Check out the match preview and prediction for the 2025 National Rugby League round 18 clash between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Melbourne Storm.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
North Queensland Cowboys Vs Melbourne Storm
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Date: Saturday 5 July, 7:35pm (AEST)
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Cowboys: 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
Storm: 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
Referee: Liam Kennedy
Bunker: Chris Butler
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
The last game of Super Saturday for round 18 sees the Cowboys host the Storm at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville. The Cowboys are coming off a 30-24 win over the Titans, while the Storm got a convincing win over the Sharks 30-6 in Melbourne.
For the Cowboys, Tom Dearden, Reuben Cotter, Jeremiah Nanai, and Reece Robson are all out on Origin duty. Tom Duffy takes over at halfback for the first time since round 2. Jordan McLean and John Bateman return from their respective injuries at prop and second row. Kai O’Donnell completes the second row, with Harrison Edwards named at hooker, and Sam McIntyre shifting to lock. Temple Kalepo is named to make his NRL debut off the bench in jersey 14. Kaiden Lahrs keeps his place on the bench for his third game in the NRL.
The Cowboys return home for a run of two games against two sides in the top four, the Storm and the Bulldogs. With their Origin stars missing in round 15, they were hammered 58-4 by the Dolphins at home. Coach Todd Payten will undoubtedly want to avoid a similar result this time around, although the Storm have been known to rack up big scores against weaker opposition. Duffy’s return to the side will be an interesting watch. He has an opportunity to learn from his experience earlier in the year, where he played the opening two rounds before dropping back down to reserve grade. Despite the ominous match-up against the Storm, the Cowboys have won three of their past four games against them.
For the Storm, Cameron Munster, Harry Grant, Trent Loiero, Xavier Coates, and Stefano Utoikamanu are all out on Origin duty. Sua Faalogo is out with a hamstring injury, which triggers a backline reshuffle. Grant Anderson shifts to the wing, with Kane Bradley starting on the other wing, and Joe Chan named at centre. Tyran Wishart moves from the bench to five-eighth, while Bronson Garlick moves from the bench to starting hooker. Tui Kamikamica starts at prop with Nelson Asofa-Solomona covering lock. Jonah Pezet makes his return from injury in jersey 14, with Lazarus Vaalepu and Ativalu Lisati rounding out the bench.
The injury bug has bitten the Storm’s outside backs at a tough time. A trip to Townsville with five of their top choice backline players out of action will be a great test of their depth. This week Chan is filling in at centre, where he has played minutes before, however he’s not a noted backline player. He’ll need to be on his game against the Cowboys, who are known for getting their outside backs heavily involved at home. With so many outs, expect Jahrome Hughes to take the lead in the attack again. He’ll be looking to continue his hot try-scoring streak, having scored four tries in his last three games. His combination with Eliesa Katoa last week proved to be fruitful, as they dismantled the Sharks on multiple try-scoring plays together.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Storm by 22 points.
Check out our round 18 predictions here.
What’s your prediction? Drop it in the comments below.
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