The second match heads down to Melbourne and with no AFL action this weekend, all attention will be on the NRL. This betting preview will aim to find you a winner in the Top 8 battle between the Storm and the Roosters.
Melbourne Storm vs Sydney Roosters Betting Tips
AAMI Park, Friday 26th August, 7:55pm (AEST)
Both teams were at their dominating best last week, scoring over 60 points and handing little opportunity for success to their opponents. The Storm made a statement as they travelled to Brisbane and left with a 60-12 victory against a fellow Top 8 team. The nature of the victory was reflected in the score, with the Storm dominating possession (63%), having a high completion rate (84%), missing just 24 tackles and making only 8 errors. They also averaged 10.5m per carry and managed 12 offloads; the second-phase play killed the Broncos. The victory was also a sign that this team is returning to form at the right time. They will still have their challenges but are heading in the right direction. The same can be said for the Roosters, who extend their winning streak to 6-matches with a 72-6 win over the Tigers. Compared to the Storm, the Roosters were facing a weaker opponent and were always expected to dominate; however, the execution in this performance was most impressive. It took 20 minutes or so for the Roosters to break down the Tigers too but once they gained enough momentum, their opponents were powerless to stop them. Much like the Storm, the Roosters dominated key areas with 61% possession, a higher completion rate (73% vs 63%), an average of 10.2m per carry while only missing 20 tackles. Their error rate was the same as the Tigers (13) but that matters little when you are scoring freely; the confidence in their attack to take an opportunity will lead to some errors. Importantly, the win moved them to 6th on the ladder, a position they will not want to lose with just 2 weeks remaining.
Squads
Melbourne Storm
1. Nick Meaney 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Young Tonumaipea 4. Justin Olam 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Harry Grant 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Brandon Smith Interchange: 14. Chris Lewis 15. Tui Kamikamica 16. Tom Eisenhuth 17. Josh King 18. Alec MacDonald
Sydney Roosters
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Paul Momirovski 4. Joseph Manu 5. Joseph Suaalii 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Sam Verrills 10. Matthew Lodge 11. Angus Crichton 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley Interchange: 14. Connor Watson 15. Egan Butcher 16. Lindsay Collins 17. SioSiua Taukeiaho 18. Drew Hutchinson
Match Prediction
It is amazing to see such a discrepancy in the odds for this match. The Storm are favourites ($1.58 vs $2.40) but it should be far closer. Despite not facing a quality Top 8 opponent on the road since the Panthers in Round 16, the Roosters have been performing well in their matches. The recent additions to their forward pack (both purchases and players returning from injury) has strengthened them in the middle. The recent performances of the Storm have been improved but they still have a way to go; they are vulnerable in certain areas and are not the same team of previous years. It takes a brave person to knock them, especially at home where they have a 75% winning record compared to the Roosters 33%; this isn’t to suggest they cannot win, rather, the match will be far closer than the odds are suggesting.
It is two weeks out from the Finals and each team is still yet to cement their spot on the ladder. History shows that the Storm will want/need a Top 4 spot, while the Roosters could still miss the Finals (highly unlikely). The word ‘finals’ is the key; usually in this situation, teams increase the intensity and want to make a statement. This game should be no different and each team will be aiming for a strong defensive display. This should keep the scores close, with an intense, grinding contest expected.
Props: Total Points Under 45.5 @ $1.90 TAB – 1.5 Units
Olam & Suaalii to Score @ $5 Ladbrokes – 1 Unit
Either Team By 8.5 Points or Less
$2.10 (2.5 Units)
