The Melbourne Storm booked their place in the 2025 NRL Grand Final with a gritty 22-14 win over the Cronulla Sharks on Friday night – but the victory came with a minor judiciary concern.
Forward Trent Loiero was charged by the Match Review Committee following a dangerous contact incident on Cronulla halfback Nicho Hynes in the 11th minute of the match.
The charge was assessed as a Grade 1 offence, and with Loiero likely to take the early guilty plea, this ensures he is available for the Storm’s tilt at the premiership in next week’s decider.
Judiciary Charge – Preliminary Final
| Player | Date of Offence | Round | Club | Minute | Charge / Incident | Grade | Record | Early Plea | Guilty at Panel | Misconduct On Whom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trent Loiero | 26/09/2025 | FW3 | Storm | 11th | Dangerous Contact | 1 | 1st Offence | $1,000 | $1,500 | Nicho Hynes |
Finals Implication
The charge means Craig Bellamy will have his forward pack at full strength for the Grand Final showdown next Sunday, as the Storm eye another premiership.
