The Stats Zone
August 1 2019, 09:32 · Ash Wheldon

2019 NRL – Brisbane Broncos vs Melbourne Storm Preview & Prediction

2019 NRL – Brisbane Broncos vs Melbourne Storm Preview & Prediction
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THE FACTS

When is Brisbane Broncos vs Melbourne Storm taking place? Friday 2nd August, 10:55

Where is Brisbane Broncos vs Melbourne Storm taking place? Suncorp Stadium

What channel is Brisbane Broncos vs Melbourne Storm on?
UK – This match will not be televised live in the UK
Australia – Fox Sports

Where can I stream Brisbane Broncos vs Melbourne Storm?
UK – N/A
Australia – https://www.telstra.com.au/tv-movies-music/sports-offer

Where can I get tickets for Brisbane Broncos vs Melbourne Storm?
Brisbane Broncos – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500011

Melbourne Storm – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500021

THE TEAM NEWS

BRISBANE BRONCOS

Head Coach: Anthony Seibold

Starting 13: Milford, Oates, Staggs, Glenn, Isaako, Boyd, Turpin, Lodge, McCullough, Haas, Fifita, Gillett, Flegler – Interchanges: Segeyaro, Ofahengaue, Kennedy, Carrigan – Reserves: Dearden, Farnworth, Coates, Fensom

Unavailable: Jack Bird, Richie Kennar, Sean O’Sullivan, Tevita Pangai Jnr.

  • Brisbane outclassed Gold Coast with a dominant first-half display last week to make it four consecutive matches without a loss as they continue to build towards earning a spot in the play-offs.
  • The Broncos will be missing in-form forward Tevita Pangai Jnr. after he accepted a one-match ban for his high shot against the Titans with Thomas Flegler returning from a ban of his own to start at lock.
  • Matt Gillett is back in the side following a lower back injury which sees Joe Ofahengaue drop to the bench and Keenan Palasia drops out of the 17 whilst halfback Tom Dearden has been included in the reserves and could make a welcome return.

MELBOURNE STORM

Head Coach: Craig Bellamy

Starting 13: Hughes, Vunivalu, Chambers, Olam, Addo-Carr, Munster, Croft, J. Bromwich, C. Smith, Asofa-Solomona, F. Kaufusi, K. Bromwich, Finucane – Interchanges: B. Smith, Welch, Stimson, Papenhuyzen – Reserves: Seve, Kamikamica, Faasuamleaui, Earl

Unavailable: Curtis Scott

  • Melbourne's superb winning run came to an end at nine matches as they went down to Manly in a golden point thriller last weekend and will look to get back to winning ways as they head to Suncorp to face Brisbane.
  • Forwards Christian Welch and Jesse Bromwich suffered injuries during last week's loss to Manly and both are doubts for this contest but look set to play unless they suffer any late setbacks.
  • Suliasi Vunivalu is back after missing out with a slight knock last week and replaced Sandor Earl on the wing who drops to the reserves in the only change for Melbourne who now have just Curtis Scott unavailable in an otherwise fully-fit squad.

THE PREDICTION

Brisbane are hitting form at the right time as their young side ended last weekend inside the top 8 for the first time since Round 2 but face a huge task to maintain their unbeaten run this week. They host Melbourne who lost just their third game of the year last week and should bounce back here. The Storm rarely lose back-to-back games and whilst the Broncos are improving, this test might prove too much for them with the two points likely to head back to Melbourne.