This could be an ugly way to kick off Super Saturday, with the Storm looking to kick into gear heading into the finals, whilst the Titans are counting down the days until the off-season. With revenge on their mind after a surprise 38-34 loss in round 3, the Titans could be on the end of a hiding here on Saturday afternoon.
Below, we will dissect the matchup and provide our best bet. Good luck to everyone following, and be sure to keep up to date with all of our NRL content, as we preview every single game all season long, for free!
NRL Round 26 Preview & Betting Tips
Melbourne Storm vs Gold Coast Titans
AAMI Park, Saturday 26th August, 3:00pm (AEST)
Last Week
The Storm managed the win but were far from convincing in their 38-28 victory over the lowly Dragons. After being down 18-4 around the half-hour mark, the Storm managed to run in 5 of the next 6 tries to get over the top of the home side. The Storm were solid, completing at 88%, whilst making just the 8 errors and conceding 4 penalties, however they wouldn’t have been overly impressed, particularly with their defence, conceding 28.
As for the Titans, they were comfortably beaten at home by the Panthers, going down 40-14. The Titans also completed at an 88% clip, and were probably better than the score line suggested, however with nothing left to play for they were found out at the back end of both halves. A big improvement needed here this weekend.
Match Preview
As mentioned, these sides clashed in round 3, where the Titans ran out surprising 38-34 winners at home. It was their first win over the Storm since round 10, 2017, and was surely more down to the poor performance from the Storm, who made a whopping 17 errors in the game.
This matchup opened Storm -16.5, and after the Titans’ huge loss to the Panthers, punters are lining up to bet the Storm, who now sit as 20.5-point favourites. I struggle to get to 20.5 points between these sides, with my fair Storm -17.5. However, this doesn’t make me want to rush to bet the Titans, who have been on the back of 3-straight double-digit losses.
As for the total it opened 49.5 and is still 49.5. My fair total is 47.5, and given both teams’ proclivity to play unders, I am a little interested. I have concerns, given the matchup in round 3 had 72 total points, however that game was a major anomaly when it comes to Storm matchups against lesser teams, where the Storm generally rack up points, but don’t allow their opponents many. I am a little concerned with the recent defensive performances of the Storm, however I believe Coach Craig Bellamy will want their defence rectified prior to next weekend’s pivotal clash with the Broncos.
I’m a little scared off with the Storm’s ability to cover this total by themselves, so low staking again here. Save some money for the finals.
Under 49.5 points
$1.95 (1.5 Units)
