AAMI Park will play host to Sunday's Round 18 NRL game between Melbourne Storm and Canberra Raiders. The game kicks off at 4:05 pm with Melbourne Storm heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Melbourne Storm vs. Canberra Raiders game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Sunday July 17, 2022 at 4:05 pm
Where: AAMI Park
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Melbourne Storm vs Canberra Raiders Odds
Melbourne Storm vs Canberra Raiders Preview
For the second time this season, Melbourne is striving to avoid three straight defeats for the first time since 2015. There was arguably more cause for concern from the Storm’s losses to the Sea Eagles (36-30) and Sharks (28-6) in their last two outing than their twin thrashing at the hands of the Panthers and Cowboys earlier in 2022.
Cameron Munster, sorely missed against Cronulla, has been named despite being ruled out of the Origin decider with COVID. Harry Grant emerging from Origin unscathed is crucial following Brandon Smith’s three-match suspension.
Meanwhile, it’s hoped Nick Meaney can return from five-eighth to the wing with Grand Anderson adding to the Storm’s huge outside-back injury toll.
Canberra’s revival has stalled somewhat, bookending a jammy escape against Newcastle with losses to injury-hit Brisbane and a controversial 12-10 defeat in terrible Wollongong conditions to St George Illawarra. The Raiders are 11th with a 7-9 record but just two points outside the Top 8.
Josh Papalii should be able to back up from Origin duties. James Schiller comes onto the bench for Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad in the only change to their Round 16 line-up.
After the Raiders’ three-match purple patch in the rivalry in 2019-20, the Storm have won the last five straight between the clubs by an average margin of 14.8 points. Jahrome Hughes, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Munster lit up Wagga Wagga in a 30-16 win over Canberra in Round 5.
Melbourne won’t be lacking for motivation – both due to a tenuous hold on a Top 4 spot and in the form of some Craig Bellamy bakes – but the Storm’s chances could hinge on Munster’s availability.
The Raiders are just 2-7 away from Canberra in 2022, with their only two wins coming at neutral venues – but they’re another Round 18 underdog who look very good value with a hefty start.
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Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Melbourne Storm to win at $1.24 odds.
First Try Scorer
First Try Scorer: Ryan Papenhuyzen at $9.75.
