Melbourne Storm vs Cronulla Sharks Preview & Prediction | 2025 NRL | Regular Season
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A top eight matchup is set to unfold at AAMI Park as old foes the Melbourne Storm and Cronulla Sharks clash.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / Australia – Foxtel / US – Some matches are televised live on Fox Sports
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go & Watch NRL / Australia – Kayo Sports / US – Watch NRL, and if the match is televised in the USA it can also be streamed live on Fox Sports platforms
Melbourne Storm team news
Queensland flyer Xavier Coates is back after he was given a rest against the Rabbitohs, meaning Grant Anderson moves into the centres, with Jack Howarth making way. NSW enforcer Stefano Utoikamanu and Queensland forward Trent Loiero are back in the starting team, having come off the interchange in the clash with the Rabbitohs.
Squad: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Sualauvi Faalogo 3. Grant Anderson 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 18. Ativalu Lisati 19. Bronson Garlick 20. Joe Chan 21. Keagan Russell-Smith 22. Kane Bradley
Cronulla Sharks team news
Front-rower Oregon Kaufusi is back, having missed the loss to the Broncos due to a hamstring injury. That means Braden Hamlin-Uele drops to the interchange, with Hohepa Puru out of the 17.
Squad: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Jesse Colquhoun 16. Toby Rudolf 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Billy Burns 19. Hohepa Puru 20. Niwhai Puru 21. Chris Veaila 22. Jayden Berrell
Melbourne Storm vs Cronulla Sharks prediction
Both teams are coming off contrasting results in Round 16 and will be eager to claim a crucial victory in their push for a top-four finish.
The Melbourne Storm (3rd) are on a three-match winning streak, including a thrilling golden point victory over the South Sydney Rabbitohs last week. Their form has been impressive, winning four of five.
The Cronulla Sharks (6th) suffered a disappointing 34-28 loss to the Brisbane Broncos in Round 16. They led 28-12 midway through the second half and again let a late lead slip, a common theme in their inconsistent season. They have won just twice in their past five, although one win was against the Storm.
Watch for Harry Grant in this one. He has scored seven tries in eight matches against Cronulla. For the Sharks, Ronaldo Mulitalo has scored five tries in his last six games against Melbourne.
The Storm has a dominant head-to-head record against the Sharks, having won 30 of their 48 encounters. However, the Sharks have won two of their last three clashes, including their earlier meeting this season. Cronulla has only won once though in their past seven games at AAMI Park.
This is set to be another classic encounter between one of the competition's heavyweights and one trying to prove they can be.
We think the Storm will continue their march towards the top of the ladder with a comfortable victory in this one.
Melbourne Storm vs Cronulla Sharks tip: Melbourne to win by 13+ & Harry Grant to score a try
