NRL R5: Melbourne Storm v Brisbane Broncos betting picks & odds

Melbourne Storm v Brisbane Broncos best bets

Round 5: Storm v Broncos match preview

Round five of the NRL Premiership kicks off on Thursday night with the Storm hosting the Brisbane Broncos at AAMI Park in Melbourne, Australia.

The Broncos come into this match after a commanding 26-point victory over the Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium. Meanwhile, the Storm are welcoming back some of their biggest stars after losing to the Knights in Newcastle before last weekend’s bye.

Broncos coach Kevin Walters has named teenage giant Benjamin Te Kura to make his NRL debut off the bench in place of Xavier Willison. Martin Taupau has been listed in the reserves and could be a late inclusion for Te Kura.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy has named Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes to return to the starting side, pushing Tyran Wishart back to the bench and Jonah Pezet back to the reserves. Joe Chan has been ruled out with a hand injury, with Shawn Blore to start in the second row and former captain Christian Welch returning from concussion via the bench.

Melbourne Storm v Brisbane Broncos predictions

The Storm have been supported heavily in betting, shortening from -161.29 to as low as -217.39 in head-to-head markets. Melbourne have won their last 11 matches at home, covering the points line in 11 of their last 12 matches and winning both halves of the match in six of their last seven games. The Broncos are still without key players in their starting side, so the Storm should cover the -6.5 handicap at -111.11 with Bovada.

Storm winger Will Warbrick has had a solid start to the season, recording one line break, eight tackle breaks and one try with 140m per game. The former Olympic medallist has been the first tryscorer in three of his side’s last four matches as favourites. On Thursday he will be marked by the inexperienced and undersized Deine Mariner, and online bookmakers are offering great value at +110 for Warbrick to score a try at any time.

Ryan Papenhuyzen’s return to the NRL has been brilliant to see, recording four line breaks, 17 tackle breaks and three tries. The Storm fullback’s tries not only come from his play in attacking shape, but through his speed and support play all over the field. Papenhuyzen has scored a try in nine of his last 10 night matches and looks a good play at +115 to continue that trend.

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