Sharks v Storm: NRL rugby league match preview and free tips

Free rugby league tips, best bets and analysis for Cronulla Sharks v Melbourne Storm in the NRL.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Arena, 8.35am Saturday

Best bet

Melbourne Storm to win by one to 12 points
2pts 39-20 bet365
Back this tip with bet365

Match preview

No side in the NRL have shown the consistency to challenge for honours that Melbourne Storm have in the last decade and judging by their opening-round success over Manly, the Storm will be among the frontrunners to become Premiers again.

Craig Bellamy's men have finished no lower than sixth in the table since they finished bottom of the pile in 2010. In that time, they have won two titles, been losing Grand Finalists twice and finished top of the regular-season standings on four occasions.

The Storm opened 2020 with that 18-4 triumph over the Sea Eagles, displaying the power and supreme game-management that rugby league observers have come to expect from the Victorians.

Cronulla Sharks, who beat them in the 2016 Grand Final, are next up for Melbourne and the Storm have been made six-point favourites to inflict a second defeat of the season on the Sharks.

The hosts are something of an unknown quantity this year. They have some genuine superstars such as Shaun Johnson and Andrew Fifita in their ranks but whether they have the depth to compete for a second NRL crown is debatable.

A tough opening set of fixtures - in which they play five of last season's top eight in the first seven rounds - also means that they could already be playing catch-up after a third of the season.

The Sharks acquitted themselves well in last week's defeat against the Rabbitohs, battling back from 22-8 down to be narrowly beaten 22-18. Indeed, it could have been even better had a Josh Morris score 90 seconds from time not been ruled out for a forward pass.

The hosts are sure to be competitive but, as they showed against Manly last week, Melbourne are the masters at grinding down their opponents and that tactical expertise can see them through.

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