Betting tips / David Murdoch / 08 June 2012 / Leave a comment Bet Now View Market

When they meet an undermanned Storm in their Friday night NRL match-up, David Murdoch senses it's the clash Wests Tigers fans have been waiting for.

The pre-season premiership favourites have hit their stride, winning six of their last seven matches, and a win would normally go a long way to franking their premiership credentials.

Even without their Captain Robbie Farah, this is the Tigers biggest chance to break a losing streak in Melbourne which stretches to nine games.

In fact, the joint-venture club has never won in Melbourne.

Ever.

They face a spineless Melbourne Storm outfit missing Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and skipper Cameron Smith, who are also on Origin duty and won't be there to pull the strings if the Storm get into trouble as they did last week against the Warriors.

Coach Craig Bellamy has chosen to mix things up a little and let the chips fall where they may. Amongst other 'unconventional' selections, he's named winger Anthony Quinn in the second row.

Regular five-eighth Gareth Widdop has been named at Fullback for Slater, Ryan Hinchcliffe covers for Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk's number seven jersey will be worn by Rory Kostjasyn. Kostjasyn has played at hooker, five-eighth and lock, and now gets to add halfback to his resume.

Melbourne has a handy six-point buffer at the top of the NRL ladder, and if they can somehow fashion a win against the resurgent Tigers, it will go down as one of Craig Bellamy's greatest achievements.

Tom Humble will step up into Robbie Farrah's position for the Wests Tigers in a match they really should win given the personnel changes forced on the home team.

Benji Marshall will need to be at his creative best for this one.

To beat Melbourne at home a team needs to score at least 16 points to be any chance: the Storm have lost only once in 127 matches in Melbourne when conceding 16 points or less.

Recommended Betfair Bet

Wests Tigers by 6