As it happened: New Zealand Warriors v Melbourne Storm

Live updates of the Anzac Day clash between the Warriors and the Storm.

HISTORY

40 games
Warriors - 16 wins
Storm - 22 wins

At AAMI Park:
8 games
Warriors - 3 wins
Storm - 5 wins

2017 results:
Storm won 26-10 at Mt Smart in round 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.

ANZAC DAY CLASHES

2017 – Storm beat Warriors 20-14
2016 – Storm beat Warriors 42-0
2015 – Titans beat Warriors 32-28
2014 – Warriors beat Storm 16-10
2013 – Storm beat Warriors 28-18
2012 – Storm beat Warriors 32-14
2011 – Warriors beat Storm 18-14
2010 – Storm beat Warriors 40-6
2009 – Draw with Storm 14-14