Storm v Bulldogs NRL R2 betting tips & multi – March 11, 2023

Super Saturday NRL action wraps up in Melbourne with the Storm hosting a new-look Canterbury Bulldogs side at AAMI Park.

The Melbourne Storm need to overcome the loss of superstar five-eighth Cameron Munster to a finger injury. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs have named an unchanged side to the one that was beaten comfortably by the Manly Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval.

The last two matches between these clubs have been comfortable victories for the Storm; however, the Canterbury Bulldogs will be determined to get their first of the season on the board for new coach Cameron Ciraldo. The loss of Munster will make winning slightly easier for the travelling side as Tyran Wishart fills in for the hosts.

Surprisingly, of the 44 matches these two sides have played against one another, the Bulldogs have won 21. Playing the Storm in Melbourne is a difficult task, even for the best of teams; however, with the likes of Josh Addo-Carr, Matt Burton and Viliame Kikau in the side, there is enough upside in this Canterbury outfit for fans to be optimistic. Should they improve on their performance against Manly, there is great value for the Bulldogs to win at $3.07 with BetOnline.

By design or not, Kikau struggled to get into the match last weekend for the Bulldogs. The former Panthers back-rower failed to play all 80 minutes of the match and didn’t reach 100 running metres. Kikau will need to become the focal point of the Bulldogs attack on the left edge, with opposition defender Eliesa Katoa being slightly smaller and missing four tackles last week. If the Bulldogs get enough time in the Storm’s danger zone and shift the ball left, Kikau should be able to record his first try of the season for his new club ($4.50).

Although dry conditions are predicted for AAMI Park – a ground where points can come easy in the right conditions – it’s hard to anticipate these two sides being strong in attack. The loss of Munster for the Storm is enormous, while the Bulldogs are continuing to work on their combinations for the season. This should result in a low-scoring match for these sides, going below 39.5 total points ($1.90).

Key matchup: Harry Grant v Reed Mahoney

The battle of the hookers will be key given both sides need an injection of speed and ball-playing from dummy half. The loss of Munster for the Storm will bring a more prominent role for Harry Grant, while Reed Mahoney will be working from the play-the-ball to get his halves into the game and on the front foot. Whoever controls the ruck and creates more for their club will put their side in a position to win the match.

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