Pointless trying to pick a margin for this one. All I can say is that the Storm will likely control the tempo for the vast majority of the match and simply grind the eels down. They are a team that will strike quickly as soon as their opposition gets a sniff...bang bang - two tries and its all over, usually just before the half, or directly after. Remember their earlier encounter against the Eels. The Eels had taken the lead, then blink and the Storm had simply clicked into another gear and blew the Eels off the park.
I will say that the Eels only chance will be to get them in the second half. If the Storm go into halftime down, you can bet your boots they will be rampaging in the second half.
Look to the timing of when Nathan Friend comes on. The Storm change completely like a prize fighter altering his stance in the sixth round, and they look to carve up teams in the middle of the park. You can bet your bottom dollar that the bigger forwards will be his target to run at them, then put through a flat pass to a Mick Crocker, Ryan Hoffman or even Slater.
The Eels will have to play the perfect 80 mins to get this one. Their only chance is not their forwards (a battle which the Storm will dominate), but the kicking games of Tim Smith and their outstanding wingers. These are the only areas of concern for the Storm. But the reduced field width, and no doubt blustery Sunday afternoon breeze through the open Olympic Park will need Timmy in Tip Top Form.
What the Hell: Storm by 40.;-)
ohhhhh - now thats a goer!!!
