This year's Magic Round is arguably saving the best 'til last, with top four teams Melbourne and Raiders to close out the massive weekend of rugby league.
Second-placed Storm proved too good for the Rabbitohs in their last game, claiming a 24-16 win in front of a sold-out AAMI Park crowd, while Canberra fought back from a 28-10 half-time deficit to defeat an in-form Dolphins.
Both teams have impressive forward packs and stylish backs at their disposal, but will need their halves led by Jahrome Hughes for the Storm and Jamal Fogarty for the Raiders to have their kicking games on song to provide the direction they need to stay on top.
Match: Storm v Raiders
Round 9 -
home Team
Storm
4th Position
away Team
Raiders
2nd Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Team News
Storm: Craig Bellamy's side is 1-17 with no game day changes. Sua Fa'alogo lines up on the wing having been cleared of a concussion after last week's win over South Sydney. Tui Kamikamica is set to make his return from an ankle injury on the interchange. Ryan Papenhuyzen and Eli Katoa will play their 100th NRL games in the match. Nelson Asofa-Solomona played Queensland Cup for the second week running after recovering from a concussion.
Raiders: The Raiders will take the field 1-17 with no late changes. Josh Papalii remains on the interchange as per Tuesday's original selection. Simi Sasagi is the 18th man for the second straight week. Skipper Joseph Tapine is preparing to play his 200th NRL match.
Match: Storm v Raiders
Round 9 -
home Team
Storm
away Team
Raiders
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Storm is number 1 Ryan PapenhuyzenFullback for Raiders is number 1 Kaeo Weekes
-
Winger for Storm is number 2 Sualauvi FaalogoWinger for Raiders is number 2 Savelio Tamale
-
Centre for Storm is number 3 Grant AndersonCentre for Raiders is number 3 Matthew Timoko
-
Centre for Storm is number 4 Nick MeaneyCentre for Raiders is number 4 Sebastian Kris
-
Winger for Storm is number 5 Xavier CoatesWinger for Raiders is number 5 Xavier Savage
-
Five-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Cameron MunsterFive-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Ethan Strange
-
Halfback for Storm is number 7 Jahrome HughesHalfback for Raiders is number 7 Jamal Fogarty
Forwards
-
Prop for Storm is number 8 Stefano UtoikamanuProp for Raiders is number 8 Corey Horsburgh
-
Hooker for Storm is number 9 Bronson GarlickHooker for Raiders is number 9 Tom Starling
-
Prop for Storm is number 10 Josh KingProp for Raiders is number 10 Joseph Tapine
-
2nd Row for Storm is number 11 Shawn Blore2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Hudson Young
-
2nd Row for Storm is number 12 Eliesa Katoa2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Matty Nicholson
-
Lock for Storm is number 13 Trent LoieroLock for Raiders is number 13 Morgan Smithies
Interchange
-
Interchange for Storm is number 14 Tyran WishartInterchange for Raiders is number 14 Owen Pattie
-
Interchange for Storm is number 15 Alec MacDonaldInterchange for Raiders is number 15 Zac Hosking
-
Interchange for Storm is number 16 Tui KamikamicaInterchange for Raiders is number 16 Josh Papalii
-
Interchange for Storm is number 17 Joe ChanInterchange for Raiders is number 17 Ata Mariota
Reserves
-
Replacement for Storm is number 18 Ativalu LisatiReplacement for Raiders is number 18 Simi Sasagi
Match Officials
- Referee: Gerard Sutton
- Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Storm have scored an average of 34 points per game at Magic Round.
- The Raiders have averaged 36 points per game over the past month.
- Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes has scored four tries in his last three games at Suncorp Stadium.
- Raiders captain Joseph Tapine will make his 200th appearance for the club.
- Storm pair Ryan Papenhuyzen and Eliesa Katoa will play their 100th NRL games.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the
