Brad Fittler expects the classy Storm halves to be the difference in a blockbuster clash with the Roosters tonight, describing Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes as "the best combination in the competition".
With Nathan Cleary sidelined for at least the next month, the Storm pairing now has a genuine claim on that title, as the Panthers go back to the drawing board with Jarome Luai and Matt Burton steering the ship.
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Roosters coach Trent Robinson earlier this week bristled at suggestions that his side wasn't up to it against the NRL's best teams, saying question marks that had arisen due to a poor recent record against premiership contenders "will drive us".
The Roosters have lost their last seven matches against top-five rivals, dating back to a Round 20 60-8 thumping at the hands of the Rabbitohs last season.
That recent rot has coincided with a shocking injury toll headlined by the forced retirements of co-captains Boyd Cordner and Jake Friend and two-time premiership winner Brett Morris.
It's left them stripped of their experienced core, giving the likes of young halves Sam Walker and Lachlan Lam a huge job to do to steer their side around against the NRL's top contenders.
"It's a big test for the halves," Fittler told Andrew Johns on Wide World of Sports' Freddy & Joey's Tips.
"Sam Walker's had a couple of weeks off, which he's needed. Lachy Lam, together, they're up against Munster and Hughes who have just about been the best combination in the competition.
"I think outside those halves the Roosters still hold a really strong team, their bench is a little bit inexperienced. But huge test and I feel like Melbourne will be too good."
Brad Fittler: Storm, Dragons, Eels, Sea Eagles, Raiders, Knights, Sharks, Rabbitohs
Andrew Johns: Storm, Warriors, Eels, Sea Eagles, Raiders, Knights, Sharks, Rabbitohs
Paul Gallen: Storm, Warriors, Panthers, Sea Eagles, Raiders, Knights, Sharks, Rabbitohs
Peter Sterling: Storm, Warriors, Eels, Sea Eagles, Raiders, Cowboys, Sharks, Rabbitohs
Ruan Sims: Storm, Dragons, Panthers, Sea Eagles, Raiders, Cowboys, Sharks, Rabbitohs
Mat Thompson: Storm, Warriors, Panthers, Sea Eagles, Raiders, Knights, Sharks, Rabbitohs
Peter Psaltis: Storm, Dragons, Panthers, Sea Eagles, Raiders, Cowboys, Broncos, Rabbitohs
James Bracey: Storm, Warriors, Eels, Sea Eagles, Raiders, Knights, Sharks, Rabbitohs
The Mole: Storm, Warriors, Panthers, Sea Eagles, Raiders, Knights, Rabbitohs, Sharks
Tim Elbra: Storm, Warriors, Eels, Sea Eagles, Raiders, Knights, Sharks, Rabbitohs
Ben Glover: Storm, Warriors, Panthers, Sea Eagles, Raiders, Knights, Sharks, Rabbitohs
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