Sunday NRL action heads down to Melbourne for the first game this week with the Storm hosting the Raiders. With both teams entrenched in the Top 8, this game looks to be a preview of what is ahead in the NRL Finals. While not guaranteed a spot, each team will want to perform well and capture victory.
With the action expected to be exhilarating, BeforeYouBet is here to take a comprehensive look at the action with the hope of finding you a winner to close out a weekend of sporting action from Australia and around the globe.
NRL Round 24 Preview & Betting Tips
Melbourne Storm vs Canberra Raiders
AAMI Park, Sunday 13th August, 2pm (AEST)
Match Preview
The Storm were outclassed by the Panthers last week, defeated 26-6 in a tough match. Unable to halt their opponents scoring and momentum, they also only managed just 1 try of their own. Their shortcomings were highlighted by a lack of possession (44%), inferior completion rate (71%), 502m less in attack and missing more tackles. Their side was weakened with key players omitted prior to kick off but a better effort was still expected.
Returning home against the Raiders will pose a new set of challenges for the Storm. Their opponents were victorious at home last week against the Tigers, albeit, in a close affair. They were made to work for their 22-18 victory against a vastly inferior opponent, but the Raiders were their own worst enemy. Completing at just 65%, they made fewer metres and 14 total errors. Other areas (8 line breaks & 48 tackle breaks) suggest that the margin of victory should’ve been higher. The fact that they were unable to dramatically improve on their points total (currently -56) may come back to hurt them in the long run.
Verdict
The Storm are strong favourites for this game ($1.27 vs $3.80) with the returning calvary of Hughes, Coates and Smith all expected to feature. The Raiders lose Kris but have the benefit of a positive record at this ground, winning 8/13 games at 62% (Storm 75%); the Raiders have won the past 5 out of 7 here. Despite this, the Storm have won the past 5 out of 7 against the Raiders and season statistics suggest they have an edge here too. The Storm average 23ppg compared with the Raiders 21ppg; the major difference comes in defence, averaging 19ppg compared to the Raiders 24ppg. It is no secret that the Raiders leak points and have a poor points difference. They do have an uncanny knack of dragging teams down to their level though.
The Storm are not the polished team of previous seasons and can be vulnerable. While they are the preferred option, there is too much uncertainty with what either team can produce. The Storm are just as likely to win by a 13+ margin, completely shutting the Raiders out of the match, as the Raiders are of causing an upset. Games like this, at this stage of the season, are best avoided altogether. If you need to have a bet, invest on this game being below a larger points total than most bookmakers are offering. This will keep some interest for you in this game.
Total Points Under 45.5
$1.68 (2 Units)
