3 minute read
Melbourne Storm and Sydney Roosters are set to go head-to-head in a massive top-of-the-ladder clash on Saturday night.
The Storm currently sit at the top of the pile, six points ahead of the Roosters, who occupy third place.
Melbourne are in the box seat to win the regular season, and can be backed at 1.90 to stay top, while the Roosters are 7.00.
But it is grand final glory that both sides have set their sights on, and there is every chance Saturday night's showdown could be a dress rehearsal for the big dance.
The Roosters are 3.75 to win the grand final, while the Storm are 5.00. Penrith Panthers remain the hot fancies at 3.00.
But there is a lot of rugby league to be played before we get to that point, and it does not get much bigger than the Storm against the Roosters.
Both sides will be desperate for the win and it should make for a brutal battle under the lights at AAMI Park.
. What: Melbourne Storm v Sydney Roosters
. Where: AAMI Park, Melbourne
. When: 19:35 (AEST), Saturday 20th July 2024
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel
. Odds: Melbourne Storm 1.95, Sydney Roosters 1.87
Meaney boost for Storm
Melbourne Storm continue to shine this season and had won five games on the bounce before the bye in week 19.
AAMI Park continues to be a fortress and they have lost just the one game at their home venue this season.
The last time these two sides met at AAMI Park, the Storm won by five points, and there is a good chance it will be close once again.
Melbourne can be backed at 7.50 to win the clash by 1-5 points, or 6.50 to win by 6-10.
The Storm do have a good record against the Roosters, winning nine of the last 10 meetings, and could take some stopping.
Tyran Wishart is also in great touch when scoring four tries in the last five games, and the Roosters will have to keep a rein on the five-eighth.
Storm coach Craig Bellamy will be praying that Harry Grant comes through State of Origin unscathed, but there is already good news concerning one key player.
Nick Meaney is fit following a calf injury and will take his place in the side.
Roosters out for revenge
Sydney Roosters are out for revenge after losing by six points to the Storm back in round seven this season.
Trent Robinson's men have bounced back well since that defeat, and have won the last four games on the bounce.
Like the Storm, the Roosters also had a bye last weekend, so should be refreshed as they attempt to close the gap at the top of the ladder.
The Roosters have been scoring points for fun. Indeed they have piled on a total of 136 points in the last four games.
A trip to take on the Storm will be their biggest test yet, but they can still be backed at 3.60 to win the game by 13+ points.
The Roosters will be sweating on Lindsay Collins, Spencer Leniu and Angus Crichton, who are all involved in Origin duty on Wednesday night.
Dominic Young continues to shine, and the winger will be out to add to the 11 tries he has scored in the last nine game.