Round 16

The Sea Eagles sit one game outside the eight and need to gain some momentum if they are to play finals but old rivals Melbourne arrive at 4 Pines Park on a three-game winning streak and looking ominious.

The X-factor in this clash is the availability of a host of Origin stars - Jake Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans for the home side and Cameron Munster, Felise Kaufusi and Harry Grant for the Storm.

In his place for tomorrow’s round 16 clash against Northern Pride in Cairns, coach Michael Marum has named 20-year-old Muka Peter Kulu in the starting line-up.

Kulu made his debut off the bench as Hunter #53 last Saturday.

Captain Ase Boas returns to his five eighth role while Wartovo Puara Jnr moves back to hooker.

Marum said Enock Maki has been ruled out with an ankle injury while David Loko has been omitted.

Ismael Balkawa and Noel Joel have been released to their clubs.

The Lae Tigers continue to hold top spot on the point’s ladder but only by a narrow point.

The same can be said for teams sitting second, third and fourth.

There could be a change in the top five this weekend in the race to the finals.

At 2pm, the Hela Wigmen (5^th) takes on Agmark Gurias (4^th) up in Mendi.

Also at 2pm is the showdown between last placed Gulf Isapea and Waghi Tumbe in Minj.