Leichhardt Oval will play host to Saturday's Round 18 NRL game between Wests Tigers and Melbourne Storm. The game kicks off at 5:30 pm with Melbourne Storm heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Wests Tigers vs. Melbourne Storm game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Saturday July 6, 2024 at 5:30 pm
Where: Leichhardt Oval
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Wests Tigers vs Melbourne Storm Odds
Wests Tigers vs Melbourne Storm Preview
After a brief two-game winning streak, the Wests Tigers returned to wooden spoon form in Round 17. They aim for an upset against ladder-leading Melbourne Storm at Leichhardt.
The Tigers beat the Titans (18-10) and Raiders (48-24) at home but lost 40-6 to the Roosters, reclaiming last place. Changes include Charlie Staines on the wing, Solomona Faatape to center, John Bateman starting, and Justin Olam in reserves.
The Storm, with four consecutive wins, rarely deliver dominant performances but showed improved defense last week. Ryan Papenhuyzen returns, moving Sua Fa’alogo to the bench, with Kane Bradley replacing Xavier Coates on the wing. Reimis Smith is 18th man, and Harry Grant is rested.
The Storm have won their last six against the Tigers by an average of 20.7 points. Though the Tigers have won three straight at Leichhardt, a fourth consecutive victory seems unlikely.
Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Melbourne Storm to win at $1.33 odds.
First Try Scorer
First Try Scorer: Will Warbrick at $9.75.
Wests Tigers vs Melbourne Storm Teams
Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Luke Laulilii 3. Solomona Faataape 4. Adam Doueihi 5. Charlie Staines 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. John Bateman 12. Samuela Fainu 13. Justin Matamua 14. Heath Mason 15. Sione Fainu 16. Alex Seyfarth 17. David Klemmer 18. Reuben Porter 19. Tallyn Da Silva 20. Solomon Alaimalo 21. Kit Laulilii 22. Justin Olam
Storm team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Grant Anderson 4. Jack Howarth 5. Kane Bradley 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. Sualauvi Faalogo 15. Christian Welch 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Joe Chan 18. Reimis Smith 19. Alec MacDonald 20. Dean Ieremia 21. Chris Lewis 22. Lazarus Vaalepu