Suncorp Stadium will play host to Friday's Round 16 NRL game between Dolphins and Melbourne Storm. The game kicks off at 8:00 pm with Melbourne Storm heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Dolphins vs. Melbourne Storm game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Friday June 21, 2024 at 8:00 pm
Where: Suncorp Stadium
Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE
Dolphins vs Melbourne Storm Odds
Dolphins vs Melbourne Storm Preview
The Dolphins continue to defy the doubters and get a massive opportunity to consolidate their top-four standing on Friday night when they host ladder leaders Melbourne Storm at Suncorp Stadium.
Wayne Bennetts team went into the bye off two narrow losses to the Warriors and Raiders, but they responded in Round 15 with a 30-28 upset of the Sharks on the road.
The Dolphins lead 22-0 before falling behind, but an unforgettable length-of-the-field try to Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow proved a match-winner and Kodi Nikorimas return from injury was a major boost for the side.
Trai Fuller again comes in at fullback for Queensland star Tabuai-Fidow, while Jesse Bromwich returns from injury in time to replace Maroons veteran Felise Kaufusi.
Midyear pick-up Tevita Pangai Jr has been named to make his club debut from the bench.
Battling a heavy injury toll, the Storm overcame an early 14-0 deficit to down the Warriors 38-24 in Auckland last Saturday night.
Jahrome Hughes and Eliesa Katoa were superb, while fullback fill-in Sua Faalogo scored two tries.
The Storm have a big in via Ryan Papenhuyzens return, which sees Faalogo go to the wing for Queensland flyer Xavier Coates. Will Warbrick is also back with Grant Anderson shifted to centre, while Bronson Garlick deputises at hooker for Harry Grant.
Trent Loiero will be released from Maroons camp to start at lock.
The clubs only meeting to date was in Round 12 at Suncorp Stadium last year, with the Storm prevailing 24-16, where Katoa and Hughes were standouts, while Jamayne Isaako scored two tries in a losing effort.
The Storm boast an all-time 29-9 record at Suncorp, while the Dolphins are 7-7 at the iconic venue.
But its hard to go past the home side as a $2.48 favourite and the over here. Four of the Dolphins last six games and three of the Storms last four produced totals of 50-plus.
Content provided by Ladbrokes
Dolphins vs Melbourne Storm Tip
We're tipping Melbourne Storm to win at $1.50 odds.
Dolphins vs Melbourne Storm Teams
Dolphins team: 1. Trai Fuller 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Kenny Bromwich 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Euan Aitken 13. Max Plath 14. Josh Kerr 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Tevita Pangai Junior 18. Oryn Keeley 19. Sean O’Sullivan 20. Mason Teague 21. Tesi Niu 22. Anthony Milford
Storm team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Grant Anderson 4. Nick Meaney 5. Sualauvi Faalogo 6. Tyran Wishart 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Jack Howarth 15. Christian Welch 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Joe Chan 18. Reimis Smith 19. Dean Ieremia 20. Lazarus Vaalepu 21. Chris Lewis 22. Kane Bradley
