Brisbane Broncos vs Melbourne Storm Predictions and Betting Tips

🏈 NRL Round 27 Match Preview

⏰ 31 August 2023 - 19:50 AEST

🏟 Stadium - Suncorp Stadium

The Brisbane Broncos will host the Melbourne Storm in a blockbuster Thursday night NRL clash that is sure to excite rugby league fans. The match between these two heavyweight clubs will kick off at 7:50 pm AEST on 31/08/2023 at Suncorp Stadium.

According to the odds compiled from 36 Australian betting sites, the bookmakers have installed the Brisbane Broncos as strong favourites heading into the game at $1.29. The Broncos will have the benefit of playing in front of their passionate home fans, while Melbourne will need to overcome recent struggles against Brisbane if they are to cause an upset.

The minor premiership will be up for grabs when the Broncos play host to their old foes the Storm on Thursday night at Suncorp. It shapes as a massive clash, but both clubs have opted to rest several key players with the finals just around the corner, making this an extremely difficult one to pick.

Brisbane have everything to play for, but the minor premiership alone isn't enough for Kevin Walters to risk his best talent. Reece Walsh, Herbie Farnworth, Selwyn Cobbo, Ezra Mam, Billy Walters, Payne Haas and Kurt Capewell have all been given the week off, while Adam Reynolds, Pat Carrigan and Kotoni Staggs are also missing through injury and suspension. That's basically the Broncos' whole starting side sitting out.

Meanwhile, Craig Bellamy has done the same, resting Cameron Munster, Xavier Coates, Nick Meaney, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Tui Kamikamica, Tom Eisenhuth, Trent Loiero and Marion Seve. Harry Grant and Jahrome Hughes are also out nursing injuries.

One big in for the Storm is fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen, who will play his first NRL game in over a year after returning from a serious knee injury in reserve grade in recent weeks. Melbourne have dominated Brisbane for the best part of a decade now, with the 2006 Grand Final still fresh in Bellamy's mind. But with so many players missing, it remains to be seen whether the past head-to-head record matters much here.

Brisbane Broncos vs Melbourne Storm Head-to-Head

The Brisbane Broncos have clearly had the wood over the Melbourne Storm in recent head-to-head clashes. Over the last 8 years, these two powerhouses have met 15 times, with Brisbane winning a remarkable 14 of those matchups. The Broncos have dominated the rivalry, with Melbourne only managing a single victory in their last 15 contests against Brisbane. In that time, none of the games between the teams have ended in a draw. Brisbane's commanding 14-1 head-to-head record over the past 8 seasons underscores their recent dominance over the Storm when these sides meet.

Brisbane Broncos Performance

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 The Brisbane Broncos come into this match in red-hot form, having won their last 5 games in a row. Their recent run of victories will fill Brisbane with confidence as they aim to continue their winning streak against the Storm. The Broncos are building momentum at the perfect time ahead of the finals as they look to secure a spot in the top 4. Their flawless record over the past 5 matches demonstrates Brisbane's class and shows why many are tipping them to get the better of Melbourne.

Melbourne Storm Performance

🟩🟩🟩🟥🟩 While not quite as red-hot as Brisbane, the Melbourne Storm come into this match in solid form having won 4 of their past 5 games. The Storm's only blemish was a narrow loss to the Sea Eagles, but they have otherwise been able to string together consistent victories in the lead up to finals. Sitting second on the ladder, Melbourne's strong recent record of four wins from five matches proves they will be no pushovers against the Broncos. However, the Storm's sole loss in their last five outings came against a fellow top 4 team in Manly, which may be a concern against high-flying Brisbane.

📋 Players to watch:

• Corey Oates enjoys playing against the Storm - he's scored a try in 3 of his last 4 games versus them.
• Eliesa Katoa is also in good touch, having scored a try in each of his last 3 appearances.

⚡ Match Facts:

• The Storm have won the last 13 clashes between these sides.
• You'd have to go back to 2009 for the last time the Storm lost to the Broncos at Suncorp.
• Will Warbrick has been in hot try-scoring form, crossing the stripe 5 times in his most recent 4 matches.

💡 Match Prediction:

According to the forecasts, the Brisbane Broncos are expected to continue their dominant record over the Melbourne Storm. The probabilities point to a likely Broncos victory at 66.3% compared to just 33.7% for the Storm. This is reflected in the bookmakers' odds, which have priced Brisbane as clear $1.51 favorites, while Melbourne are outsiders at $2.97.

The prediction indicates the Broncos will win by a margin of around 8 points against the Storm this Thursday night. Given Brisbane's sizzling recent form and imposing record over Melbourne in recent seasons, the forecast looks justified in predicting another Broncos victory when these two powerhouses clash.

Broncos vs Storm Score Prediction: 28 - 20