Storm v Broncos preview

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Consistent Storm aim to wrap up Minor Premiership against in form Broncos

What a game this should be. Two sides that have been the bench mark in 2016 for most of the year. The Storm see this game as a huge opportunity to secure the Minor Premiership and the spoils that go with it. Their form has been scratchy at best of late but they manage to keep winning. Their gritty win over Manly last week demonstrated how good their attack can be when it's on.

Brisbane will be out to spoil that party however and have gotten over their worrying form slump that haunted them some 6 weeks ago. A convincing win over the Bulldogs proved once again that the Wayne Bennett coaches Broncos are a force to be reckoned with in 2016.

Last meeting: Round 17 2016 - Broncos 6 Storm 48

Melbourne annihilated Brisbane in round 17 with a scintillating performance. The Storm have won 9 of the last 10 against Brisbane including the 5 of the last 6 at AAMI Park (Brisbane won the last meeting there in 2015).

Who to watch: The guile and experience of Cameron Smith is proving invaluable for Melbourne this season. Smith has been at his best and his defense has reached a new level. His attacking play around the ruck and combination with Cooper Cronk is brilliant and spells danger for Brisbane. Smith is the complete player. Calm, cool, Confident and clever. Keep an eye on him Brisbane.

For the Broncos Darius Boyd will be up for the challenge against the ladder leading Storm. A superb play maker who has good pace, vision and passing skills he is one of the best fullbacks in the world. Look for him to orchestrate that sweeping left hand play that the Broncos love to employ. His kick return metres will be vital for Brisbane to minimise the effect that the kicking game of Cronk and Smith have on the match.

The favourite: The ladder leading Melbourne Storm are favourites in this clash.

My tip: Melbourne have a great record against Brisbane but they do say history doesn't repeat! Feeling the upset here and think Brisbane will make it 4 wins straight and continue their charge to the finals and a possible top 4 berth. Brisbane by 8.

1. Cameron Munster 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Will Chambers 4. Ryan Morgan 5. Marika Koroibete 6. Blake Green 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Tim Glasby 11. Kenneath Bromwich 12. Tohu Harris 13. Dale Finucane
Interchange: 14. Felise Kaufusi 21. Jordan McLean 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Ben Hampton

1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 3. Tom Opacic 4. James Roberts 5. Jordan Kahu 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Josh McGuire 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Adam Blair 11. Sam Thaiday 12. Matt Gillett 13. Corey Parker
Interchange: 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Tevita Pangai Junior 16. Jai Arrow 17. Alex Glenn

Referees: Ashley Klein, Gavin Badger; Sideline Officials: Chris Butler, Brett Suttor; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Luke Patten, Steve Chiddy