Melbourne Storm vs Canberra Raiders Tips, Odds and Free Bonus Bets – NRL Finals 2022

AAMI Park will play host to Saturday's Round 26 NRL game between Melbourne Storm and Canberra Raiders. The game kicks off at 5:40 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: Saturday September 10, 2022 at 5:40 pm

Where: AAMI Park

Bet: Bet On This Match HERE

Melbourne Storm vs Canberra Raiders Odds

Melbourne Storm vs Canberra Raiders Preview

A fascinating 5 v 8 clash given these clubs’ recent history. Canberra has won its last four at AAMI Park – including a stirring 2019 qualifying final upset and a thrilling 20-16 victory in Round 18 this year that snapped a five-match losing streak against Melbourne.

The Storm surrendered their Top 4 spot via a 22-14 loss away to Parramatta in Round 25 as injuries continue to plague their premiership assault. Jahrome Hughes missed the match, which left too much on the shoulders of Cameron Munster, who shapes as the most influential player of the NRL finals.

Melbourne beat a Cleary-less Penrith 16-0 in Round 22 before putting 60 points on Brisbane, but consecutive losses to the Roosters and Eels have dented confidence in the perennial contenders. Hughes returns, though, with Cooper Johns dropping out of the side in the only change to the Storm 17.

The Raiders surged into the Top 8 with seven wins from their last eight matches. The only matches during that run against Top 8 opposition were the win over the Storm and a 20-point loss to the Panthers. But they were in irresistible attacking form in the past fortnight in crushing Manly 48-6 and Wests Tigers 56-10.

Jack Wighton and Elliott Whitehead – two of the Raiders’ most finals-hardened players – return after getting a well-earned rest last weekend, with Matt Frawley and Albert Hopoate the players to make way.

Joe Tapine has arguably been the NRL’s form front-rower this year partnering modern great Josh Papalii, while second-rower Hudson Young has been as dynamic as any forward in the comp and the Green Machine’s pacy outside-back contingent – while erratic – is very difficult to stop when they find some rhythm.

The Raiders match up well with the Storm right across the park, though Hughes’ return is an enormous boost and allows Munster to float into an ultra-dangerous playmaking fullback role. Jamal Fogarty is still finding his feet as Canberra’s No.7 after a delayed start and Wighton must step up as the dominant half for the visitors.

Strap in for another absorbing chapter in the southern rivalry. Only one eighth-placed team has knocked over fifth in 10 seasons of the current finals format, but the Raiders represent tantalising value with such a big start in this sudden-death fixture.

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