NRL finals Footy Form: The stats that matter, what’s been backed

MELBOURNE go into tonight’s second Grand Final qualifier as heavy favourites but Canberra boast an excellent record against the Storm overall and at AAMI Park.

GET the inside Footy Form mail for the third week of the NRL finals.

Check out all the best stats, what’s been backed and where the money is going in order to find a winner.

Melbourne v Canberra, Saturday 7.55pm, AAMI Park

TOPPING THE STATS CHARTS

In the past five seasons, Canberra have won four of eight matches against Melbourne, the second best record of any team behind Canterbury (seven of 10). They have also won three of five matches at AAMI Park; the best record of any visiting team.

BATTLE OF THE COACHES

Craig Bellamy has won 10 of 15 matches against former teammate Ricky Stuart, including six of the past eight meetings.

The Storm are heavy favourites but Canberra have a great record against Melbourne.

CANBERRA CURSE

The Raiders have won just one of their past 13 finals matches outside of Canberra; a 24-22 win over the Panthers in week one of the 2010 finals series.

DOUBLE WHAMMY

Melbourne have won 16 of 17 matches when ahead at the break this season, their only loss coming in round four against the Sharks.

Betting summary: Punters are backing Melbourne to secure their spot in the Grand Final with money running 3:1 in their favour.

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Originally published as NRL finals Footy Form: The stats that matter, what’s been backed