PointsBet Stadium will play host to Thursday's Round 17 NRL game between Cronulla Sharks and Melbourne Storm. The game kicks off at 7:50 pm with Melbourne Storm heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Cronulla Sharks vs. Melbourne Storm game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Thursday July 7, 2022 at 7:50 pm
Where: PointsBet Stadium
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Cronulla Sharks vs Melbourne Storm Odds
Cronulla Sharks vs Melbourne Storm Preview
Cronulla gets the benefit of taking on Melbourne sans Queensland superstars Cameron Munster and Harry Grant. The Munster-less Storm were blown over Brookvale Oval by the Sea Eagles last Thursday, trailing 36-12 before a late flurry pegged the fulltime deficit back to a flattering six points.
The silver lining for the second-placed Storm was the return of fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen, who chalked up two tries and three try-assists.
The fourth-placed Sharks, meanwhile, are chasing four straight wins after picking off low-hanging fruit in the shape of the Warriors (38-16), Titans (18-10) and Bulldogs (18-6). They are still trying to rediscover the dynamic form that had them touted as premiership dark horses in April.
The Sharks’ only Origin rep is Siosifa Talakai – and they boast a very handy centre replacement in Connor Tracey.
Nick Meaney moves to five-eighth for the Storm, with Dean Ieremia coming in on the wing and Jayden Nikorima dropping out. Meanwhile, hooker stand-ins don’t come much more accomplished than Brandon Smith. Tyran Wishart and Jordan Grant join the bench.
After losing six of the previous nine clashes between the clubs, Melbourne is on a five-match winning streak against Cronulla. The Storm carved out a 34-18 victory in a high-quality Round 6 encounter at AAMI Park. The Sharks have won three of the last four encounters at Shark Park, however, and are 4-1 at their home ground this season.
The rivals are near enough to even-money here. It’s always an absorbing battle between these high-credentialled packs of forwards, while the No.7 battle between Jahrome Hughes and ex-teammate Nicho Hynes will be pivotal.
Papenhuyzen’s return – and the burn of a Bellamy bake last week – may be enough to tip the scales in the Storm’s favour.
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Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Melbourne Storm to win at $1.46 odds.
First Try Scorer
First Try Scorer: Ryan Papenhuyzen at $9.25.