Newcastle Knights vs Melbourne Storm Preview & Prediction | 2025 NRL | Regular Season
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The Melbourne Storm travel to Newcastle with their sights set on the minor premiership, facing a struggling Knights side whose season is slipping away.
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
Newcastle Knights team news
Fletcher Hunt is the new No.1 with Kalyn Ponga (foot) sidelined, whle Greg Marzhew returns from injury pushing James Schiller to the reserves. Leo Thompson returns from suspension at prop. with Tyson Frizell switching to lock, Phoenix Crossland goes to hooker and Jayden Brailey to the bench. Thomas Cant drops off the bench to 18th man.
Squad: 1. Fletcher Hunt 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Jackson Hastings 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Tyson Frizell 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Mathew Croker 16. Jermaine McEwen 17. Brodie Jones 18. Thomas Cant 19. James Schiller 20. Tyson Gamble 21. Jack Hetherington 22. Kyle McCarthy
Melbourne Storm team news
Ryan Papenhuyzen is back from a calf injury at fullback. Nick Meaney returns to centre with Grant Anderson shifting to the wing. Blues prop Stefano Utoikamanu has been named on the bench but Maroons skipper Cameron Munster, hooker Harry Grant and lock Trent Loiero have been named among the reserves and may be rested after Origin III. Jack Howarth is listed as 18th man after recovering from appendicitis.
Squad: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Grant Anderson 3. Joe Chan 4. Nick Meaney 5. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 6. Tyran Wishart 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 14. Jonah Pezet 15. Stefano Utoikamanu 16. Lazarus Vaalepu 17. Ativalu Lisati 18. Jack Howarth 19. Trent Loiero 20. Cameron Munster 21. Harry Grant 22. Kane Bradley 23. Moses Leo 24. Keagan Russell-Smith
Newcastle Knights vs Melbourne Storm prediction
The Knights (13th) had a bye in Round 18. Their recent form has been inconsistent, with just two wins from their last five games, hampering their ability to climb the ladder and make any sort of finals charge.
The Storm (2nd) continued their march with a hard-fought 26-20 victory over the North Queensland Cowboys in Round 18. Their impressive form has solidified their position near the top of the table.
If you are looking for try scorers in this one, take a close look at Dominic Young. He has scored 24 tries in 24 games at McDonald Jones Stadium. For the Storm, Ryan Papenhuyzen's value is undeniable; in his appearances this season, he has already amassed 165 points and scored 12 tries.
This has been a one-sided rivalry, with the Storm dominating the Knights by winning 31 of their 48 meetings, including 12 out of the last 14. However, Newcastle has won the last two games against the Storm at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Even with some stars potentially rested, the Storm's depth and relentless system will pose a monumental challenge for a Knights outfit missing its most influential player.
Newcastle Knights vs Melbourne Storm tip: Melbourne to win
