There has certainly been a very bizarre weekend in rugby league thus far in Round 25. Some favorites have been well beaten whilst other side have watched their season slip away. Before we can focus on the final round of the season though, we must turn our attention towards a cracking contest between two Top 8 sides. Every game except the Dragons/Warriors game, has meant something this weekend. This clash is no different and there is a lot riding on this contest. The Sharks were on a slide but then they produced a good effort against the Warriors, only to fall a week later to the Knights. But they still came out last week in front of their home fans and held one of the best attacking sides, the Rabbitohs, to only 6 points and out muscled them up front. It was a very pleasing performance for a side that was not making any progress and would possibly go into the finals without any momentum. That performance will definitely put them in a good position here. The Storm have been in a similar situation but were able to claw their way out of their slump to go back to producing their quality performances that we are accustomed to seeing. They have gotten themselves back to second on the table and they have a shot of stealing the minor premiership away from the Bulldogs, if they were to falter again in Round 26. That is enough inspiration on its own but there is also a home semi final on the line. If the Storm were to lose their two remaining games, it would be extremely possible that either the Rabbitohs or Sea Eagles could sneak into second spot and grab a home semi final. There is a lot on the line for both sides and that only ensures that this game will be a great clash. It would also serve as a great preview as the finals are under two weeks away. After every game that has occurred this weekend, nothing would surprise. You can be certain though, this will be a spectacle, fit for Monday Night Football.
Melbourne Storm
The Storm turned out a very decent performance in their last start to get a one point victory over the Broncos at home. It was a close game, but in the end it was the class of Cooper Cronk that delivered when it mattered most. There was no real need to change a winning formula but coach Craig Bellamy has made a few changes to his side to possibly add more power up front. At the end of the day, they are facing a side that dominated a more than capable South Sydney pack. Bryan Norrie has been promoted into the starting side at front row for Jesse Bromwich. Both players are dynamic and love the "tough stuff" but Norrie certainly adds more size. The other change is in the second row with Kevin Proctor coming into the side and Sika Manu dropping back to the bench. As there will be a tough battle up front, the Storm forwards have to ensure that they allow their halves enough time to get the ball to the outside backs. This is one area where the Storm outpoint the Sharks. They have speed to burn and are great in defence. Of course, this all means nothing if their forwards do not continually get over the advantage line and set a platform early.
Cronulla Sharks
The Sharks would have been very pleased with almost every aspect of their win over the Rabbitohs. The good thing though is that they still have a few things within their side to work on. Of course this is made easier by the fact that they have named exactly the same side to face the Storm. With only one or two players at most to return to the lineup, this will probably be the side that attempts to make a good run for the title. But there are also a few question marks hanging over a few areas of their side. None more so than their outside backs. Yes, they can score points when needed, but unless they are put in that position by either Carney or Robinson, they won't get across the line. If their forwards do not win the battle up front, then the outside backs will be on the back foot throughout. So where do they look to for a leader? Obviously Paul Gallen but he can not do this job on his own. They need the same commitment from all their players that they have had in some of their most impressive wins this season.
Recent History
Overall = Storm 15 - Sharks 9
Last 5 games = Storm 4 - Sharks 1
At AAMI Stadium = Storm 2 - Sharks 0
Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Storm $1.38 Sharks $3.10
Centrebet = Storm $1.41 Sharks $3.00
Sportsbet = Storm $1.40 Sharks $3.05
Betfair = Storm $1.35 Sharks $3.50
Verdict
First and foremost, punters must not overlook the fact that the Sharks defeated the Storm earlier this season. That win was also in the absence of Gallen. That loss also ended the undefeated run of the Storm since the beginning of the season. But there is a different set of circumstances heading into this game. Back in that game, players could have been forgiven for focusing on SOO. Now the only focus is on the finals. This will be a great test to see where both sides are at. So compare the two sides together and you'll see that the Storm should get the win over the Sharks. Their outside backs alone posses more positives than the Sharks and have a forward pack that will relish the opportunity to face the Sharks. It will be a very tough battle though, so expect this game to be a very close contest.
Suggested Bet
Storm @ $1.41 (with Centrebet)
MNF delivers = Storm 1-12 @ $2.80 - It's all mentioned above, this game will be a close call. At least close enough for a 1-12 margin to get up. That is said thinking that a "good" Sharks side will show up.
Left side, strong side = Will Chambers First and/or Last try scorer @ $11 - The Storm definitely posses the strike power out wide to trouble the Sharks. More importantly to this bet is that fact that they really like to insert Slater as a ball player out wide to deliver to this bloke in great attacking position.
Good luck!
Scooby
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