Whilst we’re a long way removed from the ‘Battle of Brookie’, these teams are inextricably linked due to their rivalry of the early 2000’s. It doesn’t seem to matter where both teams sit on the ladder, they are both always up for this game.
Below, we will dissect the matchup, supply our Best Bet, and suggest a Same Game Multi. Be sure to head over to our NRL Tips page regularly, as we preview every single game all season long, for free!
Also, if you’re new to sports betting or betting on the NRL, check out the following articles to help build your knowledge:
- Guide to Betting on the NRL
- Where to Bet on the NRL
- Factors to Consider When Betting on the NRL
2024 NRL Round 12 Preview & Betting Tips
Manly Sea Eagles vs Melbourne Storm
4 Pines Park, Friday 24th May, 8:00pm (AEST)
Last Week
The Sea Eagles were unfortunate to lose last week to the Broncos, going down 13-12 after a rough penalty late put the Broncos in field goal range. It was a gritty performance from the Sea Eagles, who many have predicted to fall off a cliff with no Tom Trbojevic. It was made even more gritty by the fact they went down 12-0 after just 13 minutes. They bounced back nicely to start the second half, scoring two unanswered tries in the first 30 minutes to lock the scores at 12-apiece. There were some huge performances by their backs, with Tommy Talau (254), Tolutau Koula (253), Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega (215), and Reuben Garrick (212) all running for over 200 metres.
As for the Storm, they had a much easier time of things last week, as they put the Eels to the sword, running out 48-16 winners. The biggest news coming from the game, however, was bad news for the Storm, with Cam Munster set to miss two months with a groin strain. Harry Grant was back to his scheming best last week, scoring two tries, whilst grabbing a line-break, try assist, and line-break assist. It was a solid all-round performance from the Storm, with everyone doing their job in an easy win over a poor Eels outfit.
Match Preview
The Sea Eagles and Storm met twice last season, with the teams sharing the spoils. In round 7, the Sea Eagles won at home 18-8 as 4.5-point home underdogs. It was an odd game, but the Sea Eagles showed great resolve to get the win over the Storm. In round 17, the Storm got their revenge at home, running out 24-6 winners as 10.5-point favourites. So, both home teams won and covered, whilst the under hit in both games.
As for this week, the Storm opened 9.5-point favourites prior to last weekend’s results, however after the loss of Munster re-opened as just 4.5-point favourites. Despite the talk of Jahrome Hughes making a comeback, money has continued coming in on the Sea Eagles, as they now sit as just 2.5-point underdogs. A lot will depend on whether Hughes plays here, but we’ve got to handicap this like he will play, until we hear otherwise.
The total opened 43.5 prior to last weekend’s games, before re-opening at the same number on Monday. It appears the market is moving towards pushing the total up, with some 44.5’s now showing. I agree with the move and make a fair total 45.5. Not a great deal of value here.
The Storm are in far better form, and with Jahrome Hughes back steering the ship and Harry Grant in his best form of the season, I like the Storm to get the job done here. If Hughes plays, I make the Storm -5.5, so see solid value here in the Storm -2.5. With doubt around their halfback though, this will be a smaller play.
Storm -2.5
$2.00 (1 Unit)
Same Game Multi
X Coates (1+ try) – Coates has 7 tries in 8 games this season, and has a great record against the Sea Eagles, who are conceding a massive amount of tries on their edges.
H Olakau’atu (1+ try) – Last chance to solidify his place in the Origin team, the damaging backrower is on of the best hole runners in the competition.
Either team (1-12) margin – There’s a chance the Storm could run away with this one, but I like the Sea Eagles to keep this close at home.
SGM Odds: $9.46 at Neds
