THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 4th 2025 Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane 7.50pm
Broncos and Storm Set the Stage for a Thrilling Round 27 Opener at Suncorp
The regular season reaches its dramatic finale on Thursday night, and it begins in Brisbane, where the Broncos and Storm clash under the bright lights of Suncorp Stadium.
For Madge Maguire’s Broncos, the equation is simple: win, and their top-four dream stays alive. Last week’s gritty eight-point victory catapulted them past the Warriors, giving them control of their own destiny heading into Round 27. Their attack has been devastating over the past month, averaging nearly 37 points per game. Yet, the sting in the tale is that their lowest score of the season—a meagre two points—came against the very team they now face.
Suncorp promises to be electric as a roaring home crowd pushes Brisbane to lock down their place among the NRL’s elite. They enter the round sitting fourth on 34 points, level with the Sharks and Warriors but armed with a superior points differential.
The Broncos’ stars are in full flight. Reece Walsh continues to dazzle with his speed and spark, while Payne Haas powers the pack through the middle. Experience says that a top-four finish is more than a luxury—it’s a lifeline, offering the double chance in September.
Team changes add to the drama. Jesse Arthars returns to the wing, with Deine Mariner shifting into the centres. Brendan Piakura reclaims a starting back-row spot, pushing Jaiyden Hunt to the bench. Meanwhile, late news broke that Gehamat Shibasaki has been dropped for breaching team standards, a decision handled internally by the club.
All eyes now turn to Suncorp. The stage is set, the stakes are sky-high, and for the Broncos, destiny is just 80 minutes away.
Broncos
1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Billy Walters 7. Ben Hunt 8. Corey Jensen 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan Bench: 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Kobe Hetherington 16. Ben Talty 17. Jaiyden Hunt Reserves: 18. Delouise Hoeter 19. Fletcher Baker 20. Jock Madden 21. Va’a Semu 22. Gehamat Shibasaki.
Storm Look to Rebound in Round 27 After Roosters Rout
For the Melbourne Storm, the ladder is set in stone. They will finish second no matter the outcome at Suncorp, yet don’t mistake that for complacency. After being thrashed 40-10 by the Roosters in what was meant to be Craig Bellamy’s milestone night, the Storm arrive in Brisbane with a point to prove.
Their place in the finals is secure, with a home qualifying final locked in, but Melbourne’s pride demands more. Last week’s collapse—conceding 30 unanswered points in the second half—still stings, and Bellamy’s men will be desperate to restore their aura before September begins.
Reinforcements arrive just in time. Star halfback Jahrome Hughes returns from a shoulder injury, bringing direction and class to the attack. He’s joined by Xavier Coates, Eli Katoa, Nick Meaney, and Josh King, all back after a well-earned rest in Round 26. Tui Kamikamica has also cleared concussion protocols to reclaim his bench spot, while young centre Jack Howarth edges closer to a comeback from a groin issue, named among the reserves.
Not all the news is positive—prop Stefano Utoikamanu has been given the week off, while back-rower Shawn Blore faces an extended stint on the sidelines with a fractured larynx. In his absence, Ativalu Lisati steps into the starting second row, ready to seize his chance.
For Melbourne, Thursday is less about ladder positions and more about pride, redemption, and momentum. Suncorp offers the stage, the Broncos the challenge, and the Storm the chance to close their season with a statement.
Storm
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Grant Anderson 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Josh King 11. Ativalu Lisati 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero Bench: 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Joe Chan Reserves: 18. Marion Seve 19. Jack Howarth 20. Jonah Pezet 21. Kane Bradley 22. Lazarus Vaalepu.
Key Stats
The Broncos have won only one of their past 18 games against the Storm.
The Storm have won 15 of their last 16 Thursday night games.
Broncos centres Kotoni Staggs and Gehamat Shibasaki have both scored seven tries in their last seven games at Suncorp Stadium.
Storm prop Josh King will make his 100th appearance for the club.
The Broncos have scored 122 points in their last three games.
Officials
Referee, Grant Atkins, Touch Judges, Chris Sutton, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski ,Bunker, Chris Butler.
Broncos and Storm Eye Finals Statement in Round 27 Showdown
For the Broncos, Thursday night isn’t just about the ladder—it’s about making a statement. A win would lock down their place in the top four and send a clear message to the competition that they are ready to contend when the finals kick off next week. The talent is there, the form is building, and the Suncorp faithful will demand nothing less.
Standing in their way are the Storm, a side with second spot already secured and no need to gamble. Yet, Craig Bellamy has resisted the urge to rest his stars. Instead, Melbourne brings back their general, Jahrome Hughes, fresh from injury, alongside a full-strength lineup determined to shake off last week’s humiliation.
The numbers say the Storm are safe—90 points clear of the Bulldogs in the differential column—but pride and intent are driving forces in this clash. For Brisbane, it’s a chance to prove they belong among the elite. For Melbourne, it’s about flexing muscle and sending a warning to any would-be pretenders to the throne.
Two heavyweights. One final dress rehearsal. And a September storm just over the horizon.
Tip: Storm by 4. BUT DO NOT UNDER ESTIMATE A DESPERATE BRONCOS SIDE.
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