We have Storm vs. Sharks predictions for the Preliminary Finals game on Friday September 26 at 7:50pm at AAMI Park.
The Storm and Sharks meet in the first prelim final, where Melbourne is listed at $1.45 to make yet another NRL Grand Final.
Storm vs. Sharks Predictions
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Best Bet
The Storm had a week off last week, which should only help their cause against the Sharks, who battled past the Raiders with a good effort.
Despite Cronulla upsetting the minor premiers, it’s likely to struggle against the Storm. Melbourne is a fine-tuned machine, and with the likes of Cameron Munster and Harry Grant in the side, their experience should be too much for the Sharks.
We’re also intrigued to see how effortless Xavier Coates makes things on the wing. He’s the best winger in the NRL at present, and we don’t think the Sharks have enough height to stop him from scoring through the air.
Covering a –7.5 line in the prelim final isn’t easy, but with the help of home field, the Storm should have too much class for the visitors.
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Same Game Multi
Coates hasn’t scored in his last two games, but that just means he’s overdue. Defences have smartened up when defending the big Storm winger, but we don’t see how the Sharks will stop him on Friday night. He towers above the Sharks defence, so expect a lot of kicks in his direction.
Punters get $1.74 for Coates to score and $2.05 for Will Warbrick to crash over, which we’re also including. He scored a try in each of his last two games, and since coming back into the team, he has given them a shot in the arm.
Over 40.5 is a good NRL SGM pick. They combined for 36 points in their most recent meeting, but they scored 57 points in May, and that’s an excellent form guide.
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Best Value Bet
We cashed with Brian To’o first try scorer on Sunday, and we expect Coates to give punters a good sight this week.
As previously mentioned, Coates could dominate on the wing, and it will likely be up to Ronaldo Mulitalo to defend him. We don’t think Mulitalo is good enough defensively to stop Coates, and getting $7.50 is better than expected.
Look for the Storm winger to get things started on the right note for the home side.
