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

Preliminary Final - Melbourne Storm v Brisbane Broncos @ AAMI Park 
 
Preview - A place in the 2017 Grand Final is on the line as the Broncos visit the Storm in an explosive Preliminary Final on Friday night. With the Storm losing the decider in 2016, and the Broncos losing the decider in 2015, both will be desperate to get back to the big dance and a shot at redemption in the first week of October. The Broncos have had to get to this point the hard way, having lost in Week 1 of the finals, before a 13-6 home victory last week against the Panthers got them to this point. The Storm are rested and raring to go after their tough 18-16 victory in Week 1 of the finals against the Eels earned them a week off. Coming into this game as a prohibitive favourite, all the pressure will be on Melbourne to deliver the goods here after such a stellar season. 
 
History - The Storm have already done a number on the Broncos this season beating them in both match ups. When the teams met way back in Round 2 in Melbourne, the Storm had to rely on a last minute try to overcome a gallant Broncos side 14-12 in a low scoring struggle. However, it was all one-way traffic in Round 17 in the return bout at Suncorp with the Storm putting in a stunning display of attacking weaponry in their 42-12 rout of the Broncos. The Broncos’ fans might be dreaming of their last big upset win over the Storm in the finals, where they triumphed 15-8 after coming into the game as a heavy underdog. 
 
Melbourne Storm Scouting Report - The Storm are unchanged and at full strength from the side that narrowly overcame the Eels. Billy Slater will be delighted to be back on the big stage after missing the Storm's Preliminary Finals the past couple of seasons. Cameron Munster has really elevated himself as a quality five-eight this season, and he has another chance to push for a World Cup slot for Australia in the halves with another strong display here. 
 
Brisbane Broncos’ Scouting Report - The Broncos receive a massive boost with fullback and captain Darius Boyd fit to return after missing 3 weeks with a hamstring injury. The Broncos sorely missed their captain the last couple of weeks, given they have already lost one of their most experienced players in their spine in Andrew McCullough for the season. Kodi Nikorima shifts backs to starting halfback with Benji Marshall going back to the bench after a couple of mixed displays starting alongside Anthony Milford. 
 
Verdict - Storm by 16-26

I just can't see the Storm fluffing this game and being upset by the Broncos. Historically they have a great record against the Broncos, and they are fresh and firing to avenge for last year’s Grand Final loss after being Minor Premiers. I just think the Broncos have not been particularly impressive in the finals and would need to play the game of their lives here, as well as the Storm being off the boil, for an upset to occur. I think Melbourne have the style of attack that can worry Brisbane’s defence and, with so many Queenslanders in their own side, they are used to winning the big games against some of their team mates. I actually think the Storm might win this game by 20 points, if they can get ahead early, and really break the Broncos’ hearts. Darius Boyd will add something to the Broncos, however we can't be sure how fit he is and I just don't think Brisbane have the quality to go with the Storm for 80 minutes.