Brisbane v Melbourne preview

Embed from Getty Images

Brisbane Broncos v Melbourne Storm Thursday 7:50pm at Suncorp Stadium, Milton / Yuggera-Turrbal

The Melbourne Storm travel up to Brisbane (where our esteemed ARLC chair would prefer the Storm to be based, because - shortsighted), to play the Brisbane Broncos, in a Thursday Night mis-match at Suncorp Stadium.

I didn't think I would be saying this, but the Broncos come into this one on the back of a massive win over the Sydney Roosters. Honestly. A 34-16 carve up. Amazing.

The Storm continue on their merry way, with a clinical 2nd half against Canberra, turning a 12-10 halftime deficit into a 34-10 smashing. They just own this league. I've said it before, but sorry Penrith - you're not even in their postcode (and I write this as the Panthers prepare to put 500 points on my hapless Bulldogs this weekend, but my comment stands).

In team news, the Broncos "welcome" back Anthony Milford, who returns into the side at five-eighth, in a forced change to replace the suspended Tyson Gamble. Albert Kelly moves to halfback.

Herbie Farnworth comes back in, at the expence of Dale Copley in the centres, and Rhys Kennedy moves into the starting lineup to replace Matt Lodge, who is also suspended. Teui Robati has been named on the bench, and will make his debut.

For the Storm, does it even matter who plays? They are coached by Craig Bellamy. He could randomly select 18 people from the Suncorp crowd an hour before kickoff, teach each of them their roles and give specific instructions, and they would still win this game, and every other game after it.

In all seriousness, this team shows the value of quality coaching. Doesn't matter who's out, the replacements know their role, and slot into the side like they've been playing in the team for years. 

OK OK the actual changes then... Jahrome Hughes returns at half, with Chris Lewis again to partner him. Nicho Hynes will get the chance to bump up his asking price for the next 3-4 weeks, remaining at fullback with Ryan Papenhuyzen out. Cooper Johns moves to the extended bench upon Hughes' return.

The Storm are going for their tenth straight win over the Broncos, with their most recent coming in Round 4 this year, a 40-6 dismantling at AAMI Park.

Last meeting: Round 4 2021 - Storm 40 Broncos 6

Who to watch: For the Broncos, it's more a perverse interest in seeing how Anthony Milford goes.

He will either turn it on, in an attempt to attract another team into signing him up, or put in the usual underwhelming performance that has seen him out of the side in recent times.

For the Storm, it's to watch how many points that lethal backline will be able to put on.

In a combination of talent, and the current rules in place, get your try-scorer multi's together, and stack it with Storm's 1-7 (gamble responsibly!).

The favourite: At the time of writing, the Storm are $1.12 favourites, and that tells you everything you need to know.

My tip: See above comments about 18 randoms from the crowd and Craig Bellamy. Storm to win, and comfortably. Melbuorne by 30.

1. Jamayne Isaako 2. Xavier Coates 3. Herbie Farnworth 4. Jesse Arthars 5. David Mead 6. Anthony Milford 7. Albert Kelly 15. John Asiata 9. Jake Turpin 10. Payne Haas 11. Keenan Palasia 12. Tevita Pangai Junior 13. Thomas Flegler 14. Kobe Hetherington 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Tc Robati 18. Dale Copley 18. Selwyn Cobbo

1. Nicholas Hynes 2. George Jennings 3. Reimis Smith 4. Justin Olam 5. Josh Addo-Carr 21. Cooper Johns 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Brandon Smith 17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Tom Eisenhuth 13. Dale Finucane 6. Chris Lewis 14. Aaron Booth 15. Tui Kamikamica 18. Aaron Pene 20. Trent Loiero

Referees: Ashley Klein; Sideline Officials: David Munro, Chris Butler; Video Referees: Henry Perenara;