NRL: Storm close in on the Minor Premiership

Melbourne Storm are closing in on the Minor Premiership, but there can be no slip-ups when they take on the Dolphins on Saturday.

The Storm are four points clear at the top of the ladder and should be on a high after seeing off the Panthers last week.

They are now priced at 3.50 to go on and win the 2024 Grand Final and will want to carry on building momentum heading into finals.

It will not be easy against a Dolphins side that are fighting to force their way back into the top eight, after slipping out last week.

The defeat against the Bulldogs leaves them in a tough position and they have their work cut out to play finals.

They can be backed at 5.50 to make it, and a shock result against the Storm would certainly help their cause.

. What: Melbourne Storm v Dolphins
. Where: AAMI Park, Melbourne
. When: 17:30 (AEST), Saturday 24th August
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel
. Odds: Melbourne Storm 1.19, Dolphins 4.60

Storm flying high

Melbourne Storm proved their premiership credentials when seeing off Penrith in a tight game last Thursday.

Now they need to keep the good times rolling when they take on the Dolphins at AAMI Park.

They have a great record at the venue when winning 17 of the past 19 games there, and they should keep that run going against the Dolphins.

Craig Bellamy’s side can be backed at 1.72 to blow the Dolphins away and win by 13+ points.

Melbourne have been boosted by the return of Cameron Munster, who is showing signs of reaching his peak, just in time for finals.

Grant Anderson had scored a try in each of the last six games, but will be forced to miss out through concussion.

Tyran Wishart has been named to replace him on the wing and is 1.72 to grab a try at anytime.

The Storm have an extra incentive to win the game as Nelson Asofa-Solomona is set to play his 200th NRL game.

The big prop can be backed at 4.75 to celebrate the occasion with a try at anytime.

Dolphins need a response

The Dolphins find themselves two points outside of the eight and have to win at least two of the last three games to have any chance of forcing their way back in.

With the Broncos and Knights to come, all is not lost, but a shock result against the Storm would boost their chances.

They can be backed at 11.00 to edge the game by 1-5 points.

Jamayne Isaako has produced some of his best form against the Storm, scoring 24 points in two games against them.

He can be backed at 15.00 to score the first try of the game, or 2.55 to score at anytime.

Jesse Bromwich will also be out to shine when he comes up against his former club, making his 337th NRL appearance in the process.