NRL OFFICIAL PLAY x2

PRELIMARY FINAL

NEW ZEALAND v MELBOURNE

1ST H - STORM -3 (x2) LOSS
ATS - STORM -6 (x2) LOSS

I'm rolling with the Storm to be far to strong for the some what surprise of the finals the Warriors. Melbourne have had the luxury of an extra week off and are once again playing at their fortress home ground in Melbourne. I do realize the Warriors are perhaps an exception to this as they have had recent success @ AMMI Park.

However the Warriors are in a very bad spot here. Their last few weeks have ticked up some serious frequent flyer points. NZ to Brisbane to NZ to Sydney to NZ now to Melbourne! This has to take it's toll. While the Storm have again having the luxury of no travel during this time.

The Warriors were smashed by the Broncos in the first week of the finals and then came from the dead to steal the win last week against the Tigers. They may have to do much the same here if they want to advance any further as Melbourne are one of the best front running sides in the comp. The Storm Will prove a lot more difficult to score against than the Tigers as they grind their opposition against the wall.

The pure class of the Storms 1,7 & 9 Slater, Cronk & Smith will prove to good and experienced for the extremely young and talented 1 & 7 in particular Locke & Johnson from the Warriors. These two young guns could well be the next star duo but for right now it's the Storms time. Redemption for 2010 is still very much on the Storms minds and I see them jumping out of the blocks and proving far too good for the Young Warriors. Leading @ the half & covering the 6 points.

STORM by 14

(2.25u @ 1.90 @ Sportsbet) x2