Dolphins v Storm preview

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Dolphins v Melbourne Storm Friday 8:00pm at Suncorp Stadium, Milton / Yuggera-Turrbal

Melbourne Storm travel North to continue an impressive first third of 2025, whilst the Dolphins are looking to find some continuing form after winning their first games back-to-back for the season. 

The Dolphins managed an upset win against an out of form Panthers last week, which came after their first win in Round 5 where they defeated the Titans 36-10. They now sit in 14th position on the ladder but will need a lot of fight to come out on top against the Storm this coming Friday.

Kristian Woolf names the same starting 17 that got the job done against four-time reigning premiers last week. Ray Stone returns as 18th man after serving his one week suspension for a high tackle.  

Melbourne have had a strong past two weeks, putting 40+ points on both the Sea Eagles and Warriors, which came off the back of a disappointing loss against the Dragons away from home in Round 4. The Storm now sit comfortably in second position, holding good form, and the ability to pile on points with ease. 

Jahrome Hughes has been named to play, after sitting out of the second half last Sunday due to a shoulder issue. Bellamy names Sua Fa'alogo on the wing, with Grant Anderson shifting to the centres after rookie Moses Leo injured his shoulder and is set to face three months on the sideline. Will Warbrick and Nelson Asofa-Solomona remain sidelined due to ongoing concussion concerns. 

History is only on the side of the Storm with this clash, with them playing the Dolphins three times since their inaugural season in 2023, and Melbourne have won all these match ups. 

Last meeting: Round 25 2024 - Storm 48 Dolphins 6

Who to watch: Finally breaking onto the scene this year, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has scored four tries in the Dolphins last two wins. When the Hammer is flying it seems the Dolphins are too, and his involvement in the side is a crucial element of their game. 

Missing from their loss against the Dragons, Jahrome Hughes is a key player in the Storm side, and it's obvious that although Melbourne has a strong spine, but when he is absent that are missing their chief playmaker who holds everything together. In his five games this year he has scored one try, whilst making four try assists and four line break assists. 

Favourites: Storm are favoured to add another two points to their 2025 tally. 

My Tip: Melbourne are currently on fire, scoring 90 points within their last two games, however they currently are not playing the full 80 minute game. During both their win over the Warriors and Sea Eagles, the Storm stopped scoring in the last 20 minutes and instead let through five tries combined in these games. Although by the 60th minute in both matches it was obvious that they were going to win, the decline in defence and attack is something that should not continue for their long-term game. In saying this, despite the Dolphins finally finding some form and wins, I don't think it is enough to get a win against the red-hot Storm side. Melbourne by 24. 

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Daniel Saifiti 13. Max Plath 15. Mark Nicholls 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Tom Gilbert 10. Felise Kaufusi 15. Kurt Donoghoe 16. Connelly Lemuelu 17. Josh Kerr 18. Ray Stone 21. Sean O'Sullivan

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 19. Kane Bradley 3. Jack Howarth 4. Grant Anderson 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 17. Bronson Garlick 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tui Kamikamica 18. Joe Chan 18. Sualauvi Faalogo

Referees: Todd Smith; Sideline Officials: Belinda Sharpe, Nick Pelgrave; Video Referees: Wyatt Raymond;