SUNDAY APRIL 13th 2025
Warriors v Storm
AAMI Park, Melbourne 2:00pm
Storm Set to Maintain Anzac Day Rivalry Tradition Against Warriors in 2025
A rivalry that has been a staple of Anzac Day celebrations for the past 15 years will be played a few weeks earlier in 2025, but its importance remains just as strong for the Melbourne Storm and New Zealand Warriors.
The Storm have dominated this fixture since 2015, and after showcasing a dazzling attacking performance against Manly last week, they head into this clash as firm favourites on home soil.
Halfback Jahrome Hughes made an early return from a broken hand — a week ahead of schedule — and wasted no time injecting momentum into the side. He combined superbly with Cameron Munster, Harry Grant, and Ryan Papenhuyzen to tear through Manly’s defence.
Coach Craig Bellamy has named the same 17 players who dismantled the Sea Eagles at 4 Pines Park. Despite being taken off as a precaution last week, both Ryan Papenhuyzen and Xavier Coates are expected to play. However, Will Warbrick and Nelson Asofa-Solomona remain sidelined due to recent concussions. Joe Chan has been named as 18th man, replacing Lazarus Vaalepu who held that spot in Round 5.
Storm
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Grant Anderson 3. Jack Howarth 4. Moses Leo, 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu, 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero, 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Bronson Garlick, 18. Joe Chan 19. Lazarus Vaalepu 20. Kane Bradley 21. Sualauvi Faalogo, 22. Keagan Russell-Smith
Unchanged 1-17
In: Joe Chan (reserve), Lazarus Vaalepu (reserve), Kane Bradley (reserve), Sualauvi Fa’alogo (reserve), Keagan Russell-Smith (reserve)
Luke Metcalf Shines as Warriors’ New Star Playmaker Ahead of Next Clash
The Warriors have discovered a new star playmaker in Luke Metcalf. In the 2025 season, he has made a seamless transition from five-eighth to halfback, leading the team to three consecutive wins after an opening loss in Las Vegas.
There is just one change to the team that defeated the Wests Tigers before the bye. Rocco Berry returns from a hamstring injury, shifting Adam Pompey to the wing and Ed Kosi to the reserves. Tanah Boyd is listed as the 18th man.
Warriors
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Taine Tuaupiki 3. Rocco Berry 4. Ali Leiataua, 5. Adam Pompey 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8. James Fisher-Harris, 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Marata Niukore, 13. Erin Clark 14. Bunty Afoa 15. Jackson Ford 16. Demitric Vaimauga, 17. Leka Halasima 18. Tanah Boyd 20. Jacob Laban 21. Samuel Healey, 22. Te Maire Martin 23. Edward Kosi
In: Rocco Berry (centre), Tanah Boyd (reserve), Jacob Laban (reserve), Samuel Healey (reserve), Te Maire Martin (reserve)
Changes: Adam Pompey (centre to wing), Edward Kosi (wing to reserve)
Referees: Ashley Klein, Side line Officials: Jon Stone, David Munro, Bunker, Liam Kennedy;
Key Stats
The Storm have won their last 16 games against the Warriors.
The Warriors have not won at AAMI Park since 2014.
Storm winger Xavier Coates has scored 10 tries in his past six games against the Warriors.
Warriors forward Erin Clark will make his 100th NRL appearance.
The Storm have won 22 of their past 24 games at AAMI Park.
Should be Storm all the way at home.
Knights v Tigers
McDonald Jones Stadium 4:05pm
Knights Set to Bounce Back at Home Against Wests Tigers Despite Injury Setbacks
The Knights return home this weekend, looking to get their season back on track when they host a spirited Wests Tigers outfit on Sunday.
Newcastle put up a brave fight against the undefeated Bulldogs last week, but their task was made harder with the late withdrawal of Jacob Saifiti before kickoff, followed by in-game injuries to James Schiller and Jack Hetherington.
As a result, several key players will be sidelined this week, including Jack Cogger (finger), James Schiller (concussion), Jacob Saifiti (calf), Jack Hetherington (shoulder), and Adam Elliott (calf). Phoenix Crossland shifts from hooker to halfback, while Jayden Brailey returns to the No.9 jersey.
Young winger Kyle McCarthy will play his second NRL game, and Brodie Jones joins the forward pack. Back-rower Kai Pearce-Paul returns from suspension, with Tyrone Thompson and Matt Arthur set to make their club debuts off the bench.
Knights
1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Kyle McCarthy 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best, 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Phoenix Crossland 8. Brodie Jones 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Thomas Cant 12. Kai Pearce-Paul, 13. Tyson Frizell 14. Matthew Arthur 15. Tyrone Thompson 16. Jermaine McEwen 17. Mathew Croker 18. Paul Bryan 19. Jackson Hastings 20. Riley Jones 21. Francis Manuleleua
Out: James Schiller (wing), Jack Cogger (halfback), Jacob Saifiti (front row), Adam Elliott (lock), Jack Hetherington (bench)
In: Kyle McCarthy (wing), Brodie Jones (front row), Kai Pearce-Paul (second row), Matthew Arthur (bench), Tyrone Thompson (bench), Paul Bryan (reserve), Jackson Hastings (reserve), Riley Jones (reserve), Francis Manuleleua (reserve)
Changes: Phoenix Crossland (hooker to halfback), Tyson Frizell (second row to lock), Jayden Brailey (bench to hooker)
Wests Tigers Boosted by Key Returns as They Look to Bounce Back Against Knights
The Wests Tigers, much like the Knights, endured a tough outing last round. Up against the second-placed Broncos and missing several key players, they held their own in the first half but faded as the game wore on and ultimately went down.
There’s some good news for Benji Marshall’s side this week, with star playmaker Jarome Luai returning from suspension. Winger Jeral Skelton (hamstring) and back-rower Samuela Fainu (leg) are also back to strengthen the lineup.
On the flip side, Latu Fainu is out with a thumb injury, Jack Bird moves to the bench, Tony Sukkar has been named 18th man, and Luke Laulilii drops back to the reserves. Veteran outside back Brent Naden, recovering from a knee injury, is also listed among the reserves as he eyes a return to the field.
Tigers
1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Adam Doueihi 4. Starford To’a 5. Jeral Skelton 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. Luke Laulilii 21. Brent Naden 22. Kit Laulilii
Out: Latu Fainu (halfback)
In: Jeral Skelton (wing), Jarome Luai (halfback), Samuela Fainu (second row), Heath Mason (reserve), Brent Naden (reserve), Kit Laulilii (reserve)
Changes: Tony Sukkar (bench to reserve), Luke Laulilii (wing to reserve), Jack Bird (second row to bench)
Referees: Gerard Sutton, Side line Officials, Matt Noyen, Chris Sutton, Bunker, Grant Atkins.
Key Stats
The Knights have won their past seven games against the Tigers.
Wests Tigers have won only one of their past five games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Knights five-eighth Fletcher Sharpe has scored five tries in two games against the Tigers.
Wests Tigers fullback Jahream Bula has scored three tries in three games against the Knights.
The Knights are ranked the second-best defensive side in 2025 but are 17th in attack.
This could be tight and the Tigers must contain Ponga to have a show.
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