Second favourites to finish bottom of the NRL, Cronulla Sharks, face an uphill task if they are to kick off the new season with a win as they entertain reigning NRL champions and World Club Challenge holders Melbourne Storm on Saturday.

After a solid pre-season workout Sharks coach Ricky Stuart has opted to hand debuts to four players on Saturday. Hooker John Morris will start the game, while other new recruits Paul Aiton, Adam Cuthbertson and Albert Kelly will all start from the bench.

The champions are not at full strength though with playmaker Cooper Cronk (groin/hip), prop Brett White (shoulder), and Sika Manu (broken leg) all still missing, while Todd Lowrie (groin) is also a major doubt after injuring himself in the World Club Challenge clash with Leeds Rhinos

Round 20 was the last time these did battle with the Storm coming away with a comfortable 30-10 victory at the Olympic Park Stadium in July.

Sportsbet.com.au unsurprisingly have the Storm as the favourites to win the game at 1.50A$, while for the Sharks do shock the competition and see off the champions, this can be backed at 2.62.

As stated the Storm have a few injury problems and it could take them a while to get up to speed, so therefore a decent bet would be for the Sharks to be leading at half-time, but for the Storm to come back and win – that can be backed at 7.00 with Sportsbet.com.au.
It is really hard to see past a Melbourne win so betting on the winning margin would keep the game more interesting, the Storm are priced at 26.00 to come out winners by 22 points exactly, while the Sharks are 21.00 to pinch a four point triumph.