Suncorp Stadium will play host to Friday's NRL game between Brisbane Broncos and Melbourne Storm. The game kicks off at 7:50 pm with Brisbane Broncos heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Brisbane Broncos vs. Melbourne Storm game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Friday September 8, 2023 at 7:50 pm

Where: Suncorp Stadium

Bet: Bet On This Match HERE

Brisbane Broncos vs Melbourne Storm Odds

Brisbane Broncos vs Melbourne Storm Preview

Brisbane gambled the minor premiership on resting its big guns against Melbourne last week and lost, setting up a hoodoo rematch in the opening qualifying final.

While neither side will be putting too much weight on the Storm’s 28-22 win last Thursday with so many stars rested on both sides, it did extend their dominance over the Broncos to 14 straight matches – and their unbeaten streak in the rivalry at Suncorp Stadium to 14 years.

Melbourne carved out a typically gritty 24-16 win over high-flying Brisbane at AAMI Park in Round 11.

Ryan Papenhuyzen’s excellent display at fullback was a highlight of the Round 27 victory and he’s on the Storm bench this week, with Nick Meaney retaining his No.1 jersey. Young Tonumaipea and Marion Seve are in the centres, while Jahrome Hughes has been cleared.

The Broncos welcome Adam Reynolds and Patrick Carrigan back from injury, and Kotoni Staggs from suspension. Corey Oates is the odd man out in the backline, with Jesse Arthars picked on the wing. Keenan Palasia has beaten Corey Jensen for a bench spot.

Brisbane was on a seven-match winning streak before last week’s loss, with the likes of Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam in scintillating touch, but the 18-6 Broncos arguably haven’t had the better of an in-form heavyweight to date in 2023.

Uncharacteristically patchy for much of the season, Melbourne is on a four-match winning streak for the first time in 2023 – albeit against modest opposition – but the Storm have been racking up plenty of points.

The Storm are also 6-1 in finals matches against the Broncos under Craig Bellamy (3-0 at Suncorp), most recently ending their season in the 2017 prelim.

With the Broncos appearing in their first finals match since 2019, the hosts will be leaning on the likes of Adam Reynolds and Kurt Capewell.

The Storm were bounced by the Raiders at home in week one last year but the premiership experience Cameron Munster, Hughes, Harry Grant, Nelson Asofa-Solomona and co. provide is a handy advantage.

The visitors have their work cut out containing Walsh – who showed during Origin he’s unlikely to be overawed by this new, big stage – and Payne Haas, especially.

But there is unquestionably something in this rivalry bogey and the Storm are very attractive underdogs in this barnburner.

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