Two of the most successful teams of the modern era square off in a mouth-watering clash to see who will progress to the big dance on October 6. For the Storm it would be a fifth grand final appearance in the past nine years, while the Roosters are looking to return to the decider for the first time since their back-to-back titles in 2018-19. When the sides clashed in last year's semi-final at AAMI Park it took an acrobatic Will Warbrick try in the closing minutes to get the Storm home 18-13, and the towering Kiwi winger will again be a focal point in attack. The Roosters also boast aerial threats in the form of Daniel Tupou, Dom Young and Joey Manu, all pouring through on the pinpoint kicks of Luke Keary to make life tough for the Storm's back three.

The Storm had the better of both their meetings this season as well as all three clashes in 2023 to give them an overall lead of 31 wins to 19 in the head-to-head ledger.

A GUIDE TO THE NRL PRELIMINARY FINAL BETWEEN MELBOURNE STORM AND SYDNEY ROOSTERS

• When: Friday, 7.50pm AEST

• Where: AAMI Park, Melbourne

• The form:

Melbourne Storm (home-and-away season: first, 19 wins, five losses): Winners in nine of their past 10 matches. Won qualifying final against Cronulla 37-10.

Sydney Roosters (home-and-away season: third, 16 wins, eight losses): Winners in seven of their past 10 matches. Won semi-final against Manly 40-16.

• Head-to-head:

Overall: Played: 50 games. Storm 31 wins, 19 losses.

In finals: Played: Five games. Roosters 3 wins, 2 losses.

Last time: Round 20, 2024. Storm 24 defeated  Roosters 8 at AAMI Park.

Last final: Semi-final, 2023. Storm 18 defeated Roosters 13 at Allianz Stadium.

• Key players: 

• Cameron Munster (Storm). Munster has built into form after his long injury lay-off, and the five-eighth was at his best in Melbourne's last outing. Helped break the hearts of the Roosters' fans in last year's semi-final when his last-ditch kick was collected by winger Will Warbrick for the match-winning try. Hasn't won a premiership since the retirement of the last of the big three, Cameron Smith, and wants to create his own legacy.

• Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Storm). Big NAS has kept his head down this week, unwilling to provide any fire-power for the Roosters. Asofa-Solomona has had a running battle with Kiwi teammate Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, who landed in the sin bin in last year's semi-final as tempers spilled over. The Storm giant had a slow start to the year and was even rumoured to be on the trade table, but is a massive key, literally, to their premiership success.

• Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Roosters). Set to play in the UK, the departing prop is in no rush for his NRL career to end. Returning from suspension in their convincing victory to eliminate Manly, Waerea-Hargreaves set the tone from the get-go with his physical intensity. The Storm know that keeping JWH quiet will go a long way towards keeping the Roosters out of the game.  

 * Sandon Smith (Roosters). Replacing injured halfback Sam Walker, Smith has only started 10 times in the NRL and looked out of his depth in their qualifying loss to Penrith. But the 21-year-old took the criticism on the chin and bounced back in their rousing win over the Sea Eagles. Certain to be a target for the Storm's big men, who will look to rattle the youngster. 

• The stat: Melbourne have won nine of their past 10 clashes with the Roosters, including their past three at AAMI Park.

The Time Is Right for the Storm

The time is right for the Storm according to skipper Harry Grant, who says they have learnt from previous finals failings. Melbourne enter Friday night's NRL preliminary final against the Sydney Roosters at AAMI Park in the best shape possible. Minor premiers, injury-free and boasting a 10-1 win-loss record over their rivals, Grant says the Storm are perfectly positioned to chase their first title since 2020. The Roosters are also looking to return to the grand final after back-to- back trophies in 2018 and 2019.

The Storm are in peak physical and mental shape, with key players like Ryan Papenhuyzen back in the mix after missing last year's finals due to a fractured ankle. Young centre Jack Howarth has also emerged as a star for the team. The Roosters, who were defeated by the Storm in last year's semi-final, are looking to regain their momentum and challenge the Storm's reign.

Roosters Determined to Prove Themselves as Premiers

Trent Robinson, the Roosters' coach, has declared his team ready to prove themselves as premiership heavyweights, after facing criticism and being written off as title contenders. Robinson believes that the Roosters have been underestimated throughout the year, but they are determined to showcase their strength against the Storm in the preliminary final. The Roosters have shown resilience this season, recovering from the loss of key players like Sam Walker and Brandon Smith to ACL ruptures, and they are determined to finish the season on a high. Despite their recent struggles, the Roosters have a strong team with 12 players who have played State of Origin for a tier-one nation. The team's focus is on executing their game plan and proving their worth.

A Clash of Titans

This preliminary final matchup promises to be a clash of titans, with both the Storm and the Roosters determined to prove their dominance. The Storm have been consistently strong throughout the season, boasting a near-perfect record against their rivals, while the Roosters are on a mission to defy the odds and reclaim their place as a premiership force. This is a must-watch game for NRL fans, and it will be exciting to see which team emerges victorious and earns a spot in the Grand Final.