NRL

Melbourne Storm Vs Canberra Raiders Finals Preview: Everything You Need To Know About Your Team’s Chances

6 years ago - Sportingbase

MELBOURNE STORM VS CANBERRA RAIDERS – SATURDAY 14 SEPTEMBER, 5:40PM, AAMI PARK

After claiming their third minor premiership in four years, the Melbourne Storm will embark on another finals campaign at AAMI Park, this time against the Canberra Raiders.

The Raiders come into this clash having defeated the Storm in their last meeting. That win came at this venue in Round 22 and saw Canberra erase an 18-point deficit – the largest Melbourne has ever conceded – by holding the home side scoreless during the second half.

If that result cemented the Raiders as premiership threats, last week’s shock loss to the Warriors raised some questions.

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Team news:

Storm: Cameron Munster is back after sitting out last week’s final-round win over the Cowboys. Jahrome Hughes has won the battle for the No.7 jersey, with Brodie Croft dropping to the reserves as the unlucky odd man out. Josh Addo-Carr returns on the wing and Brandon Smith has been named on the bench in place of impressive rookie Harry Grant.

Raiders: Ricky Stuart’s men are close to full strength with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Iosia Soliola, John Bateman and Jordan Rapana back on deck after being rested last week. Joey Leilua returns from suspension in the centres so Nick Cotric moves to the wing. Joseph Tapine (rib cartilage) is also back on deck so Corey Horsburgh goes to the bench. Bailey Simonsson and Dunamis Lui also shift to the bench after starting last week when Stuart rested some of his main men.

Betting Insights:

Canberra has won each of its last three matches as an underdog.
Eight of the last nine matches between Melbourne and Canberra have gone UNDER the total match points line.
Josh Papalii has scored a try in three of Canberra’s last four away matches.
Felise Kaufusi has been the first try-scorer in two of Melbourne’s last three matches against Canberra at AAMI Park.
Suliasi Vunivalu has scored at least one try in each of Melbourne’s last four matches against Canberra.