Round 22 of the 2024 NRL Season continues on Saturday night at AAMI Park in Melbourne when the Storm play host to the St George Illawarra Dragons. The Storm are flying at the top of the table and will look to maintain their position, while the Dragons are in a fight to stay in the top eight race after a thumping last week.
Given the current form of both teams, it should be an intriguing match and we have you covered with a full betting preview for free below.
2024 NRL Round 22 Preview & Betting Tips
Melbourne Storm vs St George Illawarra Dragons
AAMI Park, Saturday 3rd August, 5:30pm (AEST)
The form of the Melbourne Storm is quite incredible really. All the injuries they have had this season yet they remain comfortably clear at the top of the competition and with Cameron Munster second up from an injury break, you'd think he will be better after last week and that just further adds to their depth, which at the start of 2024 looked thin, but once again, Craig Bellamy has done it again and got this squad absolutely humming towards a premiership tilt. Whether they have gears to beat Penrith, not sure, but they have enough in the locker to do a number on the Dragons.
Shane Flanagan has done an awesome job getting the Dragons to where they are this year after how bad they were 12 months ago. That said, I thought they gave back credits last week with a really poor showing against Penrith, but that said, they aren't the first team and won't be the last team to be made to look ordinary by the Panthers. The thing going for them is that this year, when they have been belted, they usually come out the next week and put in a good showing, but up against the most consistent team of 2024, the task is difficult.
Match Prediction: This could be a case of how far when it comes to the Melbourne Storm. They are clear at the top of the table and their 2024 has been quite extraordinary given the injuries they have had. Munster returned last week and was solid enough. He'll be better for the run and at home against a side down on confidence, this could be a complete gap job. But, the Dragons have been quite good this year when bouncing back after a big loss. That said, I can't see them beating Melbourne.
Storm 13+
$1.40 (3 Units)
Same Game Multi
Storm -18.5: As stated above, I do think the Storm are going to win quite comfortably and I am confident they can cover the line.
Will Warbrick 1+ Tries: He's been a revelation since coming from the Rugby 7's for New Zealand and has really stepped up in the absence of Xavier Coates. Confident he finds the line.
Ryan Papenhuyzen 1+ Tries: The Dragons middles can get tired very quickly and with that, Papenhuyzen will get his chance to sniff a gap with a line break and be there to get a try.
SGM Odds: $3.50 at BoomBet