Storm v Cowboys preview

Embed from Getty Images

Melbourne Storm v North Queensland Cowboys Friday 6:00pm at AAMI Park, Melbourne / Wurundjeri

A Friday night blockbuster at AAMI Park sees the Melbourne Storm host the North Queensland Cowboys in what looms as a pivotal clash just two days before the Queensland Origin team is named.

With a host of Maroons hopefuls on display, both sides will be desperate to impress under the Friday night lights.

While the Cowboys have had the wood over the Storm recently—winning their last three encounters by an average scoreline of 39.6 to 18.6—they've never managed four straight wins against Melbourne.

History is also firmly against them when playing in the Victorian capital, with the Storm winning 13 of their last 16 home games against North Queensland since 2000.

Melbourne return home after a scrappy but important 28-16 win over the Gold Coast Titans. Despite some poor attacking decisions, the class of the Storm shone through late, with doubles to Grant Anderson and Sua Faalogo helping them secure their seventh win of the season.

They now sit second on the ladder and are undefeated at AAMI Park in 2025, with five wins from five starts.

Coach Craig Bellamy welcomes back key Origin stars Harry Grant and Xavier Coates, while Alec MacDonald is a chance to return via the bench.

The Cowboys, meanwhile, are coming off a heart-racing win over the Wests Tigers—a match they very nearly let slip. After leading 32-6 with just over 20 minutes to play, North Queensland almost conceded the biggest comeback in premiership history before hanging on 32-28.

That win ended a three-game skid and pushed them into sixth spot on the ladder, but they now face a tough road trip, having not played away from home since Round 9.

Todd Payten has named an unchanged 17, including Reece Robson, who remains under an injury cloud after finishing last week's game with hamstring tightness.

Last meeting: Round 26 2024 - Cowboys 38 Storm 30

Who to watch: Storm fullback, Ryan Papenhuyzen, has turned AAMI Park into his personal playground this year, crossing for eight tries in just five appearances at the venue. His speed and footwork will be vital against a Cowboys side that has leaked 288 points this season.

For the Cowboys, Jeremiah Nanai looms as the danger man—he has an uncanny knack for scoring against the Storm, with four tries in their last three meetings.

Favourite: The Melbourne Storm are the clear favourites heading into this clash.

My tip: The Cowboys have shown signs of life and will be buoyed by their recent form, but Melbourne's dominance at home and their attacking prowess make them hard to tip against, especially with their Origin stars back. Storm by 12.

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Grant Anderson 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Bronson Garlick 16. Tui Kamikamica 10. Josh King 18. Ativalu Lisati

1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Jaxon Purdue 7. Tom Dearden 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Sam McIntyre 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Harrison Edwards 16. Griffin Neame 17. Coen Hess 19. Karl Lawton 20. Thomas Mikaele

Referees: Grant Atkins; Sideline Officials: Phil Henderson, Drew Oultram; Video Referees: Ashley Klein;