After 27 rounds of fierce competition and a finals series packed with drama, the stage is set for the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final. The Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos will square off for rugby league’s ultimate prize in what promises to be an all-time classic.
The Storm booked their place in the decider with a clinical victory over Cronulla at AAMI Park, securing their sixth grand final appearance in the past decade. For Brisbane, the road was far more dramatic; Michael Maguire’s side stormed back from 14 points down to end Penrith’s dynasty at a pulsating Suncorp Stadium, propelled by Adam Reynolds’ composure and Payne Haas’ sheer dominance in the middle.
For Melbourne, this is about redemption. Just 12 months on from their loss to Penrith in the 2024 grand final, Craig Bellamy’s men return with 15 of the 17 who endured that heartbreak, desperate to go one better.
The individual match-ups only add to the spectacle. At fullback, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Reece Walsh bring speed and flair in spades, while State of Origin teammates Stefano Utoikamanu and Payne Haas will collide in a brutal battle up front. The halfbacks: Jahrome Hughes for Melbourne and Reynolds for Brisbane, will be key game managers, while Cameron Munster and Ezra Mam offer the kind of X-factor that can turn a contest in a heartbeat.
The two sides know each other well, having met twice late in the regular season. Melbourne dismantled the Broncos 22-2 in Round 23 before Brisbane hit back with a 30-14 win in Round 27, though both matches came with costly injury tolls. Hughes suffered a broken arm in the latter, only to make a remarkable recovery and star in the Storm’s preliminary final. The Broncos, meanwhile, saw Reynolds, Mam and Selwyn Cobbo all hampered by hamstring issues in their Round 23 clash.
Bellamy has kept faith with the 17 who took down the Sharks, with Grant Anderson named 18th man and Jonah Pezet and Sua Fa’aalogo included among the reserves. Trent Loiero will mark his 100th NRL appearance on the game’s biggest stage. For Brisbane, Pat Carrigan returns from suspension at lock, forcing Tyson Smoothy to the bench and Ben Talty out of the side. Selwyn Cobbo remains on the extended list, while Jesse Arthars has again been named 18th man.
This one has all the makings of a blockbuster. The Storm’s big-game experience under Bellamy can’t be underestimated, but the Broncos’ resilience and attacking strike power give them every chance to snap their premiership drought. Expect a tense, high-quality contest that swings on a moment of brilliance. We’ll be tipping the Broncos by 4 points!
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