Bellamy’s Round 1 record to roll on

The Melbourne Storm have won 11 of 12 Round 1 games under Craig Bellamy and with Manly ravaged by outs, Melbourne can be bet to win and win well.

The Storm always start the season hot and they look destined for another Top 4 finish in 2020 with more stability in their lineup. Manly are devastated by injury with Jake Trbojevic, Addin Fonua-Blake and Manaise Fainu all missing.

Melbourne have lost just 5 of the last 16 meetings against Manly. The Storm have won four straight against Manly at Brookvale with Melbourne posting 30-plus in three of those. The Storm have covered 9 of the last 12 meetings. The over has hit in 8 of 12.

Manly played just a single trial and lost 28-16 to Cronulla. The Sea Eagles lost in the quarters to the Titans in the Nines. Melbourne defeated the Warriors 18-16 and the Cowboys 22-14 in their two trials that were both impressive. The Storm put little effort into the Nines.

The Wolf is declaring the Storm here as one of the best in Round 1.

ERL PREDICTION

Melbourne Storm for the win.

If we had to pick a Line

Melbourne Storm -2