Melbourne Storm vs. New Zealand Warriors: Papenhuyzen to keep scoring in the NRL

Melbourne Storm leads New Zealand 29-16, including two ties in 47 games. The Storm have won the past 11 meetings, including 42-20 and 42-16 victories last season. These teams will face off on April 25th, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. at Melbourne Rectangular.

Melbourne has enjoyed an excellent start to the NRL season, winning five of their first six games. Craig Bellamy's team has won three in a row, beginning with a dominant 44-0 victory against Canterbury. They kept the scoring coming with a 30-16 victory over Canberra.

Last week, the Storm defeated Cronulla 34-18, leading 24-18 after Harry Grant scored, with two late penalties increasing the advantage. Jesse and Kenny Bromwich have been called back from COVID procedures, with Jesse starting at prop and Kenny in the back row.

Chris Lewis and Alec MacDonald are replaced on the bench by Brandon Smith and Trent Loiero. Dean Ieremia (hamstring) is anticipated to make a comeback in Round 10. Christian Welch (achilles) and George Jennings (ACL) are out for the season.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Nick Meaney, Reimis Smith, Justin Olam, Xavier Coates, Cameron Munster, Jahrome Hughes, Jesse Bromwich, Harry Grant, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Felise Kaufusi, Kenny Bromwich, Josh King

The Warriors dropped their first two games of the season before winning three straight. Nathan Brown's team defeated Wests Tigers 16-12, Brisbane 20-6, and North Queensland 25-24, with Shaun Johnson converting a field goal two minutes into extra time.

Last Saturday, New Zealand was defeated by the Roosters 22-14. They led 8-6 at halftime but were unable to hang on at the SCG. Matt Lodge is back in the front row, with Aaron Pene and Bunty Afoa on the bench.

Jazz Tevaga (suspension) is eligible to return and has been designated as a reserve. Jack Murchie (calf) and Ben Murdoch-Masila (leg) will be out for another week. Marcelo Montoya (suspension) is sidelined until Round 10, and Tohu Harris (knee) is expected to return in Round 12. Ashley Taylor (hip) is a model.

Reece Walsh, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Jesse Arthars, Adam Pompey, Edward Kosi, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Shaun Johnson, Addin Fonua-Blake, Wayde Egan, Matt Lodge, Euan Aitken, Bayley Sironen, Josh Curran

New Zealand is a formidable opponent, but Melbourne is one of the finest teams in the NRL. I'm betting on the Storm's Ryan Papenhuyzen to score a try for the sixth time in a row.

• Total Over 42.5 for 1.83
• Handiсap Melbourne Storm (-21.5) for 1.87
• Individual Total 2 Over 11.5 for 1.8