Storm v Tigers
AAMI Park Melbourne 2pm
In the aftermath of a heart-stopping golden point loss to the Raiders in the final clash of Magic Round, Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy wasn’t mincing words. He’s called for a response—immediate and uncompromising.
This season, the Storm have worn two faces. At their best, they’ve looked like a championship-winning machine—scorching the turf with dazzling attack, leaving opponents gasping in their wake. But then comes the other Storm: the one that eases off the throttle, that lets teams claw their way back in. On Sunday night, that version showed up—and the Raiders pounced. Momentum dried up, the composure wavered, and costly errors crept in. A pair of penalties in golden point sealed their fate, and you can be sure Bellamy will be replaying those moments with his side all week long.
As they prepare to face the Wests Tigers, Bellamy’s message is clear: strip it back, do the basics right. When Melbourne click, they’re ruthless—relentless in attack, clinical in execution. But the elusive full 80-minute performance has yet to surface in 2025. With Origin just around the corner, now is the time to show it.
Cam Munster and Jahrome Hughes have begun to find rhythm, with Ryan Papenhuyzen injecting spark from the back. But with injuries disrupting their edges, cohesion has been hard to come by. That lack of continuity will be tested against a Tigers forward pack boasting the destructive duo of Terrell May and local product Fonua Pole. The middle battle could be decisive—especially with Stefano Utoikamanu eager to make a statement against his former club.
Jahrome Hughes, fresh off his Dally M recognition, will be tasked with steadying the ship. He’s the calm amid the chaos, the metronome Melbourne needs. And Papenhuyzen? He’s champing at the bit to light up the field against the team he once called home.
Still, there’s a void to fill—Harry Grant remains sidelined with a lingering hamstring injury, his absence keenly felt in the middle. For the Storm, the mission is simple: respond, refocus, and remind the competition just how dangerous they can be.
Storm
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Sualauvi Faalogo 3. Grant Anderson 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Joe Chan 18. Ativalu Lisati 19. Lazarus Vaalepu 20. Kane Bradley 21. Keagan Russell-Smith 22. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Unchanged
And now, onto the feel-good story of the 2025 season—the Wests Tigers. For a club that’s spent the past three years anchored to the bottom of the ladder, this resurgence has been nothing short of remarkable. Amid the off-field turbulence that continues to swirl around them, the Tigers have found a way to rise—resilient, united, and determined to rewrite their narrative.
Their gritty win over the Dragons at Magic Round wasn’t just another two points—it was a statement. This was no longer the team once labelled a pack of ‘bullies’. This was a side that had come through the fire of the Galvin saga stronger, more connected, and ready to fight for each other. Under Benji Marshall’s guidance, they’re evolving—week by week, win by win.
But now comes the real test. A trip to Melbourne. A clash with the wounded Storm.
If the Tigers are to pull off an upset, they’ll need to win the yardage battle. Melbourne are notorious for their relentless line speed, especially when defending deep in their own half. Breaking free from their own end will be a challenge—and if the forwards can’t punch holes early, the pressure will fall squarely on the shoulders of Jarome Luai and Lachlan Galvin to guide the team with pinpoint long-range kicking.
And then there’s the threat of the ‘Big Four’—Munster, Hughes, Papenhuyzen, and (when fit) Harry Grant. Their movement, their chemistry, their unpredictability—it all spells danger. The Tigers’ defensive line will need to be watertight, leaving no space, no hesitation.
Still, confidence is flowing through the veins of this young Tigers side. They’ve chalked up back-to-back wins, and they’re starting to believe. Luai will be out to strengthen his case for a NSW jersey, while Terrell May continues to lead the charge up front, building on what’s been a thunderous start to the year.
Yes, history isn’t kind—just two wins from 15 attempts in Melbourne, and a seven-game losing streak against the Storm. But history doesn’t lace up the boots. Belief does. Form does. And right now, Benji Marshall is rolling out a settled, confident squad. Brent Naden, despite his knock at Magic Round, has been named to line up in the centres, underscoring the club’s renewed grit and determination.
A Sunday showdown in Melbourne awaits—and this time, the Tigers arrive with more than just hope.
Tigers
1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Adam Doueihi 4. Brent Naden 5. Charlie Staines 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Jarome Luai 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Alex Seyfarth 13. Alex Twal 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Royce Hunt 16. Jack Bird 17. Sione Fainu 18. Tony Sukkar 19. Heath Mason 20. Solomona Faataape 21. Josh Feledy 22. Tristan Hope
Unchanged
Referees. Grant Atkins. Touch Judges, Jon Stone, Kieren Irons, Bunker, Kasey Badger.
Key Stats
The Storm have won their last seven games against the Tigers.
Wests Tigers have won only two from 15 in Melbourne.
Storm centre Nick Meaney has scored six tries in his last seven games against the Tigers.
Tigers winger Sunia Turuva has scored nine tries in his last eight games.
Storm winger Xavier Coates has scored 35 tries in 31 games at AAMI Park.
Manly v Sharks
4 Pines Park Sydney 4.05pm
A refreshed and recharged Manly Sea Eagles return home this week, eyeing a triumphant comeback at their beloved 4 Pines Park as they gear up to face the Cronulla Sharks in the final clash of Women in League Round.
After their stirring upset over the reigning premiers, Penrith, in Round 8, Anthony Seibold’s men took a well-earned breather during the Magic Round bye. Now, with fresh legs and sharpened focus, they’re ready to launch into the next phase of their season—beginning with a showdown that carries both pride and pressure.
For years, 4 Pines Park has been Manly’s fortress—a place where the Northern Beaches faithful have watched their side dominate. But in recent seasons, Cronulla have found a way to spoil the party. The Sea Eagles haven’t beaten the Sharks at home since 2019, and they’ve dropped five of their last six meetings with their southern rivals. It’s a trend Seibold’s side will be desperate to reverse.
Manly’s season has been something of a rollercoaster. They burst out of the gates with confidence, only to be jolted back to earth by a bruising 48-24 loss to the Storm in Round 5. Consecutive defeats to the Sharks and Dragons followed, raising questions about their resilience—until their gritty, composed win over the Panthers reminded everyone of their potential.
And now, reinforcements are returning. Speedster Jason Saab is back from an ankle injury, bringing his trademark length-of-the-field threat, while Jake Trbojevic—Manly’s heart and soul—has cleared concussion protocols and will line up at prop. Jazz Tevaga retains his spot at lock, with Ethan Bullemor moving to the bench to provide punch in rotation. Tommy Talau, who’s filled in admirably on the wing in recent weeks, shifts to the interchange, while Josh Aloiai remains out with a shoulder injury.
This game isn’t just about two competition points—it’s about proving that Manly’s win over Penrith wasn’t a one-off. That 4 Pines Park is still a fortress. And that this team, with its stars returning and belief reignited, is ready to make a statement.
Manly
1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Jake Trbojevic 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jazz Tevaga 14. Tommy Talau 15. Corey Waddell 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Nathan Brown 18. Caleb Navale 19. Clayton Faulalo 20. Jakob Arthur 21. Michael Chee Kam 22. Aitasi James
Out: Gordon Chan Kum Tong (bench), Caleb Navale (bench to reserve)
In: Jason Saab (wing), Jake Trbojevic (front row)
Changes: Tommy Talau (wing to bench), Ethan Bullemor (front row to bench)
It’s a mostly settled Sharks outfit heading into their Northern Beaches showdown, with just one tweak to the side that outmuscled the Eels at Magic Round. Daniel Atkinson comes onto the bench in place of Siosifa Talakai, who sits out under concussion protocols. Jayden Berrell, who filled the 18th man role last week, remains in the wings once more.
Consistency has been the buzzword for Cronulla over the past month—and they’re finally starting to live up to the early-season hype. Three wins from their last four outings have steadied the ship, and it might’ve been a clean sweep if not for a butchered 5-on-3 overlap late against a 12-man Tigers side—a golden chance gone begging.
Still, this is a Sharks team starting to play with rhythm, direction, and growing confidence.
One subtle but significant shift has been the increased spark from dummy half. Blayke Brailey, often reserved in his running game, has started to pick his moments in recent weeks—and when he goes, the Sharks forwards surge with momentum. It’s added a fresh edge to Cronulla’s go-forward, and against a Sea Eagles side that’s had its defensive lapses, it could prove decisive.
And there’s more versatility where that came from. With ironman Cameron McInnes starting at lock—but capable of slipping seamlessly into the hooking role—the Sharks can play without fear of disruption. It’s a tactical weapon that allows Cronulla to keep probing, keep pressing, and keep Manly’s defence guessing.
If the Sharks can win the ruck and release their strike weapons out wide, the path to victory will open—and in a game like this, every edge counts.
Sharks
1. William Kennedy 2. Samuel Stonestreet 3. Jesse Ramien 4. KL Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Billy Burns 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Jesse Colquhoun 16. Braden Hamlin-Uele 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Jayden Berrell 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha 20. Hohepa Puru 21. Niwhai Puru 22. Chris Veaila
Out: Siosifa Talakai (bench)
In: Daniel Atkinson (bench)
Changes: Thomas Hazelton (front row to bench), Oregon Kaufusi (bench to front row)
Referees, Gerard Sutton, Touch Judges, Drew Oultram, David Munro, Bunker, Ashley Klein.
Key Stats
The Sea Eagles have not defeated the Sharks at 4 Pines Park since 2019.
The Sharks have won five of their past six games against the Sea Eagles.
Sea Eagles captain Daly Cherry-Evans joins the all-time top 10 for premiership appearances.
Sharks fullback William Kennedy has scored five tries in six games against the Sea Eagles.
Sea Eagles fullback Tom Trbojevic has scored seven tries in his last seven games against the Sharks.
My pics for these games are, Storm in Game 1, and Sharks in Game 2.
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