Melbourne Storm vs Wests Tigers Preview
The Storm are backed to finally end their seven-game losing streak. Wests Tigers are hit by injuries after losing 52-10 to Cronulla last week, and Melbourne can end their own run with Jahrome Hughes finally back on deck.
- Melbourne have won the last 8 meetings against the Tigers by an average margin of 25 points.
- 5 of the last 7 Tigers games have gone under the game total.
- Melbourne have scored 24 points or less in their last 7 matches.
- Sualauvi Faalogo has scored 11 tries this season for Melbourne
Head to Head
Melbourne blew out Wests 64-0 last season making it 8 straight victories, not losing to the Tigers since 2018.
Melbourne Storm Form - 7 Straight Losses
Melbourne are stuck in unfamiliar territory after dropping seven straight matches, with defence becoming the biggest issue during the losing streak.
The Storm have conceded 38 points per game across their last five outings and have struggled to control momentum once games start turning against them.
Heavy losses to Penrith, the Warriors and Rabbitohs exposed just how fragile they have become defensively.
There have still been attacking positives despite the results. Sualauvi Faalogo has been one of the few consistent bright spots with his speed and support play creating chances every week, while Cameron Munster and Harry Grant continue to battle hard through the middle.
The major boost comes with Jahrome Hughes returning after missing last week, giving Melbourne their most important organiser back at halfback as they try to steady the season before it slips away completely.
Wests Tigers Form - Tigers Form Dramatically Ended
The Tigers had quietly put together a solid stretch of football before being blown apart by Cronulla last round.
Prior to the 52-10 loss, Benji Marshall’s side had won three of five matches and built their success around effort, defensive energy and strong middle-third performances led by Terrell May and Jarome Luai.
Last week was a complete collapse though, with Cronulla exposing the Tigers’ edges repeatedly and dominating possession for most of the game.
The injury to Adam Doueihi only made things worse, forcing another spine reshuffle heading into Round 10. Despite the poor result, the Tigers have still shown far more competitiveness this season compared to previous years however, more off-field drama threatens to tear the club apart once again.