The Melbourne Storm and New Zealand Warriors will both be looking to get back in the win column when they square off in their Round 7 showdown on Friday night, but the outcome of this one might already be in the books. If you’re ready for some round 7 NRL action, then let’s find out which team is offering the best betting value in this Warriors Vs Storm, along with their NRL odds.
NRL Warriors Vs Storm Round 7
Why Bet On The Storm at -588
Melbourne is sitting in sixth place in the NRL standings with eight points. The Storm have scored 98 points this season while allowing 77 points defensively (+21). Melbourne has gone 1-1 at home and 3-1 on the road this season. The Storm had their two-game winning streak snapped in their 21-14 upset loss against Penrith on Friday. Felise Kaufusi and Brenko Lee scored on tries and Cameron Smith went 2-for-2 on conversions, but it wasn’t enough as Melbourne gave up three tries, three conversions, a penalty goal and a field goal in the loss. Melbourne will be lifted by the return of Joshua Addo-Carr and Jahrome Hughes to the starting side, with Marion Seve and Ryley Jacks moving to the bench.
Why Bet On The Warriors at +400
New Zealand is sitting in 13th place in the NRL standings with four points. The Warriors have scored just 73 points this season while allowing a generous 132 points defensively (-59). New Zealand has gone 2-1 at home, but a discouraging 0-3 on the road. The Warriors were on the wrong end of a humbling 40-12 smackdown loss against South Sydney on Friday. David Fusitu’a and Agnatius Paasi scored tries and Kodi Nikorima went 1-for-2 on conversions.
New Zealand made the stunning decision to part ways with head coach Stephen Kearney despite splitting four games since the NRL’s post coronavirus restart. Assistant Todd Payten will take over as interim coach.
“Stephen was informed this morning that we needed to make an immediate change,” Warriors CEO Cameron George said in a statement.
The bad news is that the move wasn’t received very well by the Warriors players who adored the widely-respected Kearney. Payten has warned that his players may want to return home after the stunning dismissal of Kearney.
“Some may [want to return home],” Payten said on Sunday. “Yesterday it was an emotionally-charged day. Stephen’s very well respected and loved by the players. I don’t know how they feel from an anger situation. It hit them pretty hard in the face.
For this round 7 showdown, Karl Lawton covers the suspended Wayde Egan at hooker while Jack Murchie starts for the injured Eliesa Katoa (ankle) in the second row. Ken Maumalo returns on the wing with Gerard Beale out of the 17. Chanel Harris-Tavita and Isaiah Papali’i return on the bench. David Fusitu’a and Lachlan Burr are both named despite failing HIAs last week.
General Match Info New Zealand Warriors (2-0-4) Vs. Melbourne Storm (4-0-2)
- When: Friday, June 26, 2020 at 3:00 AM AEST
- Where: Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Sydney
- Warriors Vs Storm Live: Fox Sports
- Money Lines: Storm -588 / Warriors +400
Expert Analysis and Prediction
I don’t see a whole lot of sense in beating around the bush with my prediction on this round 7 matchup since I just don’t see New Zealand showing up with the best effort after getting completely stunned by the removal of their beloved head coach. Melbourne has won five straight in this rivalry including a 32-10 road win on June 8, 2019 the last time they met. The Storm are the statistically better team on both sides of the ball and they’ll be motivated to get the win and they are one of six teams with four victories, one win behind league-leading Parramatta. Melbourne wins and they win big!
Pick: Storm 32 Warriors 10
Telstra Premiership 2020 Round 7 Matches
- Rabbitohs vs Panthers – Thursday 25th June, 05:50 AM | Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Sydney
- Dragons vs Roosters – Friday 26th June, 05:55 AM | Bankwest Stadium, Sydney
- Knights vs Cowboys – Friday 26th June, 01:00 AM | Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
- Titans vs Broncos – Saturday 27th June, 03:30 AM | Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
- Raiders vs Eels – Saturday 27th June, 05:35 AM | Bankwest Stadium, Sydney
- Sharks vs Sea Eagles – Sunday 28tht June, 02:05 AM | Central Coast Stadium, Central Coast
- Wests Tigers vs Bulldogs – Sunday 28th June, 04:30 AM | Bankwest Stadium, Sydney
