SATURDAY JULY 24th 2025 MOORE PARK SYDNEY 7.50PM
Officiating Frustrations and Roosters Realities: A Rocky Run to September
They say there’s no issue with the officiating. That’s the official NRL line in 2025. But if you tuned in last weekend—if you watched closely—you’d know that’s far from the truth.
Across every match I watched, the same faces made the same baffling calls. Week after week, nothing changes. Kasey Badger, Adam Gee, Grant Atkins—familiar names, familiar frustrations. Whether they’re out in the middle or up in the bunker, these officials continue to leave fans, players, and coaches scratching their heads. And if your team happens to draw one of them? You’d better buckle up. You’re not just playing the opposition—you’re playing the whistle, too.
Meanwhile, over at Bondi, the Roosters are walking a tightrope. They sit just one win outside the top eight, but their run home is anything but kind. Two clashes with the Melbourne Storm lie ahead—never an easy ask—alongside crucial games against the Bulldogs and the Sea Eagles.
History doesn’t offer much comfort either. Since that unforgettable 2019 Grand Final, the Roosters have faced Melbourne 14 times. They’ve won just three.
Still, the Tricolours march on. This week, Sandon Smith and Sam Walker take charge in the halves, with young Hugo Savala waiting in the wings as he nurses a wrist injury. Ethan King steps in for Billy Smith in the centres after Smith was ruled out due to concussion. And with Victor Radley sidelined by a shoulder issue, rising forward Siua Wong gets another shot in the starting side.
It’s a season on the brink, shaped by moments, momentum—and maybe, just maybe, the men in the middle.
Roosters
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Ethan King 4. Robert Toia, 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Sandon Smith 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte , 9. Connor Watson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Salesi Foketi, 13. Siua Wong 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Blake Steep 16. Egan Butcher , 17. Spencer Leniu 18. Tom Rodwell 19. Taylor Losalu 20. Makahesi Makatoa , 21. Benaiah Ioelu 22. Hugo Savala
Out: Billy Smith (centre), Chad Townsend (five-eighth), Victor Radley (lock)
In: Ethan King (centre), Sandon Smith (five-eighth), Siua Wong (lock)
Storm Weather Minor Setbacks as September Nears
The Storm are used to navigating rough waters—and once again, they’ll need to hold their course under pressure.
With a top-four finish well within reach, Melbourne’s path to another deep finals run looks steady on paper. But reality, as always, throws in a few curveballs.
Last week’s rare stumble at home against Manly was more than just a lost opportunity—it was a jolt. The defeat dropped them from second to third on the ladder, though their impressive +218 points differential keeps them in strong standing. That breathing room might just prove crucial.
But the week hasn’t gotten much easier. Enforcer Nelson Asofa-Solomona is out for two games due to suspension—a blow to Melbourne’s physical presence up front. And the ongoing calf concerns surrounding Ryan Papenhuyzen continue to cloud their backline plans, with the dynamic fullback again ruled out.
Adding to the disruption, Cameron Munster has been granted compassionate leave to mourn the passing of his father. In his absence, utility Tyran Wishart will step into the five-eighth role, aiming to steer the ship with calm and control. Meanwhile, Kane Bradley and Bronson Garlick have been called onto the bench as Craig Bellamy reshuffles his depth once more.
It’s not panic stations—not yet. But with finals football looming, the Storm are learning yet again that even the best sides must adapt on the fly.
Storm
1. Nick Meaney 2. Grant Anderson 3. Jack Howarth 4. Joe Chan 5. Xavier Coates, 6. Tyran Wishart 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant, 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Bronson Garlick, 15. Ativalu Lisati 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Kane Bradley 18. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown , 19. Josiah Pahulu 20. Jonah Pezet 21. Coby Williamson 22. Lazarus Vaalepu
Out: Cameron Munster (five-eighth), Nelson Asofa-Solomona (bench)
In: Bronson Garlick (bench), Kane Bradley (bench)
Changes: Tui Kamikamica (front row to bench), Stefano Utoikamanu (bench to front row), Tyran Wishart (bench to five-eighth)
Key Stats
The Roosters have lost five of their seven games at Allianz Stadium this season.
The Storm have won 11 of their past 12 games against the Roosters.
Roosters winger Daniel Tupou has scored eight tries in his last seven games.
Storm winger Xavier Coates will make his 100th NRL appearance.
Roosters winger Mark Nawaqanitawase has scored six tries in his last four games at Allianz Stadium.
High Stakes at Allianz: Roosters Fight for Finals Life Against Ruthless Storm
It’s easily the match of the round—no contest.
The Roosters return to Allianz Stadium desperate to steady their season, and the timing couldn’t be more tense. Both sides are coming off Round 20 losses: the Roosters were outclassed by the Sharks, while the Storm were ambushed at home by a spirited Manly outfit.
But the context matters.
For the Bondi boys, time is running out. Each missed opportunity inches them closer to an early exit from the finals race. This is more than a bounce-back game—it’s a line-in-the-sand moment.
The Storm, on the other hand, are rarely rattled twice. Under Craig Bellamy, back-to-back losses are almost unheard of. You can bet Melbourne will turn up in Sydney with a point to prove—and the muscle to back it up.
With September approaching fast, the urgency will be sky-high. Expect a bruising contest filled with tension, grit, and moments that could define both seasons.
Tip: Storm by 5.
Match Officials
Referees, Adam Gee, Touch Judges, Liam Kennedy, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Bunker, Chris Butler.
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