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Melbourne Storm vs Brisbane Broncos Preview & Tips - Can the Broncos break the trend?

Jeremy Darke

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Last updated: 02 Apr 2024

Jeremy Darke 02 Apr 2024

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Melbourne Storm vs Brisbane Broncos expert predictions for Thursday’s Round 5 NRL game
Storm have a dominant record against Brisbane Broncos, winning every game since 2016 before last season's defeat
Broncos have managed to secure just five wins against Storm since 2007

Expired

Ryan Papenhuyzen looking slick in his return. (Getty Images)

Melbourne Storm vs Brisbane Broncos Preview

Melbourne Storm dominated Brisbane Broncos, winning every game since Round 25, 2016 before going down in last year's Preliminary Finals. Can the Broncos now go back to back in this fixture?

The Broncos have won just five time in this head to head since 2007 and I'm backing the Storm at home, particularly given they have had the week off to prepare for this one following a bye.

Melbourne won all 4 of their Thursday night games last season, including both against Brisbane
Melbourne has won their last 14 regular season games against Brisbane, including their last 7 games at AAMI Park.
Brisbane have scored less than 18 points in 6 of their past 7 games at AAMI Park.
Ryan Papenhuyzen has scored 6 tries in 3 games against Brisbane in his career.

Head to Head

Brisbane won the last meeting between these two clubs, a 26-0 defeat at Suncorp in the Preliminary Final last season. The last time Brisbane beat Melbourne was back in round 25, 2016.

Melbourne Storm Form

Melbourne come into this game off the bye and will be hoping that the extra week off has helped heal some small niggles in the squad which were part of the cause of their 14-12 loss to the Knights before the week off, when they were also missing Jahrome Hughes through suspension.

The Storm started the season well with two tough victories against two top four teams from 2023, the Warriors (30-26) and Panthers.(8-0) and got it done without star five-eight Cameron Munster who has been out with a groin injury.

Melbourne Storm Team News

Melbournes halves are whole again with Cam Munster playing his first game of the season at five-eight, while Jahrome Hughes returns from suspension at halfback.

Christian Welch has returned from a concussion, however Joe Chan and Nelson Asofa-Solomona are still out of the side.

Melbourne Storm Team List

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen

2. Will 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. Eli Katoa

13. Trent Loiero

Interchange

14. Tyran Wishart

15. Christian Welch

16. Tepai Moeroa

17. Alec MacDonald

Reserves

18. Chris Lewis

19. Jack Howarth

20. Marion Seve

21. Jonah Pezet

22. Aaron Pene

Brisbane Broncos Form

Brisbane looked really sharp last Friday in their 38-12 wet weather victory over their QLD rivals the Cowboys.

Adam Reynolds was absolutely superb, tormenting Scott Drinkwater at the back with towering, swirling bombs that would have been difficult to track even in the dry.

Brisbane then capitalized on their chances and played controlled bad weather footy, not giving the Cowboys anything for free.

Despite their 2-2 start, the Broncos are looking like they will be contenders again this season once their draw lightens up a little.

Brisbane Broncos Team News

Benjamin Te Kura will debut off the bench with Xavier Willison dropping out of the 17.

Brisbane Broncos Team List

1. Tristan Sailor

2. Jesse Arthars

3. Kotoni Staggs

4. Selwyn Cobbo

5. Deine Mariner

6. Ezra Mam

7. Adam Reynolds

8. Corey Jensen

9. Billy Walters

10. Fletcher Baker

11. Jaiyden Hunt

12. Jordan Riki

13. Patrick Carrigan

Interchange

14. Tyson Smoothy

15. Benjamin Te Kura

16. Kobe Hetherington

17. Corey Oates

Reserves

18. Martin Taupau

19. Jock Madden

20. Delouise Hoeter

21. Jordan Pereira

22. Blake Mozer

Verdict

Melbourne Storm v Brisbane Broncos

Melbourne can topple Brisbane again by taking advantage of their week off last round. The Storm can cover by holding the Broncos under 18 points and Ryan Papenhuyzen can get a try.

Melbourne -3.5

Handicap/Line

@9/10 - 2 Units

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Team Total

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