NRL Preview: Bulldogs v Storm

NRL Preview
Canterbury Bulldogs v Melbourne Storm
Friday, March 3, 6pm (AEDT), Belmore Sports Ground, Sydney

The Bulldogs return to their spiritual home in Belmore Sports Ground when they host the Melbourne Storm in the new time slot of 6pm on Friday night. The pressure is on Bulldogs coach Des Hasler to deliver, while the ever-consistent Storm will be around the mark when the whips are cracking.

History

The Bulldogs have won six-straight against the Storm, dating back to July 2013. They won last year’s clash 18-12 at AAMI Park. The Storm lost 20-4 in their last clash against the Bulldogs at Belmore in 2015.

Form

Canterbury were once more an abomination at the Nines with no interest given and no effort put forward. They then were comfortably beaten by Penrith in their first trial at Belmore 20-10 before a strong win over the Storm in Hobart 28-24. Melbourne surprised in the Nines by reaching the semi-finals before being bundled out by eventual winners the Sydney Roosters. The Storm won their first trial 30-18 over New Zealand before going down in a close one to the Bulldogs 28-24.

Key Matchup

James Graham v Jesse Bromwich. Graham had a solid 2016 without being spectacular and will need to lead from the front here and throughout the season. Bromwich is one of the best props in the game and will need to carry the Storm forward pack, while they attempt to fill the voids left by Kevin Proctor (Titans) and Tohu Harris (injured).

Stats That Matter

Home underdogs cover at 66% in the first four rounds dating back to 2008 with the under hitting at 57% in matches with a home underdog getting 3.5 or less. Canterbury have won and covered just 1 of their last 4 season openers while Melbourne have won 8 of their last 9. The Bulldogs have been terrible at Belmore since returning to the ground with just one win and cover from four games. Canterbury have covered just 1 of their last 4 as a home underdog while they are 1-8 (3-6 ATS) as a small home underdog since 2013. The Storm have gone under in 8 of their last 9 as a small road favourite. Melbourne have covered 6 of their last 8 as a road favourite of less than a converted try.

Final Thoughts

The Bulldogs look the play in a tight one. The Storm could be missing fullback Billy Slater as he is eased back in, while the loss of Tohu Harris for an extended period with a foot injury is a massive blow. This will be won in the forwards and the Bulldogs pack looks the more settled of the two.

Daily SpecialsVunivalue – Vunivalu & Addo-Carr to combine for 3 or more tries ($7)

How It’s Shaping Up
Canterbury by 2

Best BetCanterbury +1.5 ($1.90)

Other Recommended Bets
Canterbury 1-12 ($3.20)