Storm name squad for Raiders clash

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has named an 18-man squad for this Saturday’s Round 25 clash against the Canberra Raiders.

After last Saturday night’s disappointing 24-20 loss to the New Zealand Warriors, the Storm still managed to maintain their six point lead at the top of the 2006 Telstra NRL Premiership ladder due to the Bulldogs’ loss to the Broncos.

The Raiders will go into the game on the back of having the bye, the two points earned from the break leaving them in eighth position.

Bellamy has made several changes to the squad that was named for the Warriors clash last Saturday night.

Billy Slater returns from suspension and will line-up in his customary fullback position. Greg Inglis, who has been filling in for Slater will take his place in the centres.

With Inglis’ move to the centres, Jake Webster has been named on the interchange bench.

Brett White returns to the starting line-up, taking his place in the front-row in place of Jeff Lima who has been omitted.

Meanwhile, in relation to NRL CEO David Gallop’s stance on the lodgement of Steve Turner’s playing contract by the Melbourne Storm with the NRL, Melbourne CEO Brian Waldron this afternoon made the following statement:

“Melbourne Storm absolutely respects the NRL’s right to take this position.

“We will now take the appropriate time to consider all issues related to this matter.

“There is no specific time frame to this consideration, suffice to say Melbourne Storm does not think it is appropriate to make any further comment on the matter until after the Club has completed its playing commitments for the 2006 season.”

NRL Premiership - Round 25

Canberra Raiders vs Melbourne Storm
Canberra Stadium
Saturday Night, August 26
Kick-Off: 5:30pm (local time)

Live Coverage on Fox Sports from 5:25pm (AEST).