Storm vs Warriors ANZAC Day betting tips & odds – NRL Round 7

Round seven of the 2021 NRL season concludes with the now-traditional ANZAC Day clash between the New Zealand Warriors and the Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park.

The visitors head to the Victorian capital undermanned, with Jack Murchie being forced out into the centres unless there is a late change. The Storm will be without the irresistible Ryan Papenhuyzen but have a great security blanket in Nicho Hynes, and they’ll also get Dale Finucane onto the bench for his first game of the season.

The Warriors were once a bogey team for the Storm, but Melbourne are on a nine-game win streak against the Auckland-based club.

Storm vs Warriors match analysis

The 16-point handicap looks ominous, but if the Melbourne Storm decide to turn it on, they will cover that comfortably for a nice $2 return. All across the park they have too much class, and the Warriors are missing key players, so it may not be a fair fight.

Josh Addo-Carr is an extremely short $6.50 to score the opening try, but Justin Olam at $11 is also one to back given the Storm’s left edge will no doubt strike the first blow. Harry Grant at $3.75 to score at any time is another to get on, as he will carve up a tired forward pack and he has far too much skill.

Does anyone fancy the $26 for a 13+ win to the NZ Warriors? Any takers? In all seriousness, it is hard to find any value in the match betting for the visitors, even at the +16 line. The $10 for the Warriors to be held scoreless should get some attention, but if you are after a try scorer, David Fusitu’a at $2.88 is the best bet.

Key matchup: Justin Olam vs Marcelo Montoya

Marcelo Montoya will take his spot at left centre for the Warriors, and against Justin Olam he will have to earn every cent. Olam is a physical dynamo and will create havoc down that side of the field, and if Montoya isn’t switched on, it will be the mismatch the Storm continue to go at.

Storm vs Warriors betting predictions

Melbourne Storm -16.5

The Storm will win by at least 20 points. They are far superior in every way, and that’s all that needs to be said on the subject.

The Storm at the line with Harry Grant, Josh Addo-Carr and Justin Olam to all score at anytime pays a healthy $14 at Sportsbet.