The opening game on NRL Super Saturday heads to Perth this week with the Storm hosting the Sea Eagles. A bitter rivalry, each team will be aware that victory in this game means much more than the 2 competition points it is worth. Hopefully, the conditions create a fast, attacking match. This will have fans excited and Before You Bet is here to add to your enjoyment by previewing the fixture ahead with the aim of finding you a winner or two.
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Storm vs Sea Eagles Predictions & Tips: NRL Round 23 2026
Unchartered territory
The Storm were defeated 36-22 at home by the Bulldogs last week, all but ending their hopes of participating in the NRL Finals. It is an unusual feeling for the Storm as it is the first time this has occurred for coach Bellamy outside of the salary cap drama. They were flat at times in that match too. With an equal share of possession and the same completion rate as their opponent (76%), they made just 7.6m per carry and created just 4 line breaks. Uncharacteristically, they were poor defensively as they allowed 9.5m per carry, 9 line breaks, and 535 PCM’s.
A miserable week off
The Sea Eagles had a week out of the spotlight with the Bye following their embarrassing 48-12 loss at home to the Sharks. In a day to forget, they were left chasing the standard of their opponent for 80 minutes. The game was all but over as they trailed 30-6 at HT. with just 47% possession and a 77% completion rate, they averaged 8.8m per carry but only managed 1 line break. They were poor defensively also, missing 42 tackles and conceding 12 line breaks. If they are to climb back into the Top 8, they need to forget that performance and reset ahead of this contest.
Stats that matter
- The Sea Eagles, who were at home, won their Round 17 match 30-4. This has seen the home team win 6 out of the past 8 matches between these two sides. Unfortunately, neither team has played at this ground previously.
- There have been blowout victories in the past 5 matches between these two sides with the average margin at 15.2 points. Interestingly, the score has been low, with the average total at 43.2 points.
- The Sea Eagles have been the better side when these two teams are compared in 2026 on both sides of the ball. They score an average of 25ppg in attack (Storm 23ppg) and concede 20ppg (Storm 24ppg).
Confidence is low
The Storm receive a huge boost to their team this week with the return of Munster at 5/8. Despite dropping out of contention, this is an indication that they still wish to finish the season off on a positive. His return also allows Wishart to move to hooker. The Sea Eagles also receive positive news, with Wakeham and Waddell returning. Both capable teams, the one which can overcome their shortcomings in recent weeks will prevail in this contest. Unfortunately, the inconsistency in each team creates doubt on the ability of each to prevail in an 80-minute contest.
Capable enough, each are a chance to win this match, but the odds should be far closer than what has been originally offered. Enjoying a healthy rivalry, the Storm will take pleasure in denting the Finals hopes of the Sea Eagles while their opponents will relish the chance to kick the Storm while they are down. This means that the recent trend of large margins between these two sides looks set to be broken. A close match is ahead, evident by the scoring and defensive patterns of each team so far in 2026.
Either team by 10.5 points or less
$1.91 (1.5 units)
Storm vs Sea Eagles Same Game Multi
Leg 1 = Total points under 48.5 – on top of the information above, it also looks set to be wet this weekend in the west.
Leg 2 = Koula to score – electric as ever, his shift back to the centres will bring him into the contest. He has 6 tries from his past 5 matches against the Storm and 3 tries from his past 4 NRL games.
Leg 3 = Fa’alogo to score – speaking of dynamic, how can you go past this player?! He is electric as ever and will look to repeat his terrific form from the past two weeks which has seen him score 2 tries.
Storm vs Sea Eagles Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Saturday 8th August
Location: HBF Park, Perth
Time: 3pm (AEST)
Odds: Storm $2.10 vs Sea Eagles $1.73
Line: +1.5
Points: 48.5
Where to Watch Storm vs Sea Eagles
Watch the Storm vs Sea Eagles match live and ad free on Kayo Sports.
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