The Canterbury Bulldogs host the Melbourne Storm at Accor Stadium on Friday night, with both sides desperate for a win to revive their 2026 campaigns.<\/p>\n
The Bulldogs enter this clash on a five-game losing streak, conceding an alarming average of 36 points per game during that stretch.<\/p>\n
Last week, Canterbury were comfortably beaten 38-16 by the Sharks.<\/p>\n
Melbourne were dealing with their own crisis not long ago after suffering a historic seven-game losing streak, but the Storm have steadied with consecutive wins over the Tigers and Eels.<\/p>\n
Melbourne\u2019s Origin absentees will dominate discussion heading into this clash, with Cameron Munster, Harry Grant and Trent Loiero all unavailable.<\/p>\n
However, Stephen Crichton\u2019s absence may prove even more significant.<\/p>\n
Canterbury are already struggling badly in attack, averaging just 13 points across their last four matches.<\/p>\n
Without their captain and attacking spark, it\u2019s difficult to see where the Bulldogs generate enough points to seriously challenge Melbourne.<\/p>\n
The Storm should control this contest.<\/p>\n
The recent history between these clubs strongly points toward a lower-scoring game.<\/p>\n
The last five meetings between Melbourne and Canterbury have all finished under this total points line.<\/p>\n
With the Bulldogs struggling to score consistently and Melbourne missing key spine players due to Origin, another grinding contest looks likely.<\/p>\n
Fa\u2019alogo continues to produce whenever he gets opportunities for Melbourne.<\/p>\n
The exciting Storm fullback has scored 12 tries in 11 appearances this season, crossing in all but two matches.<\/p>\n
Against a Bulldogs defence currently leaking points at an alarming rate, Fa\u2019alogo should find opportunities once again.<\/p>\n