Melbourne Storm destined to repeat in 2018

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After a slow start to the 2018 NRL season, the Melbourne Storm have climbed to the top of the table. Craig Bellamy's side are now in pole position as the race for the playoffs starts to take shape - it would take a brave man to back against the defending champions on current form. With seven wins on the spin, Melbourne are rugby league's form side and there will be plenty of punters backing the Storm to prevail in 2018.

Three teams are level on points at the top of the table but Melbourne are the standout side in Australian rugby league. The Storm have the best points difference (+140) in the NRL and they are arguably the most complete team in the NRL. Neutrals will be expecting big things from the Storm in the near future; the NRL title could be staying at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium for another year. Write the defending champions off at your peril…

Old Guard To Lead Storm To Victory?

Billy Slater and Cameron Smith are both capable of carrying Melbourne to the latter stages of the playoffs. Two of Australian rugby's greatest talents, the Storm will be relying on these two superstars as we enter the business end of the season. Bellamy was named as the new Storm head coach back in 2003 and he knows just how important Slater and Smith are to their style of play. Continuity at the top has helped Melbourne to stay relevant, according toSMH.com.au, for well over a decade - and long may their success continue.

Melbourne fans, strap yourselves in for an exciting end to the regular season. There is still everything to play for and the Storm must remain focused on the grand prize of NRL glory - getting too concerned about the minor premiership title would be foolish. Finishing at the summit of the NRL regular season would be nice but it isn't the be all and end all; the playoff crown is more important and Slater and Smith know all about winning on the big stage.

Chasing Pack Hungry To Dethrone Melbourne

The added pressure of trying to retain the title may prove decisive; this will go down as one of the most competitive seasons in NRL history. Just four points separates first to eighth and it wouldn't be a huge surprise to see the standings change on a weekly basis. Melbourne are strong enough to cope with the intense pressure on their shoulders, though, and Bellamy will be doing his best to keep the entire squad grounded ahead of the playoffs.

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As of July 23rd, Betway are pricing the Storm at 4/1 to lift the NRL crown at the end of the campaign and there will be lots of rugby league fans expecting that outcome. Yes, the St. George Illawarra Dragons may have a stronger offense, whilst the Sydney Roosters boast the best defensive record but Melbourne are the most complete side in rugby. The Storm are top of the table on merit and the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium faithful will be hoping that they can keep their spot at the NRL summit.

Predicting Remaining Results Is An Absolute Lottery

There will be plenty of fans out there typing numbers into various NRL predictors ahead of the business end of the competition but this is almost impossible. One result can change things drastically when the race for supremacy is this tight - Melbourne must trust their instincts in the battle for NRL glory. The Storm have enough quality to keep their rivals at bay but it would be foolish to suggest that Melbourne are destined for greatness.

The Storm are built on experience and their three main men will be hungry to succeed on the biggest stage once again. There is no chance of any youthful naivety creeping into the Melbourne changing rooms and that should give the Storm an excellent chance to repeat in 2018. Taking things one game at a time is the right option and Melbourne cannot afford to get ahead of themselves; Bellamy will be keeping everybody grounded for the time being.

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