AAMI Park will play host to Friday's Round 6 NRL game between Melbourne Storm and Canterbury Bulldogs. The game kicks off at 6:00 pm with Melbourne Storm heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Melbourne Storm vs. Canterbury Bulldogs game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Friday April 12, 2024 at 6:00 pm
Where: AAMI Park
Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE
Melbourne Storm vs Canterbury Bulldogs Odds
Melbourne Storm vs Canterbury Bulldogs Preview
Melbourne Storm are flying under the radar as much as any team that has been the most dominant of the past 20 years can, at least and are looking to consolidate their spot among the NRLs front-runners in this home clash with Canterbury Bulldogs.
The 3-1 Storms only loss was by two points to Newcastle with Jahrome Hughes and Cameron Munster missing.
They came off the Round 4 bye with a thrilling 34-32 eclipse of the Broncos spearheaded by Hughes virtuoso performance.
The Bulldogs have won two of their last three, following up a 32-0 rout of the Titans and a gallant 20-16 defeat to Souths with a 30-26 win over the Roosters.
Matt Burton, Viliame Kikau and Blake Taafe led an early 18-0 assault, before the Bulldogs almost threw the match away against a 12-man Roosters side.
The win came at a cost with Taafe, Kurt Mann and Harrison Edwards all ruled out. Stephen Crichton moves to fullback, while Josh Addo-Carrs return allows Jacob Kiraz to go to centre.
Jaeman Salmon goes to lock and Josh Curran starts in the second-row, while debutant Bailey Hayward and Poasa Faamausili come onto the interchange.
The Storms only changes sees Tepai Moeroa replace Jack Howarth on the bench, though Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Joe Chan are in the reserves after successful second-grade returns last weekend.
The Bulldogs will look to channel last years side that went to Melbourne and overwhelmed the Storm 26-12 in Round 2, halting a seven-match losing streak in the rivalry, the Storm won the previous four encounters by 22-plus margins.
The Storm have won 12 straight at AAMI Park since that 2023 defeat to the Bulldogs, but Craig Bellamy will be emphasising a tighter defensive display after they leaked 58 points in their last two home games against the Warriors and Broncos.
The Bulldogs appear to be making significant strides on both sides of the ball (last weeks second-half collapse notwithstanding). And while theres still weaknesses in their line-up, its hard to justify an 18.5-point start based on the on-field evidence so far this season.
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Melbourne Storm vs Canterbury Bulldogs Tip
We're tipping Melbourne Storm to win at $1.11 odds.
Melbourne Storm vs Canterbury Bulldogs Teams
Storm team:1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Christian Welch 16. Tepai Moeroa 17. Alec MacDonald 18. Joe Chan 19. Jack Howarth 20. Marion Seve 21. Jonah Pezet 22. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Bulldogs team: 1. Stephen Crichton 2. Connor Tracey 3. Jacob Kiraz 4. Bronson Xerri 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Drew Hutchison 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Chris Patolo 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Josh Curran 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Poasa Faamausili 16. Samuel Hughes 17. Kitione Kautoga 19. Toby Sexton 20. Liam Knight 21. Jake Turpin 22. Jeral Skelton 23. Harry Hayes
