AAMI Park will play host to Saturday's Round 2 NRL game between Melbourne Storm and New Zealand Warriors. The game kicks off at 7:35 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. New Zealand Warriors game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Saturday March 16, 2024 at 7:35 pm

Where: AAMI Park

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

Melbourne Storm vs New Zealand Warriors Odds

Melbourne Storm vs New Zealand Warriors Preview

The Melbourne Storm continue to face the absence of key players Cameron Munster and Nelson Asofa-Solomona, yet they remain a solid bet against the Warriors, who have struggled against Melbourne in recent encounters.

Once considered the Storm’s nemesis, the Warriors have suffered defeat in their last 14 matchups against Melbourne, with the last seven losses by a margin of at least eight points. The absence of key player Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad further compounds the Warriors’ challenges.

Notably, the Warriors’ performance without Nicoll-Klokstad has been less impressive, with a record of 5-11 against the spread, compared to 9-3 when he is on the field, spanning the 2023-24 seasons.

For Melbourne, a strong defensive showing is crucial. Teams coming off a shutout win have historically performed well against the spread, boasting a record of 19-8 over the last three years. The Storm themselves have covered the spread in all four instances following such victories.

Moreover, Melbourne has excelled defensively after conceding 10 or fewer points, covering the spread in 14 out of 20 games under these circumstances.

Eliesa Katoa, with six tries in his last 12 games, is poised to make an impact against his former team, while Ryan Papenhuyzen boasts an impressive record of 46 tries in 55 NRL starts.

Additionally, Will Warbrick, with 17 tries in 26 games, faces a favorable matchup against Marcelo Montoya, further bolstering Melbourne’s offensive prospects.

With these factors in mind, Melbourne appears poised to maintain their dominance over the Warriors and secure another victory.

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