SUNDAY APRIL 6th 2025
MANLY SEA EAGLES v MELBOURNE STORM
4:05 pm 4 PINES PARK MANLY SYDNEY
Manly have had a strong start to the season, posting a 3-1 record with their only loss coming against a red-hot Warriors side. Meanwhile, the Storm have begun their campaign with a 2-1 record, suffering their first defeat of the year last week after having a bye in Round 2.
Lately, Manly have been in the spotlight due to ongoing contract discussions surrounding their captain, Daly Cherry-Evans (DCE). However, any off-field distractions didn’t seem to affect their performance, as they comfortably took care of a struggling Eels side in their last outing.
Unfortunately for Manly, they’ve been dealt a major blow with fullback Tom Trbojevic sidelined for up to four weeks due to an MCL injury. The good news, however, is that they have a capable replacement ready to step in—Tongan international Lehi Hopoate. The 20-year-old played a key role for Tonga in last year’s Pacific Championships and is expected to bring his strong running game and elite support play to the Manly No. 1 jersey while adding his own flair to the position.
Manly
1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Clayton Faulalo 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Nathan Brown 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic
Bench: 14. Jake Simpkin, 15. Corey Waddell 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Toafofoa Sipley
Reserves: 18. Aaron Schoupp, 19. Jakob Arthur 20. Dean Matterson 21. Caleb Navale 22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
Melbourne suffered a tough loss to the Dragons last round, but under the guidance of Craig Bellamy, it’s hard to see the Storm staying down for long. The veteran coach will be demanding a much-improved performance as his side heads to Brookvale for this crucial clash.
A major boost for Melbourne is the potential return of last year’s Dally M Medal winner, Jahrome Hughes. The star halfback has been named on the extended bench, and if he’s fit to take the field on Sunday, it will significantly strengthen the Storm’s spine and provide a huge confidence boost. That said, even without Hughes, this Melbourne side remains a formidable force. With Cameron Munster, Harry Grant, and Ryan Papenhuyzen leading the way, they have more than enough firepower to control the game.
One of the key matchups to watch will be the battle on the edges between Eliesa Katoa and Haumole Olakau’atu. Both are among the best line-runners in the competition and will cause headaches for the opposition from the opening whistle. Luke Brooks and Munster will have their hands full trying to contain these powerful threats near the try line—a challenge that could very well give them nightmares.
Storm
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Grant Anderson 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
Bench: 14. Bronson Garlick 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Lazarus Vaalepu
Reserves: 18. Joe Chan 19. Kane Bradley 20. Sualauvi Faalogo 21. Moses Leo 22. Jahrome Hughes
Referee: Grant Atkins Touchies: Jon Stone, David Munro, Bunker, The Badger
The Sea Eagles have won three of their past four games against the Storm.
The Storm have not won at 4 Pines Park since 2020.
Sea Eagles winger Jason Saab has scored six tries in his past seven games at 4 Pines Park.
Storm second-rower Eliesa Katoa has scored four tries in five games against the Sea Eagles.
Sea Eagles centre Reuben Garrick has scored 56 points in three games at 4 Pines Park in 2025.
I will go with the Storm.
BULLDOGS v KNIGHTS
6:15 pm ACCOR STADIUM SYDNEY
Newcastle will come into this game refreshed after their bye last round, with the return of Leo Thompson providing a further boost to the team. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs will be aiming to extend their winning streak at Accor Stadium to five games.
Last weekend, they defied expectations with a dominant 20-6 victory over Cronulla, delivering an outstanding performance. Former Shark Bronson Xerri was a standout, crossing for two tries and playing a key role in the win.
Heading into this match, many expect the Bulldogs to have the upper hand, and they’ll be eager to maintain their momentum. However, they are still without Matt Burton and Viliame Kikau. As a result, star winger Jacob Kiraz has been named on the extended bench and could potentially replace Blake Wilson before kick-off.
Bulldogs
1. Connor Tracey 2. Blake Wilson 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Bailey Hayward 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 11. Josh Curran 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon
Bench: 14. Kurt Mann 15. Harry Hayes 16. Jack Todd 17. Kurtis Morrin
Reserves: 19. Lipoi Hopoi 20. Blake Taaffe 21. Jake Turpin 22. Luke Smith 23. Jacob Kiraz
Newcastle has had an up-and-down start to the season, with wins over the Wests Tigers and Dolphins but a loss to the Gold Coast. Nevertheless, Kalyn Ponga has been in outstanding form, boasting an impressive goal-kicking accuracy of 26 from 28 at Accor Stadium.
Bradman Best has scored seven tries in his last five matches against the Bulldogs, and he’ll face off against Stephen Crichton in what promises to be an exciting matchup. Additionally, Kurt Mann will celebrate his 200th career game in this fixture.
Knights
1. Kalyn Ponga 2. James Schiller 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Thomas Cant 12. Tyson Frizell 13. Adam Elliott
Bench: 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Jack Hetherington 16. Jermaine McEwen 17. Mathew Croker
Reserves: 18. Brodie Jones 19. Kyle McCarthy 20. Matthew Arthur 21. Jackson Hastings 22. Tyrone Thompson
Referee, Ashley Klein, Touchies: Phil Henderson, Bunker, Wyatt Raymond
The Bulldogs scored 68 points in two games against the Knights in 2024.
Knights centre Bradman Best has scored seven tries in his last five games against the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs have lost their last three games at Accor Stadium.
Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga has kicked 26 goals from 28 attempts in NRL games at Accor Stadium.
Bulldogs forward Kurt Mann will make his 200th NRL appearance.
Dogs for me in this one.
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