Brisbane Broncos vs Melbourne Storm Prediction, Tips & Odds

Last year’s grand final opponents are playing for pride only on Thursday night, but both are coming off spirited performances.  

FORM: After losing 12 of their previous 13, the Broncos produced a remarkable 34-30 comeback win over a desperate Canberra side at GIO Stadium last Friday.  

The Storm have lost four of their last five but followed up a 42-20 thrashing of Manly in Perth with a 22-14 home loss to heavyweight Penrith last week.  

INS AND OUTS: The Broncos are unchanged, with Michael Maguire controversially denying Adam Reynolds an NRL farewell.  

Jahrome Hughes returns for the Storm, with Tyran Wishart moving to centre as Jack Howarth sits out the rest of the year. Marion Seve comes onto the interchange.  

KEY MATCH-UP: Hayze Perham has impressed whenever given the opportunity to deputise for Reece Walsh, while Sua Faalogo will be eager to finish a breakout year in style.  

HISTORY: After winning just one of their previous 18 against the Storm, the Broncos have won the teams’ last three encounters – including an 18-14 result in Round 3 to snap a decade-long drought in Melbourne.   

KEY STAT: The Storm boast a 32-13 record at Suncorp Stadium but have won only one of their last five at the venue.  

VERDICT: The Broncos’ brave fightback in Canberra really came out of nowhere, but can they back it up to snap an eye-watering eight-match losing streak at Suncorp Stadium? The bubbling controversy over Reynolds’ non-selection doesn’t help. 

While it’s not reflected by a 9-13 record, the Storm have rarely been overwhelmed during this difficult campaign and haven’t lost to bad teams. With their ‘big three’ back on deck, they are an appealing favourite here. 

Prediction: Back the Storm to Cover the Line (-2.5) @ $1.90 

SGM: STORM WIN / OVER 49.5 TOTAL POINTS / SUA FAALOGO ANYTIME TRYSCORER / DEINE MARINER ANYTIME TRYSCORER / JAHROME HUGHES ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $29.33