Saturday night in NRL Round 16 will see the Wests Tigers play hosts to the Melbourne Storm. The Tigers currently sit second last on the ladder and will desperate to secure a rare win, whereas the Storm are coming off a huge win and will be looking to continue to build momentum.
Scooby has crunched all the numbers and provides his best bet and Same Game Multi for the match below.
NRL Round 16 Preview & Betting Tips
Wests Tigers vs Melbourne Storm
Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Saturday 17th June, 7:35pm (AEST)
Hopes were high that the Tigers could turn out a positive performance against the Titans, with many thinking that an upset was possible. That was soon erased as the Tigers conceded 3 first half tries to trail 16-6 at HT. They were never able to get themselves into the contest, with Koroisau leaving the field inside 15 minutes with a broken jaw. The chances of the Tigers moving forward took a further hit with Brooks leaving the field with a hamstring injury. Having a 70% completion rate, fewer total run metres and post contact metres highlighted how much pressure their defence was under. It doesn’t get any easier this week with a Storm team full of confidence following a 54-10 victory over the Sharks.
Needing to bounce back from an embarrassing 45-20 loss to the Cowboys on the road in Round 14, the Storm needed an improved effort. Their change in attitude was evident early, with a 3rd minute trying being the first of 6 in the first half. The match was all but over at HT as they lead 34-6 but they were strong enough in the second half to produce 3 more tries. A 61% share of possession, complimented by a 78% completion rate contributed to their success. They carried the ball for more metres, had 10 line breaks and missed just 21 tackles. That performance has also seen them climb up the NRL Power Rankings too.
This game has been impacted by player omissions for each side. The Tigers are missing two key players (Brooks and Koroisau) through injury with prop Utoikamanu (Origin) also unavailable. The Storm will be without 3 players on Origin duty (Munter, Coates and Grant). The Storm have named Pezet at five-eight, proving a capable replacement in the past; he should complement Hughes at halfback. 3 out of the 4 players in the Tigers’ spine are new to their position; this will cause instability but they were left with no other option. The Storm still possess a strong pack of forwards who will do what is required of them. Garlick being named at hooker will also allow them to generate momentum through the middle. The defence of the Tigers is questionable when they are at full-strength, and it will only be further pressured with a new set of players taking the field. The trip to Campbelltown also holds more concern for the home team, they have a 41% winning record here compared to the Storms 80%. The Storm have won the past 5 against the Tigers and if the home team were to cause an upset, it would take a very special effort from this team to deliver such a performance over 80 minutes.
Storm -5.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
NRL Same Game Multi at Picklebet
Popular bookmaker Picklebet have launched their Same Game Multi’s for both the AFL and NRL this weekend. There are plenty of markets to choose from an excellent odds on offer, so make sure to check them out! I’m keen to try my luck at a three-legger here at near double-figure odds.
HT/FT: Storm/Storm – This option is banking on the fact that the Storm should dominate this contest as predicted. It is included to increase your value.
William Warbrick 1+ Try – He has a 50% strike rate with seven tries from 14 matches. He scored against the Tigers in Round 4 and should find himself in positive attacking positions again.
Jahrome Hughes 1+ Try – He loves playing the Tigers. He has scored four tries in the three times he has faced them. Taking the ball to the line against a weaker defensive unit will again give him the opportunity to extend his try scoring streak.
SGM Odds: $9 at Picklebet
