The second NRL game on Friday night will remain in Queensland as the Broncos host the Storm. In yet another Top 8/Finals preview, the 4th placed Storm will want to make a statement against the 6th placed Broncos. The teams are only separated by 2-points on the ladder and the Storm will want to consolidate their standing in the Top 4; history shows just how important this is to the title hopes of any team. As always, stay tuned to Before You Bet all weekend for our NRL tips from every match of the round!
Brisbane Broncos vs Melbourne Storm Betting Tips
Suncorp Stadium, Friday 19th August, 7:55pm (AEST)
Squads
Brisbane Broncos
1. Te Maire Martin 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Delouise Hoeter 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington Interchange: 14. Jake Turpin 15. Rhys Kennedy 16. Corey Jensen 17. Ryan James 18. Jordan Pereira
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. Tom Eisenhuth 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Josh King Interchange: 14. Brandon Smith 15. Tui Kamikamica 16. Chris Lewis 17. Tyran Wishart 18. Alec MacDonald
Match Preview
The Broncos made the most of opportune timing in facing the Knights last week, defeating them 28-10. It was a much-needed victory as they were on a 2-game losing streak and close to losing the opportunity at a Week 1 home ground advantage in the Finals. It is still a possibility, so there is everything to play for here.
The Storm were in a similar situation to their opponents, winning just 2 of their past 6 matches. As outsiders against the (weaker) Panthers outfit, they displayed and impressive performance to prevail 16-nil. They will take plenty of confidence away from their defensive structure and the improvement it showed. For now, they also remain inside the (all important) Top 4.
The Storm are favourites for this match ($2.50 vs $1.54), with many believing the Broncos are still short a middle forward who can offer impact. Carrigan is a massive loss and while successful last week, the Storm will offer a new test in this area. Munster will likely shift to fullback again and the power this team generates in the middle is difficult for any side to handle. Don’t be surprised though if an improved Broncos team shows up, keeping this competitive for 80 minutes and narrowing the margin of victory.
Props: Storm 7-12 & Coates to score @ $8.50 – 0.5 units
Hughes & Olam to score @ $7.50 – 0.5 units
Melbourne Storm 1-12
$2.80 (2 Units)
