Melbourne Storm vs Gold Coast Titans Verdict
Melbourne are predicted to produce a big reaction to their heavy defeat last time out with Will Warbrick backed to be the chief threat in a dominant Storm victory.
- Melbourne have won 11 of their last 12 games against Gold Coast.
- Gold Coast have lost eight of their last nine games at AAMI Park.
- The Storm get Jahrome Hughes, Nick Meaney and Jack Howarth back.
- Will Warbrick has scored in two straight games against Gold Coast and in his last four NRL games.
Head to Head Stats
Melbourne have won four of the last five meetings in this matchup and the wider trend is even stronger, with the Storm taking 11 of the last 12 against Gold Coast.
The Titans have also struggled badly at AAMI Park, winning only once in their last nine visits.
Melbourne Storm Form - Inconsistent Storm
Melbourne have been inconsistent over their last five, averaging 23.2 points scored and 22.8 conceded.
The Round 17 loss to Manly was ugly, but the bye and the return of Hughes, Meaney and Howarth should help reset their attack.
The Storm are not playing at their usual standard, but this is still a side with a strong matchup edge and a major home-field advantage. If Hughes settles them early, the -9.5 line is within reach.
Gold Coast Titans Form - Lowly Ranked
Gold Coast have averaged 19.4 points scored and 23.8 conceded across their last five games. They continue to compete in patches, but consistency remains the issue and their completion rate ranks 17th.
Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Jojo Fifita being named to back up keeps the Titans dangerous, but the venue and head-to-head trend are difficult to ignore.
Gold Coast will need to be much cleaner than usual to keep this inside single digits.