Melbourne Storm vs North Queensland Cowboys Preview & Prediction | 2025 NRL | Regular Season
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AAMI Park will see a Friday clash between top eight contenders as the Melbourne Storm host the North Queensland Cowboys.
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 pair Harry Grant and Xavier Coates return after they were rested following the Origin series opener. Another Maroons player, Trent Loiero, comes back into the starting side and BronsonGarlick shifts to the bench. Sua Faalogo and Joe Chan drop out of the 17.
Squad: 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 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Bronson Garlick 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 18. Ativalu Lisati 19. Sualauvi Faalogo 20. Alec MacDonald 21. Joe Chan 22. Kane Bradley
North Queensland Cowboys team news
Head Coach Todd Payten has opted for the same 17 who survived a comeback from the Wests Tigers last week, with Murray Taulagi (calf) and Jason Taumalolo (calf) still out with injury.
Squad: 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 15. Kai O’Donnell 16. Griffin Neame 17. Coen Hess 18. Jake Clifford 19. Karl Lawton 20. Thomas Mikaele 21. Braidon Burns 22. Kaiden Lahrs
Melbourne Storm vs North Queensland Cowboys prediction
The Storm (4th) defeated the Gold Coast Titans 28-16 in Round 13. Their recent form has been inconsistent with two wins, two losses and a bye in the last five rounds
On the other hand, the North Queensland Cowboys (6th) secured a hard-fought 32-28 victory over the Wests Tigers, their first win from their previous five, including a draw.
Scott Drinkwater is crucial to the Cowboys' attack, leading the team with 12 try assists in 2025.
Ryan Papenhuyzen continues to lead the league in both points scored and tries scored. He didn’t cross for a score in Round 13 so expect him to feature again this week.
Surprisingly, the Cowboys have won the last three encounters against the Storm, including a 38-30 victory in Round 24, 2024. Prior to this, the Storm had a strong record against the Cowboys. Overall, Melbourne leads the head-to-head 32-13
This promises to be an exciting encounter. The Storm, with their potent attack and returning Origin stars, will be hard to beat at home. However, the Cowboys have shown they can trouble Melbourne and will be looking for a statement win. We think it will be the Storm who make the bigger statement and defeat the Cowboys in this one.
Melbourne Storm vs North Queensland Cowboys tip: Melbourne Storm to win 13+
