THURSDAY, AUGUST 7th,2025. AAMI Park, MELBOURNE, 7.50pm.
Storm Scent a Title Charge After Raiders Slip: Finals Dream Alive in Crucial Run Home
The Canberra Raiders’ stunning collapse against the Dragons has thrown the finals race wide open—and no team is better positioned to pounce than the ever-dangerous Melbourne Storm. With the door now ajar, the Storm have a golden chance to launch a late-season charge for what would be their seventh minor premiership in club history.
The path ahead, however, is anything but easy. They face two fiery encounters with the Broncos, as well as must-win clashes against the reigning champion Panthers, the unpredictable Bulldogs, and the ever-resilient Roosters. But if there’s one club that thrives in the heat of high-stakes football, it’s Melbourne. They’ve built a dynasty on pressure games in August and September—and 2025 looks no different.
A top-four finish is now firmly in their sights. And if they can manage that while regaining the services of star halfback Jahrome Hughes in time for the finals, then the Storm will no longer just be contenders—they’ll be a nightmare for any side standing in their way.
Adding to their firepower, Maroons enforcer Trent Loiero returns fresh after a week off, pushing young gun Ativalu Lisati back to the bench. Utility Bronson Garlick drops out, while back-rower Alec MacDonald remains in the reserves as he edges closer to a comeback from the rib injury that has sidelined him since Round 18.
The storm clouds are gathering—and they might just bring another Melbourne surge.
Storm
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Grant Anderson 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney, 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Tyran Wishart 8. Stefano Utoikamanu , 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero , 14. Jonah Pezet 15. Ativalu Lisati 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Joe Chan 18. Kane Bradley, 19. Bronson Garlick 20. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 21. Alec MacDonald 22. Lazarus Vaalepu
Out: Bronson Garlick (bench to reserve)
In: Trent Loiero (lock)
Changes: Ativalu Lisati (lock to bench)
Broncos on the Charge: Brisbane Eyes Top Four in Blockbuster Run to Finals
From 11th to sixth in just a matter of weeks—the Brisbane Broncos are surging at exactly the right time. Winning six of their past seven games, the Broncos have stormed back into the finals frame and now sit just two points adrift of the top four. With five massive matches to come—including two against the Melbourne Storm, as well as showdowns with the Dolphins, Knights, and Cowboys—Brisbane’s destiny is firmly in their own hands.
Fuelled by the electric trio of Reece Walsh, Ezra Mam, and Kotoni Staggs, the Broncos boast one of the most explosive attacks in the NRL. On their day, few teams can go with them—and what better way to prove their premiership credentials than by knocking over a heavyweight like Melbourne on their home turf?
And just in time for the battle up front, enforcer Payne Haas makes a remarkable return—only a week after being hospitalised for a leg infection. The star prop is set to go head-to-head with the Storm’s formidable pack, a clash that could define the momentum of both clubs heading into September.
Meanwhile, young forward Xavier Willison is ruled out after suffering a broken arm in the bruising win over the Rabbitohs. Hooker Cory Paix edges closer to a return, named among the reserves as he recovers from an elbow injury.
The Broncos are back—and they’re hunting bigger prizes.
Broncos
1. Reece Walsh 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki, 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Ben Hunt , 10. Payne Haas 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Billy Walters, 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Ben Talty 17. Jaiyden Hunt 18. Tyson Smoothy, 19. Jesse Arthars 20. Cory Paix 21. Josiah Karapani 22. Va’a Semu
Out: Xavier Willison (front row)
In: Payne Haas (front row), Jaiyden Hunt (bench)
Key Stats
The Storm have won 16 of their last 17 games against the Broncos.
The Broncos have not won at AAMI Park since 2016.
Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen has scored seven tries in six games against the Broncos.
Broncos captain Adam Reynolds has won only three out of 20 games against the Storm.
Storm captain Harry Grant will play his 100th game for the club.
Blockbuster Showdown Looms as Storm and Broncos Battle for Top Four Supremacy
This one has all the makings of a classic. Two powerhouse clubs, both gunning for a coveted top-four finish, and neither willing to give an inch. The Storm and Broncos are set to collide in a clash that could shape the entire finals landscape—and it’s hard to look away.
Melbourne may have walked away with the win last week, but they were far from convincing against a struggling Eels outfit. In contrast, the Broncos looked every bit like premiership contenders as they tore through the Rabbitohs in front of a roaring Brisbane crowd. Confidence is surging up north, and they’ll roll into Melbourne with their chests out, ready to snap the Storm’s stranglehold on AAMI Park.
It’s the kind of game that really tests loyalties and long-held tipping rules. Even the most faithful believers in the old adage “never tip against the Storm” might find themselves hesitating.
Expect fireworks. Expect tension. Expect a match that goes down to the wire. It’s just a shame that one of the NRL’s most consistently underwhelming referees has been handed the whistle for what could be one of the games of the year.
Either way, buckle up—this could be special.
Match Officials
Referees, Grant Atkins, Touch Judges, Matt Noyen, Chris Sutton, Bunker, Chris Butler.
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