Check out the match preview and prediction for the 2025 National Rugby League Round 13 clash between the Gold Coast Titans and the Melbourne Storm.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Gold Coast Titans Vs Melbourne Storm
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Date: Saturday 31 May, 3:00pm (AEST)
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Titans: 1. Jaylan De Groot 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Jojo Fifita 5. Phillip Sami 6. AJ Brimson 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Chris Randall 12. Beau Fermor 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 14. Kieran Foran 15. Jaimin Jolliffe 16. Klese Haas 17. Jacob Alick-Wiencke 18. Arama Hau 19. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 20. Josh Patston 21. Tom Weaver 22. Sean Mullany 23. Allan Fitzgibbon
Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Sualauvi Faalogo 3. Grant Anderson 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Bronson Garlick 18. Joe Chan 19. Jack Howarth 20. Keagan Russell-Smith 21. Kane Bradley 22. Lazarus Vaalepu 23. Marion Seve 24. Ativalu Lisati
Referee: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
Bunker: Kasey Badger
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
Super Saturday for Round 13 kicks off on the Gold Coast, as the Titans host the Storm. Both sides are coming off a bye last week. Prior to that in round 11, both sides suffered defeats: the Titans went down 40-24 to the Raiders in Canberra, while the Storm lost a close one 31-26 to the Sharks in Cronulla.
For the Titans, Origin stars Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Moeaki Fotuaika, and Beau Fermor have been named to back up. Jaylan De Groot is named at fullback, moving AJ Brimson to five-eighth, and Kieran Foran back to the bench. Brian Kelly replaces Tony Francis at centre.
The Titans will be hoping their Origin contingent can back up against this Storm side, who will be filthy with a loss prior to their bye. Regardless of who lines up for the Titans, their defence has to be on from the start. Being an afternoon game, the Storm have put teams to the sword early in most of the day games they’ve played this year. Des Hasler may opt for a more experienced spine combination to begin the game, given how well that has worked. Watch out for a gameday swap of De Groot moving to the bench like they did two weeks ago against the Raiders. On that occasion, the Titans lead the Raiders early before falling away badly at the end of the game. They can’t afford a repeat of that second half effort this week. The Titans have only won one of their past 11 games against the Storm.
For the Storm, Origin stars Cameron Munster, Harry Grant, Xavier Coates, and Trent Loiero have all been named to back up despite the short turnaround. Bronson Garlick has retained his place in the 17, earning a bench spot after impressing in round 11. Jack Howarth has been named in the reserves and is a chance to be a late inclusion.
The defensive vulnerabilities the Titans have showed this season will have the Storm’s attacking players licking their lips. Cameron Munster traditionally prefers to back up on a short turnaround from Origin, so he’s likely to take the field and be at his best. Harry Grant is a candidate for a rest, or a least limited minutes depending on how the game script plays out. He’s still returning from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for several weeks, so the Storm may opt to be cautious with him. Ryan Papenhuyzen scored four tries against a hapless Tigers team on a dry track in round 10, and this game presents a similar opportunity for the Storm fullback. He’s scored five tries in his last four games at Cbus Super Stadium.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Storm by 12 points.
Check out our round 13 predictions here.
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