Live stream: Edmonton Storm face Atherton Roosters in massive FNQ Rugby League final round clash

Flying high a little over two months ago, Edmonton Storm have now missed out on a FNQ Rugby League finals spot after a tight final round loss to Atherton Roosters. Catch up on the REPLAYS.

For over 60 minutes Edmonton Storm looked a big chance of breaking their run of outs and reaching the FNQ Rugby League finals.

Sitting seventh on the table after failing to win a game for over two months, Edmonton needed to beat Atherton to stand any hope of climbing into the top six.

And they had their noses in front for much of this game, bravely repelling the home side’s repeated attacking raids.

Then, with 20 minutes to go, a converted try from halfback Aiden Carson set them back and forced them into playing catch up.

They got close to hitting back a few times, but the Roosters held strong in defence and eventually put their opponents away when fullback Jayden Connors scored to give them a 30-22 victory.

The win ensures Atherton hold on to fifth place.

REPLAYS

Atherton v Edmonton - FNQRL Round 18 (A-grade)

Atherton v Edmonton - FNQRL Round 18 (Reserves)

The Reserves game between Edmonton Storm and Atherton Roosters was abandoned after 17 minutes due to a significant injury.

Atherton v Edmonton - FNQRL Round 18 (U19)

PREVIEW

Edmonton Storm have bowed out couldn’t arrest their al;arming form slide Edmonton Storm coach Mark Volpe insists his side can snap their six-game losing streak and save their season, having come perilously close to fumbling a shot at a breakthrough finals campaign.

It has been 12 long years since the Storm contested the Far North Queensland Rugby League post-season, but six weeks of near-misses has left the club in a desperate position in the final round of the regular season.

Edmonton travels to Mungalli Creek Dairy Stadium to face the Atherton Roosters on Sunday.

Catch the U19, Reserves and A-Grade games LIVE and EXCLUSIVE from midday. Check the full LIVE STREAM schedule below.

It has been more than two months since the Storm last won a game, but a bye round refresher has left Volpe confident his charges will be ready for their sneak preview of sudden death football.

“Our prep has been good. We’ve had a good couple of weeks. It’s good having a bye; the boys are fresh and ready to go,” the Storm mentor said.

“It’s been 12 years since we’ve been in finals and we seem to be doing it the hard way (getting back).

“We’ve had guys away for work, some injuries, and versing the top teams – Brothers, ‘Roos, Ivanhoes and Atherton.

“It’s been tough finding form against the top guys, but we’re looking to turn it around this week, otherwise our season is over.

“It’s not that we’ve been playing bad footy. We’re in the contest, just the results aren’t there, but we prepped the boys well last night and hopefully we get the win.”

Interchange forward Travis Harrison and assistant coach Brian Paul are the final remaining members of the 2012 Storm team that reached the major semi-final against Brothers.

Storm veteran Travis Harrison is the last member of 2012 team.

Taking Harrison and Paul back to the finals again is a motivating factor that will bring the best out of the teams’ current leaders, Ian Bounghi and Gideon Gela-Mosby.

“Travis is a veteran in our team who is the last member of the 2012 team,” Volpe said.

“Guys will 100 per cent lift to get him back. I’m fairly confident our captain, Ian Bounghi, and Gideon Gela-Mosby will lead the boys out there. I’ve leaned on them the last few weeks to turn it around for us.

“Playing the full 80 minutes will be the key. We have to play the full game not just 40 minutes because to Atherton’s credit, they’re a good side to play against.”

Originally published as Live stream: Edmonton Storm face Atherton Roosters in massive FNQ Rugby League final round clash