The first NRL game on Friday night is arguably the best of the weekend with the Raiders hosting the Storm. Predicted to perform better than their current standing, these two sides are in unusual territory and are struggling for consistency. This match is a great opportunity to establish consistency, and it will ensure it brings the best out in both teams. This will be a blockbuster NRL game and Before You Bet is here with a comprehensive look at what is ahead.
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Raiders vs Storm Predictions & Tips: NRL Round 7 2026
Back to their best… just
The Raiders finally came away with another victory with a narrow 36-34 win over the Rabbitohs in Perth. In a thrilling contest, they almost let victory slip away which would’ve compounded their issues further. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case and their shortcomings in possession (48%) and completion rate (72%) were not exposed. Making 9.9m per carry helped their cause but only so much. They will always be vulnerable if they allow 9.7m per carry, 8 line breaks, and miss 33 tackles. These signs, while masked by a positive result, suggest that plenty of improvement is still needed from this club.
Uncharted territory with poor performances
The Storm had their season plunge further into chaos last week as they were defeated at home 38-14 by the Warriors. Rarely given a chance in the contest, the result left many puzzled, such is the rarity of this club losing 4 consecutive matches in poor circumstances. Trailing 18-14 at HT, they were blown away in the second half. This saw them finish with just 46% possession and unable to do anything with their 80% completion rate. They were limited to just 7.7m per carry, had just 3 line breaks, and made only 382 PCM’s while missing 35 tackles. This is alarming as it is new territory for this team, their ability to change their current standard of execution is unknown and this is arguably the toughest challenge this club has faced in recent years.
Stats that matter
- This is the first time the Raiders have played Melbourne in Canberra since Round 11, 2021. They have a 59% record here compared to the Storms strong 70% strike rate.
- The Storm may have an edge in scoring points in attack, but they have conceded far more than they have in previous years. They have 26ppg on both sides of the ball. The Raiders have their own issues to address, averaging only 19ppg in attack and 30ppg in defence.
- The average margin of victory in their past 5 matches is 14 points, but this is skewed by a 46-point victory to the Storm. The other 4 matches have been decided by 10 points or less. The average total points is also low, with 38.8 the total from the same number of games.
A nail bitter is ahead
This game promises to be an epic contest. There is minimal between either side and their form only clouds judgement further. Many are expecting the Storm to ‘snap out’ of their current run of poor form. The review of their performance above highlights that a lot needs to still change. The short turnaround for the Raiders, coupled with long trip back from Perth, has them heading into this contest as outsiders. That is surprising to say the least and these two sides should be even money. This is the way to invest on this contest. The previous history suggests a tight, low scoring contest too. If the Storm are to turnaround their form, it must begin with a strong defensive effort. The Raiders have hardly produced that this season, but they will be aware that this is their best chance of defeating the Storm. In terms of selecting a winner, side with the home team but there is minimal confidence given their defence this season.
Either team by 10.5 points or less
$1.90 (2 units)
Raiders vs Storm Same Game Multi
Leg 1 = Total points under 48.5 – see above for justification.
Leg 2 = Fa’alogo to score – despite not scoring last week, he has 6 tries in the previous 4 matches. Fa’alogo also scored in his last match against the Raiders in 2025.
Leg 3 = Weeks to score – at the back for Raiders, Weeks has been dominant. On top of scoring 2 tries in his past 2 matches against the Storm, he scored a double last week and 4 tries in his past 5 matches.
SGM Odds = $11.85 at Dabble
Raiders vs Storm Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Friday 17th April
Location: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Time: 6pm (AEST)
Odds: Raiders $2.10 vs Storm $1.75
Line: +1.5
Points: 48.5
Where to Watch Raiders vs Storm
Watch the Raiders vs Storm match live and ad free on Kayo Sports.
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