Sydney Roosters v Melbourne Storm NRL betting tips – R20, 2023

Roosters v Storm best bets & same game multi

Roosters v Storm NRL R20 match preview

Super Saturday NRL action for round 20 wraps up at the historic Sydney Cricket Ground with the Roosters hosting the Melbourne Storm.

The last time these two sides met, the Storm recorded a dominant 28-8 win in Melbourne. Will the Sydney Roosters be able to bounce back at the SCG as the look to make a late climb up the NRL ladder?

Roosters and New South Wales Blues captain James Tedesco is expected to back-up from State of Origin on Wednesday night, along with Queensland Maroons forward Lindsay Collins. Centre Billy Smith and winger Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii return to the starting side after time out under concussion protocols, with Corey Allan and Fetalaiga Pauga dropping out. Brandon Smith (hand) and Egan Butcher (concussion) will return via the interchange bench in place of Drew Hutchison and Terrell May.

Queensland Maroons stars Xavier Coates, Cameron Munster and Harry Grant are named to start for the Melbourne Storm, with all three appearing to come through Origin III unscathed. Having copped a head knock in round 18, Will Warbrick lines up on the wing after serving his mandatory stand-down during the bye last week.

Roosters v Storm betting predictions

The Roosters have not beaten the Storm at the SCG since week three of the 2019 finals series, when they went on to win the NRL Grand Final. The Roosters have lost their last two matches by narrow margins, despite having one of the most talented squads in the NRL, and risk slipping into the bottom four on the ladder. However, the return of Suaalii and Smith to a well-rested side should be enough for the home side spring an upset at $2.45 odds.

Storm winger Will Warbrick has shown in their last two losses he can be a liability in defence. This weekend, the former rugby sevens player will take on a future Wallaby in Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who has struggled for form this season but returns to his best position in rugby league on the left wing. The 19-year-old Rooster is an incredible athlete who can score in the air from kicks as well as breaking tackles on the ground. Look for Suaalii to score a try at any time during the match, with NRL bookmakers offering good odds of $2.18.

This clash should be a low-scoring affair that falls below 41.5 total match points ($1.90). The last two matches between these sides have been low-scoring and the returning representative stars will be subject to fatigue, which will impact both teams’ ability to put points on the board.

Roosters v Storm key matchup: Radley v Asofa-Solomona

Victor Radley vs Nelson Asofa-Solomona

The battle on the edge between these two alpha-male forwards could be the highlight of the round. Nelson Asofa-Solomona is one of the hardest players to tackle in rugby league, while Victor Radley is one of the most physical defenders in the NRL. Both players play to their physical and emotional limits, which can land them in hot water with officials. Whoever can keep their emotions in check best on the night and avoid disciplinary action will give their side the best chance of winning.

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