NRL Round 20 ‘Pick of the Week’
This week marks the 30th time these two teams have faced off, with Melbourne being victorious 21 time, 8 to the Dragons and 1 tie. Fun fact about this one is that it’s being played at McLean Park, located in New Zealand as storm shifted a home game there this season.
In recent weeks Storm are 2-3 with tough losses to the Broncos and Warriors. But last week Melbourne hosted the Panthers and simply destroyed them 52-10. The clinic they put on was buoyed by Captain Cam Smiths 300th game with 10 tries 6 conversions. They were clearly on a mission to show the league their reign at the top is not over. Cooper Cronk was at his best against the Panthers, notching up 2 tries in the first half as well as kicking a 40-20. We expect to see him in the line-up on Saturday despite have a knee issue toward the end of last week’s game. Marika Koroibete was the best on ground last week, the winger scored a couple of tries and ran the ball 283 metres.
The Dragons, meanwhile, have had a tough run recently, losing their last 5. Last week they faced off against the Rabbitohs and took a beating going down 24-8. This season has been long and tough for the Dragons. If they are any chance to play finals they’ll need Benji Marshall to spearhead a revival similar to what we saw earlier this season. Josh Dugan is continuing his post Origin form, and the single bright start for the Dragons defence Mitch Rein is constantly notching up tackle after tackle, 54 last week alone.
When it comes it down it, this one is very one sided.
The way we see it the Storm defence will contain the Dragons, and their attack will allow them to run all over them. Expect Storm to score quickly and hold a solid lead throughout the 80 minutes.
Bet – Melbourne Storm Hd-Hd ($2.00) – Ladbrokes
