Check out the match preview and prediction for the 2025 National Rugby League round 20 clash between the Storm and Sea Eagles.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Melbourne Storm Vs Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Date: Saturday July 19th, 7:35pm (ADST)
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Storm: 1. Nick Meaney 2. Kane Bradley 3. Jack Howarth 4. Grant Anderson 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. Tui Kamikamica 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Ativalu Lisati 18. Joe Chan 19. Bronson Garlick 20. Jonah Pezet 21. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 22. Lazarus Vaalepu
Sea Eagles: 1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Tom Trbojevic 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Matthew Lodge 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Corey Waddell 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Tommy Talau 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Toafofoa Sipley 18. Aaron Schoupp 19. Clayton Faulalo 20. Caleb Navale 21. Joey Walsh 22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
Referee: Wyatt Raymond
Bunker: Chris Butler
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
The Storm and Sea Eagles do battle this Saturday in what marks another chapter in a fierce rivalry forged in the late 2000s, when the two clubs clashed in multiple grand finals. While the names have changed, the tension remains.
The home side comes into this match in fine form. Having won their past six, Melbourne currently sits second on the ladder and just two points behind first. What’s most ominous for the rest of the competition is that the Storm are yet to fully hit their stride—and they’re doing it while undermanned. Under the watchful eye of Craig Bellamy, they’re primed to peak when it matters most.
Ryan Papenhuyzen’s return from a calf injury has been pushed back, so Nick Meaney retains the number 1 jersey. However, Melbourne receives a major boost with the return of both Xavier Coates and Cameron Munster.
Manly enter the clash fresh off a bye and riding back-to-back wins. Though their season has been inconsistent, they sit on eight wins and eight losses—still within striking distance of finals footy. Coach Anthony Seibold has stuck with the same 17 that got the job done against the Rabbitohs a fortnight ago. The reshuffle that saw Tom Trbojevic move to centre and Lehi Hopoate take over at fullback remains in place.
This fixture has a history of fireworks, none more memorable than the infamous 2011 ‘Battle of Brookvale’, where tensions boiled over into a full-scale brawl. While we may not see scenes that dramatic again, expect physicality, aggression, and no shortage of big hits.
On paper, it’s hard to find many areas where the Sea Eagles have the upper hand. Hopoate brings spark and speed, but Melbourne’s spine—Munster, Hughes, and Grant—is among the best in the NRL. If they combine effectively, the Storm should take control.
For Manly to pull off an upset, it will rest on the shoulders of their veterans. Tom Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans haven’t had standout seasons, but they’ve delivered on the big stage before. If there’s a time to lead, it’s now.
Expect a tight opening 50 minutes, but Melbourne’s class should shine through in the final quarter.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Storm by 18.
Check out our round 20 predictions here.
What’s your prediction? Drop it in the comments below.
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