Suncorp Stadium will play host to Friday's NRL game between Brisbane Broncos and Melbourne Storm. The game kicks off at 7:50 pm with Brisbane Broncos heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Brisbane Broncos vs. Melbourne Storm game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Friday September 8, 2023 at 7:50 pm

Where: Suncorp Stadium

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

Brisbane Broncos vs Melbourne Storm Odds

Brisbane Broncos vs Melbourne Storm Preview

The NRL Finals Series is set to kick off at Suncorp Stadium, featuring an intriguing clash between the second-placed Brisbane Broncos and the third-placed Melbourne Storm, a team that has historically proven to be a formidable opponent for the home team.

Brisbane would likely have preferred to face any other team in the top eight, except perhaps the dominant Penrith side. The reason for this preference is the Melbourne Storm’s impressive track record against the Broncos, boasting a remarkable 14-game winning streak, including victories by margins of eight and ten points in 2023.

Despite having backed the Broncos in their previous encounters with the Storm this year, I believe that the saying “third time’s the charm” holds true. I’ll be placing my bets on Brisbane as the moneyline winners.

Furthermore, I anticipate that the Broncos will surpass the 22.5 points mark, which is considerably lower than their recent five-game average of 33 points in attack, and even below their season average of 26.5 points.

One of the most tantalizing aspects of this match is the battle between Queensland wingers Selwyn Cobbo and Xavier Coates. I’m inclined to bet on both number 5s to cross the try line in a tryscoring multi.

Some key statistics to consider are that Melbourne has suffered five of their eight losses away from home, while Brisbane has averaged an impressive 33.4 points in attack in their last five games. Additionally, when playing away from home, Melbourne concedes an average of 22 points. Selwyn Cobbo and Xavier Coates have been prolific try-scorers in 2023, with 19 and 16 tries respectively.

Head to Head:

With the Storm securing a 32-22 victory over the Broncos last weekend, they have extended their remarkable winning streak to 14 games against Brisbane. They have also won the last 13 games against the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.

Brisbane Broncos Form:

Despite their recent loss with half of their reserves in action, some would argue that the Broncos are currently in their best form since their last premiership win in 2006. Brisbane is now at full strength with all their star players returning from rest or injury, a form that saw them win seven games in a row before the final round.

Brisbane Broncos Team News:

The return of key players, including halfback Adam Reynolds and Patrick Carrigan, who have been recovering from injuries over the past few weeks, adds to Brisbane’s strength.

Melbourne Storm Form:

Melbourne concluded the regular season with four consecutive victories, one of which was against the Brisbane Broncos when both teams fielded their second-string players.

While Melbourne has encountered some of their losses away from home in 2023, their track record at Suncorp Stadium against the Broncos is impeccable, boasting 14 consecutive wins.

Melbourne Storm Team News:

Jahrome Hughes and Harry Grant have been named in the team after being under an injury cloud leading up to the finals.

Ryan Papenhuyzen has been included on the interchange bench, potentially serving as the X-factor for Melbourne if needed.

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