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Melbourne Storm vs Canterbury Bulldogs NRL Betting Tips - Bulldogs backed to edge a thriller in Round 22

jeremy-darke
Jeremy Darke
Editor
Last updated: Wed 29 Jul 2026 11:49
The upcoming clash between the Melbourne Storm and Canterbury Bulldogs sees the Bulldogs in red-hot form with five wins from their last six matches, while Storm's finals hopes are teetering after another loss and mounting injury troubles. Historically, matches between these teams have been close, and another narrow contest is likely. Strong Bulldogs defense and under-par Storm team point towards a close, low-scoring game. The key recommendation is to back Canterbury for a 1-12 margin win and keep an eye on Matt Burton in try-scoring markets.
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Jeremy Darke 29 Jul 2026
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  • Bulldogs have won 5 of their last 6 matches
  • Storm have lost 5 of their past 7
  • Recent head-to-head games have all been close and decided by 12 points or less
canterbury bulldogs
Canterbury Bulldogs to maintain their strong form (Getty Images)

Melbourne Storm vs Canterbury Bulldogs Verdict


Canterbury are in good form and racing towards the finals, with the Bulldogs value for a narrow win on the road in Melbourne. The Storm are just about done for the season after last week's loss and another defeat is predicted.

  • Canterbury have won five of their last six matches.
  • Three of Melbourne’s last four losses have come by a 1-12 margin.
  • The last four head-to-head meetings have been decided by 12 points or fewer.
  • Six of Canterbury’s last seven matches have finished below 42.5 points.

Head to Head


Melbourne have won three of the last five meetings with Canterbury, but each of the last four games between the clubs has been decided by a 1-12 margin.

The Bulldogs won 30-20 when the sides met earlier this season, overturning Melbourne’s run of three consecutive victories in the matchup.

The Storm won 26-18 and 20-14 at AAMI Park during 2025, following a narrow 16-14 victory in 2024. Canterbury’s previous win in Melbourne came by 26-12 in 2023.

Melbourne Storm Form - Finals Hanging By A Thread


Melbourne have lost three of their last four matches and five of their past seven, leaving their season on the verge of ending before the finals.

The Storm led South Sydney 16-8 at half-time last week but were unable to close out the game, conceding a late Campbell Graham try in a 28-26 defeat. Sua Fa’alogo was outstanding with an 80-metre solo try and 14 tackle busts, but Melbourne lacked enough support around him.

Harry Grant’s hamstring injury is another major blow for a team already missing Cameron Munster, Eli Katoa, Xavier Coates, Will Warbrick and Tui Kamikamica.

Canterbury Bulldogs Form - 5 Wins In 6 Games


Canterbury have won five of their last six games and enter Round 22 after consecutive defensive victories over Wests Tigers and the Warriors.

The Bulldogs held the Tigers scoreless before restricting New Zealand to one try in an 18-6 win last weekend. Canterbury completed 90 percent of their sets, produced six linebreaks and repeatedly turned the Warriors away from their line.

Lachlan Galvin continues to provide energy and organisation at halfback, while Stephen Crichton has settled into the five-eighth role. The return of Viliame Kikau and Jacob Preston has also strengthened the Bulldogs on both sides of the ball.

Canterbury have averaged 21.8 points across their last five matches while conceding only 14. Their attack remains inconsistent, but their defence, yardage and ability to control possession make them difficult to break down.

Verdict

Canterbury are tipped to win this one by a 1-12 margin with the score staying tight under 42.5 total points. Matt Burton is backed to cross for his third in four games.

Best Bet1: Canterbury Bulldogs 1-12 Winning Margin @19/10 at Hollywood bets - 2 Units
Best Bet2: Under 42.5 Game Total @10/11 at bet365 - 3 Units
Best Bet3: Matt Burton Anytime Tryscorer @21/10 at Star Sports - 1 Unit
Best Bet4: Matt Burton First Tryscorer @14/1 at Hollywood bets - 1 Unit
Canterbury Bulldogs
1-12 Winning Margin
@19/10 - 2 Units
£30 Free Bet
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Under 42.5
Game Total
@10/11 - 3 Units
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Bet at bet365
Matt Burton
Anytime Tryscorer
@21/10 - 1 Unit
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Bet at Star Sports
Matt Burton
First Tryscorer
@14/1 - 1 Unit
£30 Free Bet
Use promo code NEWBONUS

Claim £30 free bet & 20 Free Spins. Use the promo code NEWBONUS. New Hollywoodbets account holders. 18 years or older. United Kingdom residents only. T&Cs apply.

Bet at Hollywood bets
jeremy-darke
Jeremy Darke

Sports Editor & Betting Analyst • 15+ Years of Experience, Australian Sports Specialist

Jeremy is a freelance journalist who is a true sports activist. A die-hard fan of the NRL all his life and also has a passion for all the major American sports.


From when he was a little fella he has played most sports ranging from rugby, ice hockey, tennis and football, just to name a few. His interest in analytics and statistics helps him find the edge while writing previews and being a regular tipster.

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