NRL Round 7 Preview - Broncos v Storm @ Suncorp Stadium

Brisbane Broncos v Melbourne Storm @ Suncorp Stadium 
 
Preview - The Broncos host the Storm in a Friday night blockbuster at Suncorp Stadium, with the Broncos looking for back-to-back victories after an impressive win last week. The Broncos ambushed the Warriors 27-18 in Auckland to end the Warriors’ unbeaten start to the season, and claim their best victory of the season despite missing some key personnel with injury. The Storm bounced back in style with a dominant 40-14 over the Knights at home to get to 3-3 and within striking distance of the top teams after 6 rounds. 
 
Brisbane Broncos’  Scouting Report - No surprise to see Jack Bird has held on to a spot in the halves, with Kodi Nikorima (corked thigh) returning on the bench after Bird was outstanding against the Warriors last week.   Tevita Pangai Jnr starts at prop for Sam Thaiday (bench). Matt Lodge has overcome a rib injury to start.
 
Melbourne Storm Scouting Report - The Storm are further strengthened with Will Chambers returning from suspension at centre in place of Young Tonumaipea. Rylie Jacks played a really solid role at halfback last week in replacing Brodie Croft so it is no surprise to see him retain his place. 
 
Verdict - Storm by 4-12 in a high scoring game

This should be an outstanding match, with the Broncos a chance to beat the Storm for the first time at home in several years. I know the Storm were great last week against the Knights, however their form on the road has been really poor this season, with bad losses to the Tigers and Sharks. However, they have an outstanding record against the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium, and Craig Bellamy always seems to come up with a game plan that befuddles Wayne Bennett coached sides, so I have to lean towards Melbourne. I do expect Brisbane to build off last week’s performance and be a far better side in time, with Jack Bird getting his hands on the ball more at Number 6. I just hate their record against the Storm, so I can’t tip them, however it will be closer than a lot of the battles in the recent past.