Round 24 of the 2024 NRL Season continues on Saturday afternoon at AAMI Park in Melbourne when the Storm host the Redcliffe Dolphins in a game where the stakes are very important for both sides, namely the Dolphins who are desperate to win in order to remain in the top eight race. Adam Page has a full betting preview for the clash!
NRL Round 25 Preview & Betting Tips
Melbourne Storm vs Redcliffe Dolphins
AAMI Park, Saturday 24th August, 5:30pm (AEST)
It really has been a remarkable season by Melbourne and they are likely to claim another minor premiership. The system that Craig Bellamy has in place is the best of any sporting team in Australia and one of the best in the world when it comes to sustained success. Super win against Penrith last week in what I think was a Grand Final Preview, though they were helped by dubious calls and the loss of Nathan Cleary for the Panthers. That game was brutal so the extra time off will help their cause, as well as playing at home, and I love Tyrone Wishart named in the starting team, even if it is on the wing.
Redcliffe looked destined for Finals footy a couple of months ago but their form has been very patch since and are now in must win territory to stay in the Finals race. I didn't think they were too bad against Canterbury last week in Bundaberg but in the end, it was just class that was the difference. That game was played in pretty hot weather so how will they have recovered will be interesting and they are a side that are happy to throw the ball around, which could prove to be something of a challenge for the Melbourne defensive line.
Match Prediction: Huge game for the Dolphins given a loss and their Finals hopes are all but done. They just lacked quality and the ticker to go with Canterbury last week and similar to the Dogs, the question mark of fatigue is genuine. Melbourne are #1 seeds at the moment for the title and just continue to get the job done.
Storm -15.5
$1.90 (1 Unit)
Same Game Multi
Melbourne Head2Head: As stated above, I do think they win and win well. No spoils with the price but they should be winning.
Tyrone Wishart 1+ Tries: He's been one of the finds of 2024 and should be a first grader every week, not just a back up. He is on the wing for this game but I suspect will be given the green light to roam, especially in the middle.
Ryan Papenhuyzen 1+ Tries: He's a gun at being there for support when a break is made, as all good fullbacks should be. His recent form, especially attacking, has been quite good. Confident he'll score a try.
SGM Odds: $2.90 at BoomBet
