3 minute read
Melbourne Storm will be targeting five wins on the bounce to consolidate top spot on the NRL ladder when they take on Wests Tigers on Saturday.
The Storm continue to look the real deal this season and can be backed at 4.75 to go on and win the 2024 grand final.
There is still work to do though and there can be no room for complacency when they take on the Tigers.
Benji Marshall's side had won two games on the bounce before a heavy defeat against the Sydney Roosters last weekend.
The loss saw them slip back to the bottom of the ladder and they will be keen to bounce back at Leichhardt Oval, which has been a happy home for them this season.
The Tigers are 2.15 to suffer most losses this season, but remain level on points with the Eels, and just two away from the Titans.
. What: Wests Tigers v Melbourne Storm
. Where: Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
. When: 17:30 (AEST), Saturday 6th July 2024
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel
. Odds: Wests Tigers 3.75, Melbourne Storm 1.28
Tigers look to respond
The Tigers looked to have turned a corner with impressive wins over the Titans and Raiders, only to come crashing back down to earth against the Roosters.
They conceded 40 points against the Bondi outfit, and managed to put on just six points themselves in a poor display.
At least they can take heart from the fact they return to Leichhardt Oval, where they are undefeated in 2024.
The Tigers have won their last three games at the venue, while they also have an 8-5 winning record against the Storm there.
Marshall's troops will have to be at their very best to cause an upset, but they do happen, and they are priced at 9.50 to win by 1-5 points.
Charlie Staines is also back in the Tigers side and will take his place on the wing.
The former Penrith Panthers star can be backed at 13.00 to score the first try of the game, or 2.50 to score at anytime.
Coates blow for Storm
Melbourne Storm are flying, but it is not all good news at the club as star winger Xavier Coates is facing a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
Kane Bradley will come into the side to replace Coates, and is priced at 9.50 to score the first try.
There is better news on the injury front as gun fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen returns from a foot injury and is 1.72 to score a try at anytime.
Harry Grant is available following State of Origin, but the ladder-leaders have opted to rest him.
The Storm have dominated the Tigers in recent meetings, winning the last six games on the bounce.
In the two games last season they won by 22 and 12 points respectively.
They struggled to take their chances against the Raiders last week, putting on just 16 points, and will be keen to put that right against the Tigers.
With that in mind, Craig Bellamy's side are priced at 2.00 to win by 13+ points.
