North Queensland Cowboys vs Melbourne Storm Preview & Prediction | 2025 NRL | Regular Season
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Queensland Country Bank Stadium will host a fascinating contest between two clubs hit hard by Origin selections, as the North Queensland Cowboys take on perennial powerhouse the Melbourne Storm.
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
North Queensland Cowboys team news
In Tom Dearden’s Origin absence, Tom Duffy gets a crack in the No.7 jersey, with Jaxon Purdue remaining in the halves. Elsewhere, with Reuben Cotter, Jeremiah Nanai and Reece Robson all representing their respective states, Jordan McLean and John Bateman return from injury while Harrison Edwards gets the nod at hooker. Temple Kalepo makes his NRL debut off the bench in a huge reward for some strong performances for the Mackay Cutters in the Queensland Cup.
Squad: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Zac Laybutt 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jake Clifford 7. Thomas Duffy 8. Jordan McLean 9. Harrison Edwards 10. Griffin Neame 11. John Bateman 12. Kai O’Donnell 13. Sam McIntyre 14. Temple Kalepo 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Kaiden Lahrs 17. Coen Hess 18. Braidon Burns 19. Marly Bitungane 20. Jamal Shibasaki 21. Jaxson Paulo 22. Mason Kira
Melbourne Storm team news
Joe Chan has been named in the centres and Kane Bradley on the wing to replace the outgoing Xavier Coates (Origin) and Sua Faalogo (hamstring). Harry Grant (Origin) is replaced by Bronson Garlick at hooker and Cameron Munster (Origin) hands over his No.6 jersey to Tyran Wishart. Jonah Pezet has joined the side as a utility, while Nelson Asofa-Solomona takes over at lock from Trent Loeiro who is also on Origin duty alongside Stefano Utoikamanu who has been replaced by Lazarus Vaalepu, while Ativalu Lisati makes up the final spot on the bench.
Squad: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Grant Anderson 3. Joe Chan 4. Nick Meaney 5. Kane Bradley 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. Alec MacDonald 16. Lazarus Vaalepu 17. Ativalu Lisati 18. Josiah Pahulu 19. Coby Williamson 20. Gabriel Satrick 21. Keagan Russell-Smith 22. Siulagi Pio
North Queensland Cowboys vs Melbourne Storm prediction
The North Queensland Cowboys (12th) snapped a three-game losing streak with a hard-fought 30-24 win over the Gold Coast Titans in Round 17. Their recent form is an inconsistent WLLLW.
The Storm (3rd) are on a roll again, having won their last four games, including a dominant 30-6 victory over the Cronulla Sharks last week. Their form over the last five matches has the look of a genuine premiership contender.
Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi has been a key finishing piece for the Cowboys, leading the team with 10 tries this season.
Fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen has been in scintillating form, leading the Storm in both points scored (165) and tries (12).
The Storm have historically dominated this fixture, leading the head-to-head count 33-13. They continued this trend with a 38-14 win over the Cowboys just over a month ago.
This encounter will showcase the next generation of talent from both clubs, with the Storm's winning culture facing a determined Cowboys side on their home turf.
North Queensland Cowboys vs Melbourne Storm tip: Melbourne Storm to win by 13+ points
