It’s a top of the table battle when the Brisbane Broncos attempt to reverse history, hosting the Melbourne Storm in what could be a finals dress rehearsal. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage of the match from 7:50pm (AEST).
The Storm have had plenty of success in Brisbane over the years, winning 11 of their 14 games played at Suncorp Stadium.
Add to that 27 of 41 in total, and you begin to get a picture of exactly how dominant Craig Bellamy’s men have been in this rivalry.
It’s not showing any signs of slowing down coming into this Round 17 contest either. The Storm, complete with their Queensland Maroons trio of Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater have been on fire.
They sit on top of the table with 12 wins from their 15 games. Despite a loss to the Roosters last week, they were the better side for much of the match without their Origin stars, dropping a 12-point lead.
The loss shouldn’t worry Melbourne in the slightest, given how understrength they were and considering their form beforehand.
Smith and Cronk have controlled things, but Slater’s spark and match-winning ability has been second to none.
The Broncos, on the other hand have felt inconsistent, yet sit third place on the ladder. Origin has made itself known on Wayne Bennett’s troops though, with the club losing two of their last four.
At the top of the list of issues is their half rotation. It seems confused and disjointed, with Anthony Milford injured, Kodi Nikorima inconsistent, Ben Hunt seemingly on the outer and Benji Marshall pushing his case for a run in the team.
Hunt will again come from the bench after a stunning second in the Broncos 30-20 victory over the Raiders last week while Marshall and Nikorima have been named to start.
Marshall has recaptured the form that saw him finish second in the 2015 Dally M medal, and has been one of Brisbane’s best over the last few weeks. If he continues to combine with Hunt off the bench, it will take Brisbane a long way towards winning.
Despite that, it’s Brisbane’s forwards who must match Melbourne’s pack, featuring Jesse Bromwich, Dale Finucane, Origin player Tim Glasby and rising second rower Felise Kaufusi.
The returning Korbin Sims must lead the charge for Wayne Bennett’s men, but everyone must stand up or they will get rolled through the middle.
In team news, the Melbourne Origin players are back, while Sims is back for Brisbane.
Prediction
The Storm have an incredible record against the Broncos, and look close to unbeatable when at full strength. Brisbane will give it a shake, but won’t win this one.
Storm by 6.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of the match from 7:50pm (AEST) and don’t forget to add a comment in the section below.
steveng
Roar Rookie
The Broncs don't miss out either on controversial calls, stop whinging!!!
Artie Williams
Guest
Hats off to the Brisbane boys for sticking to the game plan. And hats off to Craig Bellamy the world's number one for the past twelve years by a country mile. Sorry Wayne you were completely out-coached yet again by the master.. Did Melbourne get an edge with ref calls ... of course but not as much as usual ... business is business the NRL has to maintain a strong presence in the windy city for obvious reasons. The result was fairly predictable for anyone who has thorough knowledge of the modern game. But not as predictable as Wayne's game plan..... forget the excuses.
Mike from tari
Guest
Superstars, pleaaase, what a load of tommyrot.
Concerned observer
Guest
Don't try TB, let the salt flow. There's nothing better then watching a Broncos fan after they've been massacred. Look how they blame everything but their own team. Why, just last Wednesday I have no doubt our irate fan here would've been mocking Daley for a having a similar response.
Angus McCaskill
Guest
Fantastic...as usual Storm performance...enough said for now!!!
Cugel
Roar Rookie
I don't mind the Melbourne personnel and their style of play over the years has been good, but the seemingly constant winning (at least during H&A) - I'm pretty much over it.
The Barry
Roar Guru
It took you a while to declare your allegiance tonight...
Roberto
Guest
Storm were clinical, yes but with majority of the 50/50 calls - the 30pnt margin a fair reflection with 4 starters in Captain Boyd, Oates, Milford, Maguire all missing through injury. Just maybe the loss Brisbane need into the bye to stoke the fire in the belly to charge into the finals when all superstars on deck.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Refs fault. The pass from Hunt was miles forward even before Chambers touched it.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Bromwich copped a knee I believe - should be right to go next week
The Barry
Roar Guru
Well there was two shots at the ref in that post. I don't know that was a massive turning point. Broncos were completely outclassed for 65 minutes of that game. Broncos never got close than eight.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Wasn't expecting that scoreline! Anyone know what happened to Jessie Bromich? Storm played their best game this season. With the big 3 fresh it was just clinical Storm footy. Broncos started the 2nd half strong and for a moment the comeback was on but Storm put the foot down and it was all over. The confidence when the big 3 play especially the trick plays in their own half. They really have it over the Broncos. ..the only team with a positive win percentage against the Broncos. Good to see the Storm players taking time for the fans after the game.
JB
Guest
I think Brisbane have been pretending most of the year well coached clinical team but they are limited they will make finals but disappear early. They don't have the clout they used to in key positions. I think everyone in the 8 will beat them more often than not come September. Storm play their best against structured football. They play Melbourne storm football nowhere as good as the storm and I think the storm will be in the GF it's just a matter of against who. I hope it's manly.
Paul
Guest
Amazing, the refs can see a marginally forward pass from the Broncos but miss all of Smith's forward passes. As usual the Storm get the best of the calls. Mind you if they weren't in the top 8 then the franchise would be in trouble. Enough said.
The Barry
Roar Guru
But you were going for the Broncos then...?
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thanks for joining me this evening on The Roar for our live coverage of the 2017 NRL Season as the Melbourne Storm beat the Brisbane Broncos in comprehensive fashion. Hopefully you enjoyed the call. I'm done for the weekend in terms of Rugby League, but John Coomer will be on from 3pm (AEST) tomorrow as the Roosters take on the Sharks. I will be back tomorrow night from 11pm (AEST) as the Tour de France gets underway. Wimbledon also commences on Monday. Bye for now.
Sean
Guest
Contenders? More like certainties. Storm have always had a good pack, but this year its the best pack in the comp. When you have mclean,solomoa and bromich coming off the bench when fit how can you stop them?
Jara W
Guest
30 points is a massive blow to our for and against. And it could have been worse. They were getting around our outside men at will.
BigJ
Roar Guru
If that is going to be the grand final please bring it on. Justice for 2006
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thoughts on the game Roarers?