Melbourne Storm vs Sydney Roosters Predictions: Storm to extend lead at the top

Melbourne Storm lead the way at the top of the NRL standings but they face a tough examination of their title credentials against third-place Sydney Roosters at AAMI Park on Saturday morning (10:35, Sky Sports Arena). 

Melbourne Storm vs Sydney Roosters Odds 

NRL pacesetters Melbourne Storm are 5/4 outsider to pick up another win on home soil with Sydney Roosters 4/6 to claim the spoils in the Victorian capital. The draw is available at 20/1. 

Team News 

Melbourne are confident hooker Harry Grant will be available after Wednesday's State of Origin decider while centre Nick Meaney's return from a calf injury sees Grant Anderson move on to the wing. 

Sydney welcome back their Origin quartet - Angus Crichton, Lindsay Collins, Spencer Leniu and Connor Watson - while Joseph Sua'ali'i has completed his four-game suspension and is restored to the Roosters' starting 13. 

Terrell May starts at prop, taking over from the suspended Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, while Victor Radley also returns after passing concussion protocols. 

Rugby League Odds

Melbourne to win @ 5/4 

NRL leaders Melbourne know that victory over the Roosters, who are six points adrift in third, will extend their lead at the summit and move them a step closer to the minor premiership title. 

The Storm are in fantastic form, winning their last five matches, and they have lost just once at AAMI Park all season, illustrating just how formidable they are in their own backyard. 

Sydney will be no easy pushovers, though. The Roosters arrive in Victoria on a four-game winning run - beating the Eels, Bulldogs, Tigers and Dragons in that time - and will be intent on keeping their slim hopes of the minor premiership title alive. 

But home advantage could prove crucial and Melbourne, who prevailed 18-12 in the reverse fixture in round seven, should have just enough to rack up a 14th victory of the campaign and cement their position at the top of the regular-season standings. 

Over 46.5 total points @ 5/6 

This contest promises to be a high-scoring affair given the attacking prowess of both sides and there looks to be every chance that a total points line of 46.5 will be surpassed. 

Sydney boast the most potent attack in the NRL, amassing 522 points, while Melbourne have chalked up 440 points having played a game less than their opponents. 

Over 46.5 total points has landed in four of the Storm's last five assignments and in six of the Roosters' last 10 fixtures, and another free-flowing contest is expected on Saturday. 

Betfred are offering a Price Boost for either team to win by 1-5 points, with the odds moving from 5/2 to 3/1. 

Find more Rugby League Tips here at Betfred Insights