Melbourne Storm stand one win away from yet another grand final appearance, but must overcome a resurgent Cronulla Sharks side riding a wave of momentum. With key stars returning, the Storm are well poised, yet the Sharks’ recent defensive steel and sudden-death scalps make this preliminary final anything but straightforward.
When: Friday September 26, 2025 at 7:50 pm
Where: AAMI Park
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Melbourne Storm vs Cronulla Sharks Odds
Melbourne Storm vs Cronulla Sharks Preview
Melbourne Storm are chasing their 11th grand final in 20 years and return to AAMI Park armed with reinforcements. Jahrome Hughes is set for a remarkable recall just three weeks after fracturing his forearm, while Ryan Papenhuyzen and Shawn Blore also rejoin the line-up. The reshuffle restores Melbourne’s first-choice spine, with Jonah Pezet making way despite his strong showing in the win over Canterbury.
Craig Bellamy’s side will need the boost, having looked vulnerable at times in their 26-18 qualifying final triumph. The Sharks arrive brimming with confidence after sudden-death victories over the Roosters and Raiders, conceding just 22 points across both matches. Addin Fonua-Blake has anchored their forward pack superbly, while Nicho Hynes rediscovered his touch against Canberra and hooker Blayke Brailey continues to shine.
History favours the Storm, who have won eight of the last 11 clashes, though the sides split results this season. Cronulla stunned Melbourne 31-26 in Round 11 before the Storm hit back 30-6 at AAMI Park. The Sharks’ only preliminary final win came in 2016 en route to their maiden premiership – achieved by toppling the Storm. Melbourne’s big-game nous looms as the decisive factor once again.
Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Melbourne Storm to win at $1.38 odds.
First Try Scorer
First Try Scorer: Ryan Papenhuyzen at $10.
Melbourne Storm vs Cronulla Sharks Teams
Storm team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 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. Ativalu Lisati 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Shawn Blore 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Alec MacDonald 18. Bronson Garlick 19. Grant Anderson 20. Joe Chan 21. Jonah Pezet 22. Sualauvi Faalogo
Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. KL Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Toby Rudolf 11. Billy Burns 12. Teig Wilton 13. Jesse Colquhoun 14. Briton Nikora 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Daniel Atkinson 19. Mawene Hiroti 20. Jayden Berrell 21. Tuku Hau Tapuha 22. Hohepa Puru