NRL Storm vs Sea Eagles round 12 betting tips & odds | 26/05/22

Indigenous Round for 2022 kicks off Thursday night as the Melbourne Storm host the Manly Sea Eagles at Aami Park. Melbourne will be looking to avoid three straight losses, and you’ll have to go back to July 2015 to find the last three game losing streak of the Storm. The odds of Melbourne losing their third straight have shortened with Tom Trbojevic ruled out for what looks to be the remainder of the 2022 NRL season. Meanwhile, Jarome Hughes returns from injury in a much-needed boost for the Storm.

Early betting has been one way since teams were named on Tuesday as the Storm have been backed heavily from $1.35 into $1.18. This has pushed Manly Sea Eagles from $3.05 out to $5. The Storm should be a lock to win, however, their issues have been scoring points as they’re missing the league’s leading try scorer, Ryan Papenhuyzen.

The return of Hughes is going to be a major boost for the Storm, however hard it is to quantify in points at this stage. The -15.5 point line looks too long for the Melbourne Storm to cover at this stage, making the 13+ point winning margin a much safer bet at $1.70.

Cameron Munster has faced his fair share of issues in the last fortnight, as a poor showing against defending premiers the Panthers left Munster stating “I can’t wait for next weekend” post-match. That ominous warning bared no fruit as Munster was allegedly struck down with illness against the Cowboys and looked well below his best. Having been beaten by a total 68-12 in the last two weeks, expect Munster to lead the bounce back of the Storm and score a try at any time in the match paying $3.45.

Another man who will be looking for the in-goal area is Justin Olam. The return of Hughes to the halves should be the catalyst for Olam being the beneficiary of more ball in space in attack for the Storm. Morgan Harper will be marking up on Olam on Thursday night, who had a horrendous match against Siosifa Talakai in Cronulla. Olam is a very similar style of centre to Talakai, and Harper is as liable as ever to struggle again Thursday. Olam represents great value to score a try at any time paying $2.40 with the top betting sites.

The Melbourne Storm are not a rugby league team that gets beaten by a total 68-12 in the space of a fortnight. Coach Craig Bellamy will be looking for the most ruthless of responses from his side to return to winning ways and strike fear back into the rest of the competition. Although wet weather is expected Thursday night, this should not slow down the Storm in their scoring. Expect this match to go well over the 38.5 total match points for the game at $1.82.

KEY MATCH UP: CAMERON MUNSTER v KIERAN FORAN

Both these five-eighths are as skilled and talented as they are opposites in playing styles. While it’s well-known Munster is at his best running the football, attacking the line and playing ‘eyes up footy’, Foran strengths lie elsewhere. Foran may be in the jersey number traditionally associated with running the ball for Manly, but often plays better when directing the team around the park and organising Manly’s attack, as more of a traditional halfback.

Here in lies a particularly interesting matchup. Manly’s chances of winning rely heavily on Foran orchestrating what would be one of the biggest upsets of the season, while Melbourne will win by more points the more dangerous Munster is.

Melbourne Storm vs Manly Sea Eagles betting tips

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