Tigers v Storm NRL betting tips & team lists | Round 18, 2024

Tigers v Storm best bets

Round 18: Wests Tigers v Melbourne Storm preview

The Storm will be looking to extend their lead atop the NRL ladder this Saturday afternoon as they face the struggling Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval.

As expected, Melbourne are strong favourites at $1.38 with Bet365, while the Tigers are $3.40 outsiders. The line is set at 8.5 points.

After consecutive wins across rounds 15 and 16, the Tigers came crashing back down last Sunday afternoon with a 34-point loss to the Sydney Roosters. Discipline was a major concern for Benji Marshall’s men, as they had two players sent to the sin bin.

The Tigers have fallen back down to last place on the ladder, with top NRL bookmakers listing them as favourites for the wooden spoon at $2.15.

There are a couple of inclusions for the Tigers as winger Charlie Staines and second-rower John Bateman return to the side. Reuben Porter drops to 18th man, while Brent Naden is out of the matchday squad altogether.

The Storm won their fourth consecutive match last Saturday, beating the Raiders by 10 points at AAMI Park. In a low-scoring affair, the Storm scored all three tries during a 15-minute spell, while their defence kept Canberra to just one try.

As a result of the win, Craig Bellamy’s men are now two games clear at the top of the NRL ladder. However, with the Panthers and Roosters expected to build into September, the Storm are third favourites for the premiership at $4.75 with leading Australian bookmakers.

Star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen is set to return for Melbourne, pushing Sua Fa’alogo to the bench. However, Queensland winger Xavier Coates is sidelined with a hamstring injury, with Kane Bradley starting in his place.

Tigers v Storm R18 teams

Wests Tigers

1. Jahream Bula
2. Luke Laulilii
3. Solomona Faataape
4. Adam Doueihi
5. Charlie Staines
6. Lachlan Galvin
7. Aidan Sezer
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Api Koroisau
10. Fonua Pole
11. John Bateman
12. Samuela Fainu
13. Justin Matamua
14. Heath Mason
15. Sione Fainu
16. Alex Seyfarth
17. David Klemmer

Melbourne Storm

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen
2. Will Warbrick
3. Grant Anderson
4. Jack Howarth
5. Kane Bradley
6. Tyran Wishart
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. Tui Kamikamica
9. Bronson Garlick
10. Josh King
11. Shawn Blore
12. Eliesa Katoa
13. Trent Loiero
14. Sualauvi Faalogo
15. Christian Welch
16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
17. Joe Chan

Tigers v Storm predictions

On top of the ladder and on a run of four consecutive wins, the Storm are rightfully strong favourites for this clash. They have won the past six matches between these sides, so back Melbourne to cover the handicap of 8.5 points at $1.91 with leading rugby league betting sites.

Coming off a disappointing offensive performance against the Raiders, the Storm will be looking to return to their usual high-scoring ways. Both sides have gone over 46 total match points in four of their past five games, while the Tigers hold the second-worst defensive record in the NRL. This one should go over 50.5 points at $1.98 with PlayUp.

Despite an injury-affected 2024 season so far, Ryan Papenhuyzen has scored eight tries in nine matches. Facing his former club, back the Storm star to score two or more tries at $3.50 with top sports bookies.

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