The opening game of NRL Round 21 begins in Sydney with the Roosters hosting the Storm. 4 wins separates these sides on the competition ladder, with the hosts desperate for a victory to push their case for a spot in the Top 8. The Storm are a chance of winning the Minor Premiership and will be motivated towards that achievement. It ensures an exciting contest ahead and a must watch on Thursday night.
Roosters vs Storm Predictions & Tips: NRL Round 21
Inconsistent at best
The Roosters have looked both capable of pushing for the Top 8 and unworthy of a spot in the Finals this season and unfortunately for them last week, it was the latter which was on show. Confident and close in betting markets, they were no match for the Sharks who defeated them 31-18. With just a 45% share of possession and a horror 65% completion rate, they were always going to struggle. Such was the difference, they allowed 6 line breaks and missed 40 tackles, while only having 1 line break of their own. They need their premier playmakers back and firing to assist their attack also.
A rare performance
The Storm were upset at home last week 18-16 by the Sea Eagles in controversial circumstances. The decision aside, the Storm were poor compared to what they are capable of and didn’t deserve victory. With just 47% possession and a 67% completion rate, they were always going to struggle. Despite averaging 9.5m per carry and missing just 15 tackles, they were unable to capitalise on the pressure built as mistakes often plagued their momentum. There is no doubt that this will be a rare performance for them moving forward.
Stats that matter
The Storm have won 11 of the past 12 matches between these two sides. The average margin in the past 5 matches is 14.2 points, with 3 victories of 14 points or more.
The Roosters have an edge at home, winning 63% of matches compared to the Storms 44%.
The Storm are superior on both sides of the ball. They score 31ppg and concede 18ppg, well ahead of the Roosters 24ppg on both sides of the ball.
The greater depth wins this game
Both teams are missing key players for this clash. The Roosters are outsiders for this game but the quality of absent players for the visitors should have these two sides closer in betting markets. Then again, the Storm have continually optimised the ‘next man up’ mentality that underpins the best teams in the NRL. This is why they are favourites. They are deserving of this. As capable of the Roosters are to perform well in a big game, greater consistency is needed from them before they can be invested on with confidence in a game of this standing. While they are likely to push the Storm to produce something special to defeat them, their defensive statistics mean that they will offer their share of opportunities also. The visitors will only need a few chances to seal this game. Despite the history, this game looks set to be a tight contest with the Storm prevailing by fewer than 2 converted tries.
Storm 1-12
$2.85 (1 unit)
Roosters vs Storm Same Game Multi
Leg 1 = Storm -4.5 – a safer option to add value to your SGM.
Leg 2 = Coates to score – He has scored 8 tries in his past 5 games against the Roosters and leads his team for the season with 13 tries. Expect him to be a danger again on the edge for the Storm.
Leg 3 = Hughes to score – scoring 6 tries already this season, Hughes has proven dangerous both close to the line, ball playing and looming in support. He also scored a hattrick of tries the last time these two sides met and has scored in 3 of the past 5 games against the Roosters.
Roosters vs Storm Betting Odds & Match Info
Location: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Odds: Roosters $2.45 vs Storm $2.55
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Where to Watch Roosters vs Storm
Watch the Roosters vs Storm match live on Channel 9 as well as ad free on Kayo Sports.
Tail our Roosters vs Storm Tips at Ladbrokes!
