Melbourne have rattled off five wins on the bounce in response to a disappointing loss to Manly on home soil in Round 20.
The Storm have had to do without the likes of Ryan Papenhuyzen and Jahrome Hughes during this winning streak and will now have to manage without their captain, Harry Grant, after he was suspended this week.
In Craig Bellamy's 600th game as a senior coach, can the premiership heavyweights make a statement against the Sydney Roosters despite resting a host of their stars?
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Melbourne Storm NRL game this week
The Storm will take on the Chooks at AAMI Park on Friday, August 29 at 8:00 pm (AEST).
Storm confirmed team list for Round 26
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen
2. Kane Bradley
3. Marion Seve
4. Grant Anderson
20. Will Warbrick
6. Cameron Munster
7. Tyran Wishart
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Bronson Garlick
17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
11. Shawn Blore
12. Joe Chan
13. Trent Loiero
10. Alec MacDonald
14. Jonah Pezet
15. Ativalu Lisati
16. Lazarus Vaalepu
5. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown
Storm latest team news:
Craig Bellamy has followed the same avenue of thinking as his counterpart Ivan Cleary by resting his stars. However, he hasn't quite done it to the same extent as the Penrith boss.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, Cameron Munster and Tyran Wishart have all been named to start in the spine.
Kane Bradley and Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown have been listed on the wings, with Xavier Coates handed a rest.
Grant Anderson has moved into the centres along with Marion Seve as Nick Meaney has also been left out. Jack Howarth remains sidelined due to a groin issue.
The Storm copped a major blow in their win over Canterbury, with skipper Harry Grant hit with a two-game ban for a shoulder charge. Bronson Garlick has been handed the No.9 jersey in his absence.
Alec MacDonald will start up front after Josh King was left out of the game, while Shawn Blore has returned from an ankle complaint to take his place in the backrow.
Joe Chan, who covered for Blore last week, has swapped sides and will cover for Eli Katoa in this one.
Tui Kamikamica suffered a concussion last week and has been replaced on the bench by Lazarus Vaalepu.
Meanwhile, Nelson Asofa-Solomona has been chipping away in reserve grade for the past few weeks and has been included in the 17.
Will Warbrick finally returned to the field last week after a long-term absence due to concussion issues. The winger has been included in the extended squad, while Sua Fa'alogo has also been included as he seeks to return from a hamstring injury.
Jahrome Hughes is nearing a return from a shoulder injury and has been tipped for a potential comeback in Round 27.
UPDATE:
Warbrick will make his first appearance after an extended layoff and takes over from Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown.
Meanwhile, NAS has been promoted into the starting side up front, replacing MacDonald.