NRL Round 3 Preview and Prediction - Melbourne Storm v Brisbane Broncos @ AAMI Park

Melbourne Storm v Brisbane Broncos @ AAMI Park
 
Preview - It's a Thursday night blockbuster as the Storm host the Broncs at AAMI Park. The Storm are back in front of their home fans this year after a couple of typically gutsy victories on the road against the Bulldogs and Warriors. The Storm played both games in wet weather and their defence looks typically stingy, conceding just 8 points per game so far. The Broncos have started the season well themselves despite going down in another epic Golden Point game against the Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium last week. 
 
History - The Broncos have an amazing record against the Storm with 26 victories and just 13 losses overall. However, Wayne Bennett has a poor record against Craig Bellamy, recording his first win in 10 attempts last season against one of his main coaching rivals. In Round 25 last season, the Broncos caused a boil over winning 26-16 at AAMI Park.
 
Melbourne Storm Scouting Report - All the headlines have been around the return of Billy Slater after over a year out through shoulder surgery. Slater last played in Round 1 last season and has managed just 8 games since the start of 2015. Whilst he will play it publicly, I'm sure there are more than a few nerves here for Slater, especially around contact and putting his shoulder to the wheel in what is sure to be a very physical game. I'm also looking forward to watching how Cameron Munster goes at five eight having spent most of his junior career there. 
 
Brisbane Broncos Scouting Report - The Broncos name the same starting 13 for the third week running. You get the feeling Wayne Bennett wants his halves to take more ownership over the result when the game is on the line. The Broncos have lost a number of games in Golden Point over the past few years and, if there is a criticism of Ben Hunt, it is that he tends to go missing a bit when the going gets tough. 
 
Verdict - Melbourne Storm by 1-8 in a low scoring game
 
It's very hard to tip against Melbourne given their form in the opening two weeks. In two tough away games, they ground out pretty comfortable victories and, having conceded only 16 points across those two games, all the early signs are there that they are in for another terrific season. However, there is no doubt Brisbane caused them some problems late last season when they beat them at AAMI Park. Their game plan involved some early ball movement getting to the edges and trying to create some second phase play. I think they felt, if they can get the Storm away from their comfort zone of a grinding type game, they can cause them to wobble and it proved highly effective. However, I just think if this game is going to be really tight, I fancy Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk to get things done over Anthony Milford and Ben Hunt. It also would not surprise me if Billy Slater has a big game first up here.