The Storm limped into the finals on the back of losses to the Roosters and Broncos, losing Jahrome Hughes and Ryan Papenhuyzen in the process in the final round.

The Bulldogs were blown away by the Sharks in their final game of the regular season and had winger Marcelo Montoya go down with an ankle injury.

Hardly the way either side wanted to arrive at a qualifying final but there’s enough class in both teams to turn things around at AAMI Park.

Mercurial five-eighth Cameron Munster will look to step up for the home side while inspirational skipper Stephen Crichton is the man to spark the Bulldogs.

The last time the Storm and Bulldogs met in a final was the 2014 qualifying final when Canterbury prevailed 28-4 courtesy of a Tim Lafai hat-trick before going on to make the grand final.

Team News

Storm: Tyran Wishart takes over at halfback from Jahrome Hughes (arm) while Nick Meaney is the new fullback with Ryan Papenhuyzen (concussion) sitting out a week. Joe Chan has moved into the centres for the time being but Jack Howarth (groin) is listed among the reserves and could be called up closer to game day. Captain Harry Grant is back from suspension so Bronson Garlick goes back to the bench. Blues prop Stefano Utoikamanu returns after being rested in Round 27 so Tui Kamikamica reverts to the bench to fill the hole left by Nelson Asofa-Solomona (suspended). 

Bulldogs: Toby Sexton comes back on the bench for his first game since Round 19 at the expense of Reed Mahoney, who has played every game this season either at hooker or off the bench. A reshuffled backline sees Enari Tuala shift to centre and Blake Wilson and Jethro Rinakama claim the wing spots with Marcelo Montoya (ankle) and Bronson Xerri (concussion) sidelined. Star centre Jacob Kiraz has been named on the extended bench as he looks to return from an ankle injury suffered in Round 26 against the Panthers.

Stat Attack

The Storm have won nine of their last 10 games against the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs have won only one of their last five games at AAMI Park.
Storm winger Xavier Coates has scored 41 tries in 37 games at AAMI Park.
The Bulldogs have not won a finals match since 2015.
The Storm have won only three of their last eight finals matches.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.