Melbourne Storm v Sydney Roosters betting tips & winner prediction

The Storm host the Roosters in a Friday night clash in which we may be able to find some value, with a win to the visitors far more important than it is to Craig Bellamy’s side.

Indeed, the Roosters are fighting ferociously to win a spot in the finals, while Melbourne have locked up a top-two spot and Bellamy is taking the opportunity to rest a few of his battle-weary stars.

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That will give the Roosters the scent of an upset, even though they have lost 12 of the their past 13 matches against the Storm, including the past seven on end. They have not beaten the Melbourne side since round 24, 2022, when they prevailed 18-14.

The Storm have not completely conceded the points in this one as Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has seemingly done by resting almost his entire first-string side for the Panthers’ match against the Bulldogs on Thursday night. The Storm field a string of unfamiliar faces, though one should never underestimate the ability of the Storm to come up with no-name stars when it matters most.

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Teams news for Storm v Roosters clash

Ace Storm hooker Harry Grant is suspended and prop Tui Kamikamica misses the match due to concussion, but that is where the enforced changes end. Star players Xavier Coates, Nick Meaney, Eli Katoa and Josh King are all being rested with an eye to the finals.

Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown and Kane Bradley come in as wingers, while Grant Anderson moves to centre. Shawn Blore (ankle) is back after injury in the back row, while Nelson Asofa-Solomona is back in first grade on the bench.

Rep winger Will Warbrick (concussion) played Queensland Cup last weekend and is close to playing his first match since round four.

The Roosters are without young half Sam Walker (concussion), with Hugo Savala moving to halfback and Sandon Smith taking the No.6 jumper. Veteran winger Daniel Tupou is back after a concussion of his own..

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Storm v Roosters

Start:	8pm AEST, Friday, August 29
Venue:	AAMI Park, Melbourne
Head-to-head odds:	Melbourne $1.65 v Sydney Roosters ($2.25)
Line betting:	Melbourne -3.5 ($1.90) v Sydney Roosters +3.5 ($1.90)
Series odds:	Melbourne Storm $2.50; Sydney Roosters $26

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Storm v Roosters

Our NRL betting expert has highlighted his free tips for Friday night’s game.

Roosters win/match total under 44.5 points

The Storm are on a league-best five-match winning streak but it’s hard to imagine them being near their best given the players rested and the continued absence of gun halfback Jahrome Hughes with a shoulder injury. This selection is at better than $4 with online betting sites.

Sharks to win the NRL title

We have pushed this bet of late and it seems unlikely to pay off. But we believe they are still an outside chance of snatching a top-four spot, particularly now that Penrith seem to have conceded in that race. The Sharks are one of the few teams with the ability to match anyone for strike power. You can find at least $21 with most Aussie bookmakers and if they happen to reach the grand final or even a preliminary final, you can lock in a handsome profit.

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Storm v Roosters prediction 

We are expecting a dour affair here with wet weather forecast, but you can certainly expect the Roosters to bring a finals-like intensity. These teams clashed just five weeks ago and the Storm were lucky to escape with a 34-30 victory with a much stronger team than what they are putting out here. The Storm are title favourites for a reason but they are up against it here. Our final Storm v Roosters prediction? The Roosters by 8 points.