On a day where there will be no NRL matches in Sydney, the Warriors are on show at 2pm as they host the Storm in Auckland. This is always a clash which delivers a top notch performance from both teams. For some reason, the Warriors have been a bogey team for the Storm of late. The Storm did beat the Warriors quite convincingly on ANZAC Day but now that they are in the midst of Origin fever, they might perhaps reach a little lul in their performance. It would be extremely hard for the Storms Big 3 to continually aim up but they have had over a week off after beating Brisbane. But in saying that, they're superstars for a reason (and some of the best I've seen at that!). The Warriors have had an extended time off since their loss to the Tigers as they were fortunately to have the Bye last week. The week off would have done them the world of good as they would have extended time to rest the bumps and bruises that were wearing away at their team.
NZ Warriors
After enjoying the week off, the Warriors have named an unchanged lineup from the team that went down against the Tigers a fortnight ago. That means Glenn Fisiiahi remains at fullback despite Kevin Locke almost regaining full fitness. I haven't heard any mail around about whether or not he will be a late inclusion but I am sure that he will be given every chance to play if he is right. The Warriors were a team that I thought would beat the Tigers and they were let down by a few mistakes at crucial times. Regardless, they do have some form when it comes to playing Melbourne. Even though they did lose their first encounter with them this season, they were definitely in the match early and the Storm really began to pull away late in the game. They will have to make sure that their football is faultless, something that has eluded them for majority of this season.
Melbourne Storm
The Storm have obviously been the form side of the competition this season as they at the top of the NRL ladder in with only one loss. They have certainly set a benchmark for the other teams to follow and try to catch up to them as the season goes on. As mentioned earlier, there is also the effect that SOO will have on their stars. Regardless of how good the Big 3 are, the trip over to NZ in the middle of the season as SOO is going on, will definitely be difficult. Coach Craig Bellamy has named the same 17 that got the job done last round against the Broncos. Except in this clash hooker Cameron Smith will not start on the bench. Smith will start at hooker and Ryan Hinchcliffe will move back to the second row and Rory Kostjasyn back to the bench. As Smith played the full 80 minutes in SOO 1 (and in the middle of the field) this was a very wise move by Bellamy. I have no doubt that he will relish the fact that he will be on the field for the full 80 in this one.
Recent History
Overall = Warriors 13 - Draw 2 - Storm 15
Last 5 games = Warriors 3 - Storm 2
At Mt Smart Stadium = Warriors 7 - Storm 7
Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Warriors $2.50 Storm $1.55
Centrebet = Warriors $2.47 Storm $1.57
Sportsbet = Warriors $2.50 Storm $1.55
Verdict
Much like the Raiders v Tigers game this weekend, I would consider staying away from this one. Not that the Storm shouldn't win, but I definitely believe that there something about the Warriors versing the Storm that brings out the best in the hosts. I have tipped the Storm to win the clash and if they do, I think that this match will be closer than a lot of people think. Perhaps this would be a good game to place a few try scoring options rather than backing one team straight out.
Suggested Bet
Melbourne 1-12 @ $2.85
Value Bet = Melbourne 7-12 @ $6 - Be a little more specific and go for this one.
First Try Scorer = Billy Slater @ $9 - I predicted correctly that he would score last week after a few lean weeks and he delivered with 2. If he is back in this type of form who knows what he is capable of.
Good luck!
Scooby
@scoobystips
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