2017 results: Storm won 26-10 at Mt Smart inround 2, and 20-14 in the Anzac Day clash in round 8.
KEY MATCH-UP
Issac Luke was one of the NRL's leading hookers during the nine years he was with Souths. He seemed to lose some of his enthusiasm and love for the game in his first two years with the Warriors, but the man nicknamed 'Bully' has rediscovered the passion and confidence that make him such a fun player to watch. Luke stole the show with an outstanding performance in his team's defeat of the Dragons and will give his side a good chance of conquering Melbourne if he can out-play the brilliant Cameron Smith.
FOR WARRIORS TO WIN:
Simplistic as it seems, the Warriors need a well prepared gameplan they believe in and they also need the discipline to stick with it for 80 minutes. They got it right last week against the Dragons and will need an equally committed effort against the defending champs.
FOR STORM TO WIN:
It takes a lot to in timidate the Storm and even then it doesn't guarantee a victory. If Smith ensures his teammates are ready for the Warriors' early onslaught, the Storm should be too clever and classy over the 80 minutes, especially with Cameron Munster in such sparkling form.
STAT ATTACK
Winger David Fusitu'a is the NRL's leading try-scorer (8). The Warriors have racked up the most offloads of any team(105) but also the most missed tackles (269). They have four 40/20 kicks as a team— three more than their nearest rivals.
