After a profitable weekend for the tipsters at Before You Bet on the NRL, the aim will be to keep the bank balance growing. The second match on Friday night provides a great opportunity also, with the Storm back in Melbourne and hosting a Broncos team on a 7-game winning streak.
The competitive edge has been taken off this game though, with several of the key players for the Broncos absent through injury. Nevertheless, they will be out to prove a point against a Storm team that is quietly going about their business and taking any challenge which comes their way in their stride.
Storm vs Broncos Betting Tips
AAMI Park, Friday 17th June, 7:55pm (EST)
Squads
Melbourne Storm
1. Nick Meaney 2. Dean Ieremia 3. Marion Seve 4. Justin Olam 5. Grant Anderson 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Harry Grant 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Josh King Interchange: 14. Brandon Smith 15. Tui Kamikamica 16. Trent Loiero 17. Chris Lewis 18. Jayden Nikorima
Brisbane Broncos
1. Te Maire Martin 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Brenko Lee 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Tyrone Roberts 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan Interchange: 14. Jake Turpin 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Thomas Flegler 17. Keenan Palasia 18. Jordan Pereira
Match Preview
It was business as usual last week for the Storm as they prevailed 26-18 over the Roosters on the road. Missing players and having others returning from Origin, the Storm never panicked when they were trailing by 2-points (18-16) with 20 minutes remaining. Rather, they relied on their class, and it counted when it mattered most. It further demonstrates the quality of this team (and organisation); they are only going to get stronger as players return from injury also.
The Broncos were also victorious and shocked many with their courage and determination to overcome numerous setbacks in 80 minutes. Losing several key players and already without some on the field, the Broncos demonstrated maturity which had previously abandoned them. Most impressive in their 24-18 victory was their defence, keeping their opponents scoreless in the second half was crucial to deciding the result. Furthermore, their high completion rate allowed the Raiders minimal time with the ball.
If both teams were at full-strength for this match, the Storm would still be favourites, but the odds would be far closer than they are now ($1.16 v $5.20). The Broncos will be without Reynolds & Farnworth, with Haas an injury concern and Tyrone Roberts lining up at halfback. The trip south to Melbourne only increases the difficulty of winning.
The loss of Reynolds impacts their kicking game, and the inexperienced halves are sure to face plenty of pressure. The Broncos are expected to put a fight up early, but the quality of the Storm will eventually become too much. It could all unravel quite quickly if the Broncos are not careful, with the main concern being their ability to build pressure in attack and score points.
Prop Bets:
Storm -15.5/Under 42.5 ($4.20)
Olam, Hughes & Grant Try Scorers ($15)
Storm -15.5
$1.90 (3 Units)
