Melbourne Storm v Cronulla Sharks: NRL Sunday preview

Melbourne Storm can make it four NRL wins on the bounce when they entertain the Cronulla Sharks on Sunday afternoon.

They had to work hard for their latest victory, defeating South Sydney by just one point, but a win is a win, and the Storm are in top form.

Craig Bellamy's men now have the chance to close the gap on the Bulldogs, who lost to Penrith on Thursday night, and they must take advantage of that slip.

The Sharks are on the slide after winning just two out of the last five games, and there is work to be done if they are to make finals.

After squandering a big lead against the Broncos, Cronulla need to bounce back, but it will not be easy at AAMI Park, which has been a graveyard for them.

Melbourne Storm v Cronulla Sharks betting preview

Storm strong at home

Melbourne Storm have been strong all season, but particularly at their home venue of AAMI Park.

They have won their past nine games there, and are the hot fancies to hit double figures against the Sharks.

The Storm almost came unstuck against the Rabbitohs last week, before winning by golden-point.

They will be targeting a more convincing win against the Sharks, and can be backed at 2.20 to win by 13+ points.

Xavier Coates will make his return to the side after being rested against the bunnies.

The winger has scored 35 tries in 33 games at AAMI Park, and is priced at 7.50 to score the first try of the game, or 1.83 to score at anytime.

Harry Grant also has seven tries in eight games against the Sharks and is more value at 4.75 to score at anytime.

Sharks need a response

Cronulla were leading 28-12 against the Broncos early in the second half last week, only to eventually lose the game 34-28.

The Sharks will have been licking their wounds all week and should come out firing in Melbourne.

However, it is not a venue they like having won just one out of the last seven trips there. Indeed they have only won three out of the 16 games they have played there.

Upsets do happen though and the Sharks can be backed at 4.50 to nick a tight game by 1-12 points.

The Sharks will look to Ronaldo Mulitalo to cause some damage after he scored five tries in the last six games against the Storm. He can be backed at 2.30 to score a try at anytime.

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Melbourne Storm v Cronulla Sharks odds

Melbourne Storm – 1.35
Cronulla Sharks – 3.25

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.