2021 NRL – Melbourne Storm vs Brisbane Broncos Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Melbourne Storm vs Brisbane Broncos taking place? Friday 2nd April, 2021 – 10:05 (UK)
Where is Melbourne Storm vs Brisbane Broncos taking place? AAMI Park, Melbourne
Where can I get tickets for Melbourne Storm vs Brisbane Broncos? Click here for ticket information on 2021 NRL matches
What channel is Melbourne Storm vs Brisbane Broncos on? Sky Sports Arena will be televising selected NRL games in the UK and you can find their schedule here. For Australian broadcasters, you can find a list here
Where can I stream Melbourne Storm vs Brisbane Broncos? If televised on Sky Sports, then subscribers will be able to stream the match live via Sky Go. Alternatively, the match will be available to subscribers of Watch NRL
THE TEAM NEWS
MELBOURNE STORM
Starting 13: Papenhuyzen, Jennings, R. Smith, Olam, Addo-Carr, Munster, Hughes, J. Bromwich, B. Smith, Welch, Eisenhuth, K. Bromwich, Asofa-Solomona – Interchanges: Kamikamica, Lewis, Pene, Hynes – Reserves: Loiero, Ieremia
Unavailable: Harry Grant (Injured), Dale Finucane (Injured), Max King (Injured), Brenko Lee (Injured), Felise Kaufusi (Suspended)
- Melbourne Storm blew a late lead for the second game in succession as they were edged in the repeat of last season’s Grand Final against Penrith Panthers with both of those losses being very un-Melbourne like.
- The Storm have enjoyed more possession than any other side in the early part of the season with of 57% of the ball across their three games but they have managed just one win so far and Craig Bellamy is likely to demand a big response here which will be aided by the return of Ryan Papenhuyzen at fullback.
BRISBANE BRONCOS
Starting 13: Isaako, Coates, Farnworth, Niu, Mead, Milford, Croft, Lodge, Turpin, Haas, Glenn, Riki, Carrigan – Interchanges: Asiata, Flegler, Pangai Jnr., Te’o – Reserves: Dearden, Bullemor
Unavailable: Kotoni Staggs (Injured), Jesse Arthars (Injured), Dale Copley (Injured)
- Brisbane Broncos finally ended their long wait for a win as they overcame Canterbury Bulldogs in a low-quality affair last week and they will take some confidence into this difficult trip to Melbourne.
- After a woeful first half with both teams posing very little threat, the Broncos were able to cut loose having scored the opening try of the game in the 58th minute which helped them rack up a 24-0 victory, their first success in 14 matches.
THE PREDICTION
There was huge relief for Brisbane Broncos as they finally ended their wretched losing streak at 13 matches thanks to a win over Canterbury Bulldogs last week. What was even more satisfying for the Broncos is that they were able to nil their opponents but they face a big task to back that effort up as they head to Melbourne to face the reigning premiers. The Storm were beaten for the second game in succession last week in what was a very similar manner of defeat to the previous week. They allowed a late try to concede the lead and with it being extremely rare for Melbourne to lose three in a row, they should come out on top in this one. Craig Bellamy was visibly annoyed at how his side threw the lead away last week and he will demand a lot more from his side with the premiers capable of covering the -19.5 handicap to get back to winning ways.
