Canberra Raiders vs Melbourne Storm Prediction, Tips & Odds

The Raiders got out of a slump with a streaky win in Perth last week and are looking to capitalise on the Storm’s eerie decline.

FORM: The Raiders snapped a four-match losing run with a nail-biting 36-34 win over the Rabbitohs last week, escaping with the two points after almost giving up big second-half leads twice. Hudson Young and Simi Sasagi were magnificent for the Green Machine.

After conceding a half-century to the Panthers on the road, the Storm were bullied by the Warriors at home in a 38-14 defeat. They had no answer for the visitors’ physicality and their superstar-studded spine was a non-factor.

INS AND OUTS: Matt Timoko gets a long awaited recall at centre, with Seb Kris moving to wing and Savelio Tamale dropping out of the Raiders’ line-up. The Storm’s only change sees Manaia Waitere come onto the wing for Moses Leo, with Shawn Blore grabbing a bench berth.

KEY MATCH-UP: Kaeo Weekes quelled Souths’ comeback with an insane 90-metre solo try – and the Storm will have jarring memories of the Canberra fullback from Magic Round last year. Sua Faalogo has had a couple of quiet weeks and will be eager to capitalise on any defensive lapses.

HISTORY: The Raiders have won three of their last five against the Storm, most recently grabbing a thrilling golden point victory at Magic Round last year. But the Storm are unbeaten at GIO Stadium since 2016.

KEY STAT: Melbourne has lost five straight games just twice in the club’s history – and not since 2012.

VERDICT: The Raiders are most certainly not out of the woods yet form-wise and have the NRL’s second-worst defensive record, but knocking over Souths – albeit shakily – is a massive confidence-booster for a youthful side.

Given their recent performances, it’s hard to rationalise the Storm heading to the capital as favourites by any metric barring reputation.

Tip: Back the Raiders to Win @ $2.10

SGM: RAIDERS +1.5 / OVER 48.5 TOTAL POINTS / KAEO WEEKES ANYTIME TRYSCORER / HARRY GRANT ANYTIME TRYSCORER @ $20.09