It's an annual clash which Melbourne has dominated for the past six years, yet it remains one of the most anticipated games of the season for both Storm and One New Zealand Warriors fans.
The One New Zealand Warriors haven't beaten the Storm at all since 2015 with 13-straight defeats against Craig Bellamy's men being their worst current record against any side, while their last Anzac Day win over Melbourne came way back in 2014 (the clubs didn't play the fixture in 2015 or 2020).
Such has been the Storm's dominance in this clash recently, they've outscored their opponents 94-30 in the past two Anzac Day games alone, although ahead of this year's fixture it's the Kiwi side which is in better form.
Andrew Webster's team has won five from seven and sat equal second after the first seven rounds of the premiership, most recently grinding out a 22-14 win over the Cowboys in Auckland.
The Storm meanwhile have put in some uncharacteristic showings in their three losses so far, including last week's 8-18 loss to Manly which led coach Bellamy to say his charges played "dumb at times".
Despite that they have done enough to remain in the top eight after seven weeks.
Both sides will have the benefit of a long turnaround from their round seven games.
Match: Storm v Warriors
Round 8 -
home Team
Storm
away Team
Warriors
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Storm is number 1 Nick MeaneyFullback for Warriors is number 1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
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Winger for Storm is number 2 Will WarbrickWinger for Warriors is number 2 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
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Centre for Storm is number 3 Reimis SmithCentre for Warriors is number 3 Marcelo Montoya
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Centre for Storm is number 4 Justin OlamCentre for Warriors is number 4 Adam Pompey
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Winger for Storm is number 5 Xavier CoatesWinger for Warriors is number 5 Edward Kosi
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Five-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Cameron MunsterFive-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Dylan Walker
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Halfback for Storm is number 7 Jahrome HughesHalfback for Warriors is number 7 Shaun Johnson
Forwards
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Prop for Storm is number 10 Christian WelchProp for Warriors is number 8 Addin Fonua-Blake
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Hooker for Storm is number 9 Harry GrantHooker for Warriors is number 9 Freddy Lussick
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Prop for Storm is number 17 Tariq SimsProp for Warriors is number 10 Jazz Tevaga
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2nd Row for Storm is number 11 Trent Loiero2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Jackson Ford
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2nd Row for Storm is number 12 Eliesa Katoa2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Marata Niukore
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Lock for Storm is number 13 Josh KingLock for Warriors is number 13 Tohu Harris
Interchange
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Interchange for Storm is number 8 Nelson Asofa-SolomonaInterchange for Warriors is number 14 Bayley Sironen
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Interchange for Storm is number 14 Bronson GarlickInterchange for Warriors is number 15 Josh Curran
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Interchange for Storm is number 19 Aaron PeneInterchange for Warriors is number 16 Bunty Afoa
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Interchange for Storm is number 20 Tyran WishartInterchange for Warriors is number 17 Tom Ale
Reserves
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Replacement for Storm is number 18 Grant AndersonReplacement for Warriors is number 18 Viliami Vailea
Match Officials
- Referee: Grant Atkins
- Touch Judge: Belinda Sharpe
- Touch Judge: Peter Gough
- Senior Review Official: Ben Cummins
Last updated:
Team News
Storm: Nick Meaney is back after missing round seven due to delayed concussion symptoms so Cameron Munster returns to the halves. Prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona has been named to return from a knee injury, filling the void left by Tui Kamikamica (suspended). Craig Bellamy confirmed on Monday the forward was still in doubt with a final decision to be made on game day. Alec MacDonald (elbow) and Tom Eisenhuth (hip flexor) dropped off the bench on Monday and were replaced by Aaron Pene and Tyran Wishart. Pene is one of two former Warriors in the 17, the other being second rower who play 46 times for the Warriors from 2020-2022.
One New Zealand Warriors: Marata Niukore's return from a two-game suspension pushed Josh Curran to the bench while Taine Tuaupiki played for the New South Wales Cup side on Sunday. Hooker Wayde Egan was cleared to return from concussion protocols but the club has chosen to give him another week off. No changes in Monday's 24-hour update. Only five of the Warriors' 17-man squad are playing in the Anzac Day match for the first time - Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Dylan Walker, Freddy Lussick, Marata Niukore and Jackson Ford.
Stat attack
- The Storm have won their past 13 games against the One New Zealand Warriors.
- The Warriors have not won an Anzac Day game against the Storm since 2014.
- Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes has scored seven tries in his past seven games against the Warriors.
- Warriors winger Edward Kosi has scored four tries in his past five games.
- Storm winger Xavier Coates has scored 16 tries in 12 games at AAMI Park.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
