The second NRL game on Sunday afternoon sees the Storm playing the Eels. With 6 other matches over the weekend prior to this fixture, many will be hoping that the condition of the field is good enough to allow this match to be an exciting contest. If they are, anything could happen. Before You Bet is here to breakdown the action ahead and assist with finding you a winner to add to your viewing enjoyment.
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
NRL Round 11 Preview & Betting Tips
Melbourne Storm vs Parramatta Eels
Suncorp Stadium – Sunday 19th May – 4:05pm (AEST)
Match Preview
The Storm were missing key players but were still competitive in their 25-18 loss to the Sharks in Melbourne. Heading into the game as favourites, they were expected to perform well on the back of a strong record at home. The withdrawal of Hynes prior to KO also made momentum swing in their direction before play had begun. A tight first half saw teams head into the break locked at 12-all, with the home side also overcoming the setback of a controversial sinbin to Harry Grant. The second half was a similar affair, with the Sharks taking their chances and prevailing. The Storm were disciplined with the ball (82% completion rate) but unusually ineffective carrying it, averaging just 7.9m per carry; they managed to make slightly more pcm’s. Defence was an issue (35 missed tackles) and this is an area they must improve upon ahead of this match.
The Eels headed into their game against the Broncos as outsiders in front of their home fans and tried hard in the first half to keep things tight. Still, they found themselves trailing 18-8 at HT and were pressured into chasing points as opposed to being given the opportunity to build pressure. It was always going to be a challenge without Moses and Gutherson but their youngsters are up for the challenge. Eventually though, their 62% completion rate and 37 missed tackles meant they were giving their opponents too many opportunities to score points. They will take confidence away from the fact that they made more metres and the same amount of line breaks, but they need to turn these areas into points should they wish to be successful.
Match Prediction
The Storm are overwhelming favourites for this game ($1.28 vs $3.70) and rightly so given the recent performances of each team. They are boosted by the return of Coates on the wing, while on the other side, the Eels are still waiting for their playmaker, Moses, to return. They have been getting closer to a win but are still not executing for 80 minutes. While this could be the week they achieve it, their effort would need to be near perfect to cause an upset. They have been conceding far too many points this year (26ppg vs Storm 18ppg) while failing to generate enough momentum in attack (19ppg vs Storm 23ppg) to build pressure on opponents.
Overlooking the fact that the Eels have won 4 of the past 6 against the Storm, the ‘home’ team should be too strong. The trip north to Suncorp should be no issue either, as they have a 76% winning record there (Eels 48%). The line has been carefully set at 11.5 points; the average winning margin in their past 5 match is 11.6 points and there is every indication that the Storm can cover this. Grant and Munster are combining well presently and will generate plenty of attacking opportunities that they can turn into points. The Eels will have their moments, but the Storm should prevail in this contest.
Storm -11.5
$1.90 (2.5 Units)
Same Game Multi
The average total points in the past 5 matches is 42ppg; the last time these two sides met the total was 62 and it has been kept lower due to some great battles. This game has a vastly different complexion to previous matches. Coates returns this week and will want to build on his try scoring tally. He is sits second overall for the Storm. Grant will take his opportunities close to the line and despite only crossing once this season, he will look to take his chance when provided.
Total Points Over 45.5
Coates to Score
Grant to Score
SGM Odds: $10 at Ladbrokes (0.5 Units)
