NRL R25 Dragons v Storm betting tips & odds – 19/8/23

St George Dragons vs Melbourne Storm Round 25 NRL tips

St George Dragons vs Melbourne Storm match preview

The upcoming NRL clash between the St. George Illawarra Dragons and Melbourne Storm promises an intriguing battle, though historical statistics and recent form suggest a clear favourite. Over the past eight years, these teams have locked horns nine times, with the Storm prevailing in six of those encounters.

The Dragons have struggled to find their footing recently, with just one win in their last five matches, exposing vulnerabilities in both attack and defence. Melbourne, on the other hand, bounced back from a two-game losing streak to clinch three successive victories, underscoring their resilience and championship mentality.

The head-to-head record heavily favours the Melbourne Storm, having won four out of the last five meetings between the teams. The Dragons, in contrast, have suffered a slump, losing eight of their last ten games. A glaring trend in their battles has been the Storm’s ability to score 42 or more points in their last two meetings against the Dragons, highlighting their potent attack.

Their recent attacking displays, tallying 46 and 48 points in their two most recent victories, substantiate their ability to consistently breach opposition defences.

While St. George Illawarra Dragons show sparks of talent, but they face an uphill battle against a Storm side that has firmly held the upper hand in recent times. Zac Lomax’s return might provide a boost for the Dragons, but overcoming the Storm’s dominance appears to be a monumental challenge.

Key Matchup: Mikaele Ravalawa vs Jahrome Hughes

Mikaele Ravalawa vs Jahrome Hughes

Key players to watch include Jahrome Hughes, who has found the try line consistently in all five games against the Dragons, and try-scoring machines Mikaele Ravalawa, both players have been instrumental in their teams’ attacking prowess. These players’ abilities to breach defences could result in an entertaining clash, potentially yielding tries on both sides.

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St George Dragons vs Melbourne Storm NRL betting prediction

Considering recent form, historical dominance, and the Storm’s well-rounded attack, a match prediction suggests the Melbourne Storm will win by 13+. Despite being on the road, the Storm’s formidable roster and winning mentality make them clear favourites against the inconsistent Dragons.

In terms of betting, the odds heavily favour Melbourne, with a commanding 65.5% probability of victory compared to the Dragons’ 34.5%. Given the Storm’s recent form and dominance, a bet on Melbourne to win seems reasonable, with odds of $1.16 compared to the Dragons’ distant $5.40 with the top NRL bookmakers.

Moreover, considering the Storm’s attacking prowess and the Dragons’ defensive vulnerabilities, Jahrome Hughes and Xavier Coates stand out as an anytime try-scorer candidates, given their remarkable record against the Dragons.

While the Dragons might put up a fight, the odds and recent performances point to the Melbourne Storm’s continued dominance and a likely victory on the horizon.

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