossed the stripe eight times and assisted a further 14 tries so far this season. He has also forced seven drop-outs and offloaded the ball a total of 24 times.

With the season on the line for both teams, be sure to keep your eyes on these two skilful leaders who have the ability to dictate Friday's proceedings.

What They Said

"I'm really looking forward to heading down there to Melbourne, it's going to be a big challenge. They're obviously coming off a loss and they'll be firing and ready to go and we've got to be on the best of our game. I'm looking forward to the challenge and I know the rest of the team is as well." - Sam Walker

"We're not done yet, that's for sure." - Victor Radley

"We've had injuries throughout the whole year and it's been no excuses, even the last few games, we're just getting the job done no matter what, whoever fills in for us is going to do a great job." - James Tedesco

"When two titans clash, it's always a good fight and we're looking forward to it." - Brandon Smith

Final Verdict

The Red, White and Blue are no strangers to a challenge and they'll be hungry to weather the Storm and secure their seventh-straight victory and a spot in the Preliminary Final this Friday night.

If you can't make it to Melbourne to cheer on the Roosters live from AAMI Park, the next best place to be is Easts Bondi Junction, who will be running a $5.00 happy hour prior to the Semi Final.

With plenty of benefits including priority to purchase finals tickets, merchandise discounts as well as the best seating at Allianz Stadium, be sure to Call Yourself a Rooster in 2024 with Sydney Roosters Membership!