New Zealand Warriors vs Melbourne Storm Predictions: Warriors to triumph on Johnson return

New Zealand Warriors welcome back the electric Shaun Johnson to their starting line-up as they get set to host the Melbourne Storm at Go Media Stadium on Saturday morning (08:30 kick-off).

The Warriors have a shocking record against the Storm, losing all of their last 15 games against Craig Bellamy’s side. However, Melbourne have been disappointing on the road of late and Saturday might just be the opportunity the Warriors have been waiting for to get one over on the Storm. Raed on my New Zealand Warriors vs Melbourne Storm prediction.

Team News

The big news for the Warriors is that Johnson is back in the starting line-up after being absent since Round 10 with a pectoral injury.

Johnson lines up alongside Te Maire Martin in the half-backs, while Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is nearing a return from a hamstring injury, but Saturday’s game might just come too soon for the talented winger.

As for the visitors, Melbourne bring in Dean Ieremia for his first game of the season in the centres, with Reimis Smith out with concussion.

Eliesa Katoa is allowed to play this week after picking up a fine for a dangerous contact charge last time out.

New Zealand Warriors vs Melbourne Storm Odds

Despite their terrible record against the Storm, the Warriors are the 5/6 favourites to claim the win this weekend, with Melbourne at 21/20.

A draw at Go Media Stadium is 18/1, with over 45.5 total points in the match available at 10/11.

New Zealand Warriors -1.5 handicap @ 10/11

This looks like a great chance for the Warriors to end their hoodoo against the Storm, which goes back to their last win against Melbourne in 2015.

Losing on their last road trip against the Manly Sea Eagles and having previously lost at the Gold Coast Titans, Melbourne have dropped winnable points away from home of late.

The Warriors are currently on a three-game winning streak and the return of Johnson will take them to an even higher level.

New Zealand have the confidence and the sprinkling of magic from Johnson to overcome the -1.5 handicap here.

New Zealand Warriors 1-12 winning margin @ 21/10

While the Warriors have the ability to win Saturday’s encounter, it’s unlikely to be a comprehensive win from the hosts.

The Storm might have struggled on their travels of late, but they will still test this Warriors defence throughout the game in Auckland.

If the Warriors are to be successful this weekend, it’s likely they will have edged the contest and New Zealand are available at odds of 21/10 to win by a 1-12 point margin at Go Media Stadium.

Rugby League Betting Tips from Betfred Insights.