Melbourne Storm vs Canterbury Bulldogs Odds, Teams and Betting Tips – NRL Finals Week 1 2025

Melbourne and Canterbury kick off the 2025 NRL Finals at AAMI Park in a rematch of their Round 25 clash. The Storm secured a top-two spot but arrive after back-to-back losses, while the Bulldogs limp into September with injuries and patchy form. Expect intensity and plenty of storylines.

When: Friday September 12, 2025 at 7:50 pm

Where: AAMI Park

Bet: Bet On This Match HERE

Melbourne Storm vs Canterbury Bulldogs Odds

Melbourne Storm vs Canterbury Bulldogs Preview

The 2025 NRL Finals kick off at AAMI Park on Friday night with Melbourne Storm and Canterbury Bulldogs squaring off in a high-stakes rematch of their Round 24 clash. Melbourne dominated that meeting to lock in a top-two spot, but they stumble into October having dropped back-to-back games for the first time in more than two years.

Canterbury haven’t fared much better, losing three of their last four, their lone win coming against a depleted Penrith side. Injuries continue to bite, with Marcelo Montoya and Bronson Xerri ruled out, pushing Enari Tuala into the centres and rookies Jethro Rinakama and Blake Wilson onto the wings. Jacob Kiraz lingers among the reserves as he eyes a comeback.

The Storm welcome back Harry Grant from suspension but remain without Ryan Papenhuyzen and Jahrome Hughes. Nick Meaney takes over at fullback, Tyran Wishart slots into halfback, and Stefano Utoikamanu bolsters the middle rotation.

It’s a blockbuster opening to finals football, pitting two proud clubs against each other with intensity, physicality, and plenty of storylines guaranteed.