WEEK 3 \u2013 PRELIMINARY FINALS \u2013 SEPTEMBER 26-28<\/p>\n
WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.<\/p>\n FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26<\/p>\n Second Preliminary Final:Melbourne Storm vs Cronulla Sharks at AMMI Park, 7.50pm AEST<\/p>\n Storm team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen<\/p>\n 2. William Warbrick<\/p>\n 3. Jack Howarth<\/p>\n 4. Nick Meaney<\/p>\n 5. Xavier Coates<\/p>\n 6. Cameron Munster<\/p>\n 7. Jahrome Hughes<\/p>\n 8. Stefano Utoikamanu<\/p>\n 9. Harry Grant<\/p>\n 10. Josh King<\/p>\n 11. Ativalu Lisati<\/p>\n 12. Eliesa Katoa<\/p>\n 13. Trent Loiero<\/p>\n 14. Tyran Wishart<\/p>\n 15. Shawn Blore<\/p>\n 16. Tui Kamikamica<\/p>\n 17. Alec MacDonald<\/p>\n 18. Bronson Garlick<\/p>\n 19. Grant Anderson<\/p>\n 20. Joe Chan<\/p>\n 21. Jonah Pezet<\/p>\n 22. Sualauvi Faalogo<\/p>\n Analysis: Jahrome Hughes (fractured forearm), Ryan Papenhuyzen (concussion) and Shawn Blore (fractured larynx) have all been named in a huge boost for the Storm. Hughes\u2019 return sees Jonah Pezet drop out of the 17, despite a mammoth performance in the first week of finals to down the Bulldogs. There\u2019s no denying Hughes is one of the game\u2019s best playmakers, but there is argument that Pezet deserved a spot on the bench after pulling the strings in his absence. The 22-year-old has been front and centre in the media, with his future up in the air after becoming a free agent when Hughes re-signed to remain at the Storm until the end of 2030 in July. It looks likely he will depart Melbourne in 2025, potentially on loan to a rival club, while Hughes and Munster remain the Storm\u2019s first-string halves. However, Pezet has been utilised on the bench six times this season. Should Hughes re-injure his wrist or shoulder, Craig Bellamy could then call on him to slot straight into the halves. But instead, he\u2019s picked Tyran Wishart as the bench utility, and he\u2019s a tried and tested option and one of rugby league\u2019s most versatile players. Wishart fully deserves his spot on the bench, but equally Pezet is now the first choice man to slot into the halves should one of the club\u2019s veteran pairing go down. Elsewhere, Blore takes up a spot on the bench, with Ativalu Lisati named in the starting side while Joe Chan drops out of the 17. Meanwhile, Nick Meaney has shifted to the centres to accomodate Papenhuyzen\u2019s return, with Grant Anderson the odd man out in a brutal selection call.<\/p>\n Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy<\/p>\n 2. Sione Katoa<\/p>\n 3. Jesse Ramien<\/p>\n 4. KL Iro<\/p>\n 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo<\/p>\n 6. Braydon Trindall<\/p>\n 7. Nicho Hynes<\/p>\n 8. Addin Fonua-Blake<\/p>\n 9. Blayke Brailey<\/p>\n 10. Toby Rudolf<\/p>\n 11. Billy Burns<\/p>\n 12. Teig Wilton<\/p>\n 13. Jesse Colquhoun<\/p>\n 14. Briton Nikora<\/p>\n 15. Siosifa Talakai<\/p>\n 16. Oregon Kaufusi<\/p>\n 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele<\/p>\n 18. Daniel Atkinson<\/p>\n 19. Mawene Hiroti<\/p>\n 20. Jayden Berrell<\/p>\n 21. Tuku Hau Tapuha<\/p>\n 22. Hohepa Puru<\/p>\n Analysis: The Sharks have made only a single change, with Tom Hazelton sidelined due to a head knock. His omission sees Oregon Kaufusi return on the bench, with Daniel Atkinson remaining as 18th man. The biggest talking point surrounding the Sharks is in the back row, with Briton Nikora once again named on the pine. Nikora is one of the NRL\u2019s most dangerous edge forwards, but the form of both Teig Wilton and Billy Burns can\u2019t be ignored. Craig Fitzgibbon has previously explained that both those stars deserve their spots in the starting side, with Nikora resigned to a role in the middle of the park and a small stint on the edge. One injury and the Kiwi international slots in, but such is the strength of the Cronulla forward pack, he must sit and wait on the bench and do his role to close out the year.<\/p>\n ‘He’s a freak’ Kenny to take on Haas | 00:51<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n