The Melbourne Storm had a rough patch for a few weeks, but they seem back on track after arguably their biggest victory over the season last week, toppling Penrith 16-0. Check the Broncos vs Storm Betting.
That’s the first time the Panthers have been shut out in four years, so the Melbourne defense is in form. The Broncos vs. Storm best bets for this match could be on the total.
Rugby Performance Recap
The Brisbane Broncos are moving in the opposite direction, losers of two of three at the most inopportune time of the season.
Teams Previous Scoreboards
At 13-8, Brisbane still has a hold of the six spots on the ladder with three matches to play, but they are definitely limping into the finals.
The Broncos being on a bit of a slide is bad enough, but what makes it worse is the teams they’ve lost to. This skid started off with a 32-18 home loss to the last place Wests Tigers.
A 34-18 defeat the next weekend against the Roosters was also a poor showing considering Sydney is in the eighth spot on the ladder and could miss the finals.
Brisbane got back on track a bit last Saturday with a 28-10 win over the Knights, but at 6-15 on the season, Newcastle doesn’t have a whole lot to play for at this point.
After the contest against Melbourne, Brisbane has another tough test with Parramatta before closing out the regular season at the Dragons.
Injury Bug
Melbourne has been hit hard by the injury bug this season, but they are learning to play with the team they have heading into round 23 rugby betting picks.
The Storm avenged an earlier loss to Penrith with one of their finest defensive showings of the season in last week’s shutout win over the Panthers.
At 14-7, Melbourne currently is in a top-four position, but the Rabbitohs, Broncos, and Eels are just a game back with three to play.
In that regard, the Storm control their own destiny, playing Brisbane this week and finishing the year with Parramatta.
Teams Last Encounter
When Brisbane and Melbourne met up earlier in the season, the Storm were right in the midst of their mid-year slide.
They had just lost to Penrith and North Queensland – the top two teams on the ladder – but were able to regroup for a 32-20 victory.
That says a lot about the Broncos that they lost the earlier match because Melbourne would go on to lose their next four. So on a 1-6 stretch for the Storm, Brisbane was the only team they beat.
It just goes to show that even in their roughest stretches, Melbourne can still topple Brisbane. History doesn’t lie.
The Storm have won 11 straight in the head-to-head series and 21 of the last 23 dating back to 2011.
With Brisbane struggling a bit lately and Melbourne riding the confidence of a win over Penrith, it seems like the Storm have the advantage here.
Broncos vs. Storm Betting Analysis
What Broncos fans are looking for here is a letdown game from Melbourne after their big victory over Penrith last weekend.
Storm Analysis
It’s hard to overlook just how dominant the Storm have been against Brisbane over the years, however. Many people feel that this is the year the Broncos end their longtime suffering against Melbourne.
Prior to the win over the Panthers, the Storm had wins over the Titans and Warriors, who are the bottom four clubs.
Melbourne will get a boost with the return of Jahrome Hughes, who missed the Penrith game with a shoulder injury.
Felise Kaufusi remains on leave due to the passing of his father, and of course, the Storm will be without Ryan Papenhuyzen for quite some time after he suffers a shattered kneecap.
Papenhuyzen Analysis
Even though he’s played just 12 games this year, Papenhuyzen is still the sixth leading scorer in the entire NRL.
The Broncos will use the same 17 as the team that beat Newcastle last week. Adam Reynolds leads Brisbane as a top-eight scorer in the NRL.
Rugby Odds Breakdown
Brisbane Broncos as the Underdogs
It’s not surprising the Broncos are home underdogs on Friday, considering their inconsistent play as of late and their overall struggles against Melbourne over the past decade. Brisbane has a lot to play for, but will desire be enough?
Can Melbourne Keep the Streak Going?
A win this weekend as -5.5 favorites on the rugby betting odds would give Melbourne a streak of a dozen straight wins in the head-to-head series.
Not only have the Storm been getting wins over Brisbane, but they’ve also done so pretty handily as the last ten head-to-head wins have all been by double digits.
Brisbane vs. Melbourne Betting Pick and Prediction
Fans have been saying, “this is the year” for Brisbane for over a decade. Until the Broncos show they can beat the Storm, you have to go with Melbourne.
NRL Pick: Melbourne -5.5 (-125)
NRL Pick: Under 44.5
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