Who would've thought that David Gallop would quit at the beginning of this week? I know that some were predicting that all was not well at Rugby League HQ, but still...it shocked me and most people that I spoke to. I won't get into too much detail on this issue because I believe that it would be the last thing that people would want to read about. But for arguments sake, I thought that he did a pretty good job and will leave it at that. Now what a week ahead we have, but before Rugby League fans lose their marbles over SOO 2, we first have a reduced round of NRL games to get through. The same issues comes up each time we have a round where players are missing from key clashes and this game is certainly no different. The Tigers and Storm are the two form teams of the competition at the moment. Had both teams had their Origins stars playing, this clash could have easily been one of the most anticipated games of the regular season thus far. But as it stands, the clash is weakened somewhat. But don't, for one second, think that I want SOO on a stand alone weekend. I think these weekends are part and parcle with being successful throughout the entire NRL season. It tests a squads depth and lets face it (hopefully it never occurs), but teams could suffer a horrific injury toll and then be missing stars for long periods of the season. So how is that different from losing stars to SOO? Well it is slightly because SOO rewards players. But either way, a squad has to have depth to be successful. Enough of my ranting and raving for this preview though, we still have a very good game to view.
Melbourne Storm
The Storm are obviously missing the Big 3. But to make matters worse, they have also lost Will Chambers due to a very unusual blood disorder. There are a lot of changes to get through but I will just give you the key ones, otherwise we will be here all night. Rory Kostjasyn goes to halfback, Maurice Blair to 5/8, regular 5/8 Gareth Widdop moves to fullback and Ryan Hinchcliffe will start at hooker. Its interesting to note that Anthony Quinn also starts at second row and he was a former winger. The Storm have also named an extended bench with 3 to be omitted. They do have a relatively strong forward pack going into this clash but they will come apart with a presumed lack of direction. Don't get me wrong, I do think that the players who are filling the void are definitely up to the challenge that they have infront of them. But they definitely do face an uphill battle. It is very interesting to see Widdop move to fullback but one can only assume that he will almost play as a second 5/8 for the times for majority of the match.
West Tigers
The Tigers have only one player missing to SOO duty and that is their hooker Robbie Farrah. Many suggested that Aaron Woods should've been one of the other replacement forwards picked for SOO. I think that he will eventually make a start at the pinnacle of this game, but for now he must continue on doing what he is doing because he is surely making people take notice. Otherwise the Tigers field a very strong team. Tom Humble moves to hooker and boom 5/8 Curtis Wilson starts the game at his favoured position. This is an interesting move by coach Tim Sheens as he is still search for a suitable player to partner Benji Marshall at halfback. They are one of the form teams of the competition and will be looking to continue building on their great play of recent weeks.
Recent History
Overall = Storm 13 - Tigers 7
Last 5 = Storm 3 - Tigers 2
At AAMI Stadium = **Never played there**
Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Storm $2.75 Tigers $1.47
Centrebet = Storm $2.75 Tigers $1.47
Sportsbet = Storm $2.68 Tigers $1.48
Verdict
Its no secret that the Storm will definitely struggle in this game. They are without the Big 3 and have a few other players either missing or playing out of position. You go across the to the Tigers team and they are only missing one player. They are field a far superior team on paper. But I've said it before and I'll say it again, a game of Rugby League is never played on paper. I was definitely surprised when I found out that the Storm were $2.68+ in price as I expected them to be at least $3. But there are a few positives working in the Storms favour. They are playing this game at home and although no games have ever been played at AAMI Stadium between these two teams, the Tigers did always struggle in their trip down to Olympic Park (the Storms old home ground). The Storm also have a massive forward pack on hand to take it to the Tigers early. The late loss of Will Chambers does further hamper the Storms preparation, but their forwards will be strong up front. Nonetheless, I am here to make some money this weekend and am declaring the Tigers my best bet of the weekend.
Suggested Bet
West Tigers -6.5 @ $1.90
I cannot figure out why... = Tri Bet of Tigers Over 6.5 Points @ $1.95 - This is just adding you little more value than the line. I cannot figure out why this is more value when people would be better off having this one than the line. (Scoobys Best Bet [SBB])
Margin = West Tigers 13+ @ $2.90 - If the Tigers can get away to an early lead, then this score could get out to a big one. Be cautious though, Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy will have his team pumped for this clash.
Good luck!
Scooby
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