Sea Eagles v Storm NRL Friday betting tips – April 14, 2023

Friday night NRL action wraps up on Sydney’s northern beaches with another instalment of the infamous ‘Battle of Brookvale’ with the Manly Sea Eagles hosting the Melbourne Storm at 4 Pines Park.

The clash between these two clubs was made famous in 2011 when a concoction of injuries and back-and-forth between opposing players resulted in all-in brawls with players, trainers, and officials, with players being sent off the field. Some 12 years on, Daly Cherry-Evans is the lone remaining player from that game and will certainly be using history as motivation for his side to bounce back from their big loss to the Panthers last week.

The home side has lost both Reuben Garrick and Karl Lawton to injuries, with Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega and Aaron Woods coming in as their replacements. Kaeo Weekes has been moved back to the bench to resume his utility role, with Cooper Johns named to start in the halves; however, Josh Schuster has been named in the reserves and could be a late inclusion.

The Melbourne Storm have been forced to make just one change with Nick Meaney suffering a concussion against the Roosters last week. Cameron Munster has been moved to the fullback role, bringing young gun Jonah Pezet back into the halves.

The Sea Eagles may be the home side, but injury clouds surrounding Tom Trbojevic and Schuster – who may be brought into the side late – makes the odds of winning at home unlikely. Expect the visitors to secure a narrow win in Brookvale, with the 1-12 margin paying $3.15 at Marantelli Bet.

Munster’s move to the fullback role for the Storm presents an even bigger threat for the Sea Eagles defence, as well as value for the punters in betting markets. The switch to the No.1 jersey will give the Kangaroos and Maroons star the ability to swing to either side of the field in attack to take advantage of the defensive issues Manly have. Whether clear opportunities present themselves or not, Munster will be able to cross the line for the Storm at any time during the match ($2.18).

The Storm will also be highly likely to move the football to their attacking left edge to take advantage of the inexperienced Vaega. Xavier Coates returned to some of his best form last week, scoring three tries to go with one line break and three tackle breaks. The Storm have a number of options to give Coates the ball in clear space, so it will likely only be a matter of time before the winger crosses the line and scores another try ($1.66).

The loss of Garrick and Meaney to these sides will be clear – not only in their ability to finish off try-scoring plays, but as both are primary goal-kickers, it is likely fewer conversions will be made. The stunting of the offense for both clubs, despite clear weather predictions, should see this match fall below 42.5 total points ($1.90).

Key matchup: Tom Trbojevic v Cam Munster

Tom Trbojevic vs Cameron Munster

Tom Trbojevic needed pain-killing injections to finish the Sea Eagles’ match against the Panthers and appears to be well below 100%. The Storm’s gameplan is often shutting down the opposition’s most dangerous player, and the poorer Trbojevic performs, the more difficult it will be for the likes of Cherry-Evans to overcome the visiting side. The Sea Eagles’ plight only worsens with Munster playing with the freedom that comes with being at fullback, and if the home side fails to stop him, this could get as ugly as the Panthers game last week.

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