Just 8 teams remain as the NRL heads into Week 1 of the Finals. After a long and arduous campaign, the teams will now prepare themselves for an intense 4 weeks which could offer them their ultimate shot at glory. The opening game of the weekend heads to Melbourne for a Top 4 clash between the Storm and Bulldogs. Both teams will be egger to strike an early blow on a competent opponent, and the stage is set for an exhilarating contest. Before You Bet is here to take a comprehensive look at the action ahead with the aim of finding a winner or two to add to your viewing enjoyment.
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Storm vs Bulldogs Prediction & Betting Tips: NRL Qualifying Final
Storm Searching for form
Despite finishing 2nd on the ladder and having the largest positive points difference in the competition, two recent 13+ losses have hurt the Storm. Their most recent 30-14 defeat by the Broncos on the road set alarm bells ringing. It came at a cost too with Hughes injured in his first game back from a different injury. With a greater share of possession (52%), they completed at just 71% and made just 8.5m per carry, failing to turn this into points (or positive momentum) throughout the contest. Some efforts left many wondering if the Storm are capable enough of turning such a performance around to succeed in the Finals.
Bulldogs Limping towards the Finals
Much like their opponents, the Bulldogs are struggling for form ahead of the Finals. They have won just 1 of their past 4 matches against an understrength Panthers team. Their most recent 24-6 loss to the Sharks was disappointing to say the least as they were void of any solutions to their opponent’s rigid defence. Kept scoreless in the first half, they managed just one try for the match. Having just 45% possession hurt their cause, as did making just 8.5m per carry. The defensive concerns are far greater though; they missed 37 tackles in that match. A quick fix to their problems on both sides of the ball is also needed.
Stats that matter
- 4 of the past 5 games have been decided by 14 points or less, however, the average for the past 5 games is 15.6 points. The Round 20 match this season was won 20-14 by the Storm.
- The Storm have the superior attack (27ppg) compared to the Bulldogs this season (22pg) but this game could be won on defence. Here, the Bulldogs are far stronger, allowing just 17ppg compared to the Storms 19ppg.
- The Storm are known for performing well at home, winning 76% of matches here. It isn’t a happy place for the Bulldogs either, they have won just 33% of matches here in 12 attempts.
Take them on trust
There is something special about the Bulldogs this season and the more pundits that appear to doubt them, the greater the chance that they can progress deep into the Finals. It would take a brave person to invest on them this week though, especially against the Storm in Melbourne. A challenging place to travel to and win at the best of times, a hostile environment is expected again. The Bulldogs will be relying heavily on their defence to make them competitive in this match, if they will find it challenging to score points though. This is exactly the type of game where Melbourne excel in. They grind teams down and strike when they least expect it. The Bulldogs, while likely to have their positives in 2025, still appear a year off having a complete team to mix it with others in the Top 4. The loss of Xerri only compounds their issues and indicates that the Storm should win this match by more than a converted try.
Storm -5.5
$1.90 (2 units)
Storm vs Bulldogs Same Game Multi
Leg 1 = Total points under 40.5 – the average total points in their past 5 matches is 36.4 and given their defensive records this season, another low scoring match is expected.
Leg 2 = Coates to score – Despite being held to 0 in their last meeting, he has scored 6 tries in the past 5 matches against the Bulldogs. Forget the fact that he didn’t score last week either, you cannot keep this guy quiet for too long.
Leg 3 = Grant to score – he has been dynamic of late for the Storm and will again want to take full responsibility for this result. Never needing more than half a chance, watch for Grant to take any opportunity which comes his way from anywhere on the field.
Same Game Multi Odds = $13 at Dabble
Storm vs Bulldogs Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Friday 12th September
Location: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Time: 7:50pm (AEST)
Odds: Storm $1.50 vs Bulldogs $2.60
Line: -5.5
Points: 38.5
Where to Watch Storm vs Bulldogs
Watch the Storm vs Bulldogs match on Channel 9 or live and ad free on Kayo Sports.
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