AAMI Park will play host to Saturday's Round 17 NRL game between Melbourne Storm and Canberra Raiders. 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. Canberra Raiders game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Saturday June 29, 2024 at 7:35 pm
Where: AAMI Park
Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE
Melbourne Storm vs Canberra Raiders Odds
Melbourne Storm vs Canberra Raiders Preview
Not for the first time this season, Canberra finds itself at an uncomfortable crossroads a difficult position heading into a showdown with ladder-leading Melbourne on the road.
The Raiders can find a win in Melbourne though, going back-to-back at AAMI Park during the 2022 regular season and the subsequent Elimination Final to make it five in a row for the Green Machine at the venue.
The Storm redressed the balance in the clubs only 2023 encounter, winning 48-2 at home.
The Raiders gutsy comeback wins over Manly, Canterbury and the Dolphins dont compute with what theyve dished up in two weeks since the bye, going down 34-16 to the Cowboys at home before getting trounced 48-24 by the Tigers in a performance worse than the scoreline made it look.
Tom Starlings return from concussion sees Zac Woolford drop off the Raiders interchange, where second-rower Jordan Martin will make his debut from, Albert Hopoate comes onto the wing for Nick Cotric (ankle).
The 11-3 Storm are clear at the top of the table and have won three in a row, backing up a 38-24 win in Auckland after trailing the Warriors 14-0 with a thrilling 30-24 away win over the Dolphins.
Jahrome Hughes has been on fire, Ryan Papenhuyzen made a successful return last week and the Storms fill-ins are doing a fine job, but Craig Bellamy will be eager for defensive improvement with his side conceding 24-plus in four straight games.
The Storm have named Xavier Coates and Harry Grant to back up from Origin duty, with Jack Howarth moving from wing to centre to cover for the injured Nick Meaney.
Another character-filled turnaround is always a possibility for Rickys Raiders, but on recent evidence the Storm should cruise to a comfortable win in this one on the back of the potent Hughes-Papenhuyzen-Grant triumvirate.
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Melbourne Storm vs Canberra Raiders Tip
We're tipping Melbourne Storm to win at $1.33 odds.
Melbourne Storm vs Canberra Raiders Teams
Storm team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Grant Anderson 4. Jack Howarth 5. Xavier Coates 6. Tyran Wishart 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Christian Welch 15. Bronson Garlick 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Joe Chan 18. Reimis Smith 19. Dean Ieremia 20. Alec MacDonald 21. Kane Bradley 22. Sualauvi Faalogo 23. Chris Lewis
Raiders team: 1. Jordan Rapana 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Kaeo Weekes 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Danny Levi 15. Ata Mariota 16. Trey Mooney 17. Jordan Martin 18. Simi Sasagi 19. Zac Woolford 20. Adam Cook 21. James Schiller 22. Emre Guler
