AAMI Park will play host to Friday's Round 21 NRL game between Melbourne Storm and Gold Coast Titans. The game kicks off at 6:00 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. Gold Coast Titans game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Friday August 5, 2022 at 6:00 pm
Where: AAMI Park
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Melbourne Storm vs Gold Coast Titans Odds
Melbourne Storm vs Gold Coast Titans Preview
Injury-ravaged Melbourne snapped a four-match losing streak in Round 20 by grinding out an unattractive – but super-important – 24-12 win over the Warriors in the unwelcoming surrounds of Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium. The Storm dominated the middle third battle but were regularly exposed down their right edge.
Craig Bellamy’s backline scenario just keeps getting worse. Justin Olam and Nick Meaney are both out injured. Tigers loaner David Nofoaluma comes straight in on a wing, with Grant Anderson moving to centre and Mr. Fix-it Tyran Wishart slotting in at fullback.
But Xavier Coates’ naming in the reserves is highly encouraging and Brandon Smith (suspension) is a big in.
Last-placed Gold Coast is meandering towards the end of the season, losing their last nine straight – though there were some positive signs in a 36-24 loss to Canberra last weekend after a dreadful start. But the inexperienced Titans have now conceded 30-plus points in seven of their last 11 games.
Jayden Campbell – who grabbed two tries off the interchange last week – returns to the starting fullback role, which sees AJ Brimson partner Tanah Boyd in the halves with Toby Sexton out. Greg Marzhew comes onto the bench.
The Storm boast an 18-6 record against the Titans since the latter’s 2007 arrival in the NRL, winning the last seven straight between the teams. Last season an under-strength Storm won a Round 13 clash 20-14 on the Sunshine Coast, before easing to a 34-20 victory in Round 23 on the Gold Coast.
This is a gift-wrapped opportunity for the Storm to go back-to-back for the first time since mid-June. Munster, Hughes, Grant and Smith will comfortably steer the home side to the two points, despite the patched-up backline outside them.
There’s still a fair bit of flair and firepower about the Titans, though, particularly with Campbell firing. The over shapes as a better play than taking on the big points starts the Storm are giving away, despite the Storm’s last four games have produced 36 points or less. The Titans’ over record is 11-8 with four of their last four six matches seeing 46-plus points scored.
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Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Melbourne Storm to win at $1.11 odds.
First Try Scorer
First Try Scorer: Jahrome Hughes at $14.00.