Round 25: Storm v Bulldogs preview
Melbourne and Canterbury share a rivalry that has produced some classic encounters over the years.
Since the beginning of the NRL era in 1998, the two clubs have met 46 times, with Melbourne just edging the ledger 24-22. AAMI Park has been a particularly difficult venue for Canterbury, with only four wins from 11 appearances. The Storm, meanwhile, have lost just once at home this season, to Manly in Round 20, while knocking over the likes of the Panthers, Sharks and Broncos in front of their faithful fans.
Last week, the Storm claimed one of their most thrilling victories of 2025, edging out the Penrith Panthers 22-18 in golden point. The clash between two of the competition's form teams lived up to its billing, with scores locked at 18-all after 80 minutes. It was Harry Grant who stepped up, first drawing a controversial penalty late in regulation before producing a moment of brilliance from dummy half to score the match-winner. Cameron Munster's late switch to fullback proved a masterstroke, with the Queensland star running for 171 metres, while Xavier Coates crossed for a double and Harry Grant racked up 61 tackles alongside his heroics.
This week, Craig Bellamy has kept faith with the formula that got the job done, naming Munster again at fullback and Jonah Pezet to partner Tyran Wishart in the halves. Ryan Papenhuyzen is edging closer to a return, included on the extended bench as he works back from concussion, while Shawn Blore's injury sees Joe Chan start in the back row. Nelson Asofa-Solomona has also been named in the reserves after a strong fortnight in the QLD Cup and looms as a possible inclusion.
The Bulldogs had a tougher outing in Round 24, going down 32-12 to the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium. Despite a bright start, with Enari Tuala finishing off a sharp cut-out ball from skipper Stephen Crichton to score the opener, the Bulldogs struggled to contain the Roosters' attack. Matt Burton did provide a highlight, snatching an intercept and racing 85 metres to notch his 500th career point for the club, but Daniel Tupou's hat-trick sealed the Dogs' sixth defeat of the year against a side outside the top eight.
Cameron Ciraldo has resisted making sweeping changes, naming the same 17 that took the field last week. However, reinforcements may be on the horizon, with Sitili Tupouniua (hamstring) and Marcelo Montoya (neck) both listed among the reserves as they push to return from injury. If cleared, either could add much-needed punch to a Bulldogs side searching for consistency.
Last meeting: Round 6 2024 - Storm 16 Bulldogs 14
Who to watch: Xavier Coates has been unstoppable at AAMI Park, with 11 tries in his last eight outings at the venue. If Melbourne's halves can keep him supplied, he could add to that tally.
Enari Tuala has been one of the Dogs' most reliable finishers, crossing four times in his last four games. His combination with Stephen Crichton will be key if Canterbury are to trouble the Storm defence.
Favourite: The Storm are clear favourites heading into this clash, with the bookies backing them to extend their AAMI Park dominance.
My tip: Not many sides beat the Storm under lights at AAMI Park, especially on a Friday night. With their spine firing and momentum on their side, it's hard to see the Bulldogs keeping pace for 80 minutes. Melbourne by 16.
