NRL Preview Round 22: Storm v Sharks

Melbourne Storm v Cronulla Sharks
Sunday, August 12, 4:10pm
AAMI Park, Melbourne.

The Storm will be looking to bounce back after their loss to the Rabbitohs last week, and also keep their minor premiership hopes alive if the Rabbitohs slip up against the Roosters this week. It’s almost a must-win match for the Sharks if they want to finish inside the Top 4 after they suffered a disappointing loss to the Sea Eagles last week.

Recent FormMelbourne sit second on the ladder with a 14-6 record. They have the third best attack and second best defence. They have won eight straight before a poor 30-20 loss to South Sydney. The Storm have won all four this year after conceding 20. Cronulla are sixth on the ladder with a 12-8 record. The Sharks rank ninth in scoring and fifth in defence. The Sharks have lost their last two.

Stats That Matter– Melbourne are 10-10 ATS with an 11-9 under record while Cronulla are 9-11 ATS with an 11-9 under record.
– Cronulla have won four of the last six against Melbourne dating back to 2016, including a win in the 2016 Grand Final.
– The teams have played seven straight that have tallied 32 or fewer.
– The Storm are 7-1 all-time v the Sharks at AAMI Park with six of those wins by 18 or more.
– Melbourne are 26-19 ATS with a 27-18 under record at AAMI Park since 2015 with a 10-2 ATS record at the ground off a loss.
– The Storm are 20-13 ATS as a favourite of 4.5 or more off a win.

Final ThoughtsThe Storm had won eight matches in a row before last week’s loss to the Rabbitohs and will bounce back in a big way here. The Storm are 7-1 all-time v the Sharks at AAMI Park with six of those wins by 18 or more, while the Sharks conceded 33 points against the inconsistent Sea Eagles last week. Melbourne’s pride was dented against the Rabbitohs last week and Craig Bellamy will demand a strong response.

How It Shapes UpMelbourne by 16

Recommended Bets
Best: Melbourne -6.5 ($1.91)
Value: Melbourne 13+ ($2.85)
First Tryscorer: Felise Kaufusi ($17)