2025 NRL Grand Final Preview: Melbourne Storm v Brisbane Broncos

Melbourne Storm are looking to go one step further than last year’s runner-up spot when they take to the field at Accor Stadium on Sunday evening against the Brisbane Broncos. The two sides topped the try-scoring charts (Storm 125, Broncos 122) and an absolute classic is on the cards.

The Broncos ended Penrith’s bid for a fifth successive title – coming from 14 points behind at half-time at a raucous Suncorp Stadium last week to bring the Panthers dominant rein to an end – but this surely is a game too far for Michael Maguire and his team.

They will absolutely take confidence from their dramatic Golden Point win over minor premiers, Canberra, and the comeback against one of the greatest ever teams to play the sport. However, they have had two days less recovery time than their opponents, with the Storm fresh from swatting aside a gutsy Cronulla outfit at AAMI Park.

Melbourne like to get in front early in games and stay there, just like they did against the Sharks. A fast start from a Storm side who have led 17/27 games at half-time this season is crucial to deciding this clash.

A lot has been made of the seismic upfront battle involving Brisbane’s Payne Haas, who could be a contender for the Clive Churchill medal. He put in a heroic 80-minute shift on Sunday to make 182 metres and complete all of his attempted 46 tackles. Whether the prop can generate those numbers again so soon remains to be seen.

All eyes should be on the halves, though. Cameron Munster & Jahrome Hughes versus Ben Hunt & Adam Reynolds is a simply mouthwatering prospect. Each player brings their own qualities to the contest, but if the younger Storm duo can isolate the older Broncos pair, then that only bodes well for fans of a Victorian persuasion.

The Queenslanders were painfully devoid of attacking depth either side of the interval against the Panthers with the enigmatic Reece Walsh only getting his hands on the ball intermittently. The full-back leads the way for ‘40/20s’ this season with five to his name. Gaining vital field position and chipping away at a Storm rearguard which does offer chances can give cause for optimism for the Broncos.

It probably won’t be enough though. There’s a ruthlessness inherent in coach Craig Bellamy’s teams and his latest incarnation possess that quality. They find a way to win games and look like doing so once again in Sydney. 

Prediction: Melbourne Storm 16-10 Brisbane Broncos

Clive Churchill: Cameron Munster (Melbourne)

Location: Windsor VIC 3181, Australia

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