NRL: Big guns back for Storm

Melbourne Storm will welcome back some big guns when they face Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night.

With the minor premiership in the bag, the Storm opted to rest a host of players for the trip to Townsville to take on North Queensland last weekend.

But with Finals on the horizon, Craig Bellamy will be keen to get his starting side sharp and up to speed for an assault on the premiership.

The Storm can be backed at 2.62 to go on and win the 2024 NRL grand final.

For the Broncos, they have nothing but pride to play for after missing out on finals altogether this season.

It is a dramatic fall from grace after losing the grand final in 2023, but they will be keen to get one over on their arch rivals.

. What: Brisbane Broncos v Melbourne Storm
. Where: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
. When: 19:50 (AEST), Thursday 5th September
. How to watch: Foxtel, Kayo, Channel 9
. Odds: Brisbane Broncos 3.60, Melbourne Storm 1.30

Broncos on the slide

The Broncos saw their finals hopes come to an end at the weekend when they suffered a demoralising defeat against Dolphins.

Kevin Walters’ side suffered a 40-6 defeat in the Battle of Brisbane, and will be keen to restore some pride against the Storm.

The Broncos have a shocking record against the Storm, and since 1998 have only won 14 games against them, compared to Melbourne winning 41.

Their record at Suncorp has also been poor this season, and is one of the reason they have missed out on the eight.

Six defeats in the last seven in front of their home support has not been good enough, so they will be desperate to end the season on a high.

The Broncos can be backed at 5.00 to nick a close game by 1-12 points.

It has been a disappointing season in more ways than one, but one bright spark has been the form of Deine Mariner.

The winger has scored 11 tries in the last 14 games and is sure to be a big threat once again.

Storm get ready for finals

Following an eight-point defeat against the Cowboys in Townsville, the Storm will be out to return to winning ways in Brisbane.

Coach Craig Bellamy was happy to leave a number of key players back in Melbourne so they could rest up, but they will return on Thursday night.

The Storm have a great record against the Broncos and have won 15 of the last 16 games against them.

If that run is to continue, they can be backed at 2.10 to win by 13+ points.

They should get the opportunity to pick up a convincing win as the Broncos have conceded 135 points over the last four games at Suncorp.

The Storm will be missing Ryan Papenhuyzen after he picked up a leg injury against the Cowboys.

He should be back for finals, but in the meantime it presents an opportunity for Sua Faalogo to shine at fullback.

Jahrome Hughes will also be a big threat after scoring nine tries in 11 games against Brisbane.