Matchday Details
Friday, 17 April 2026 – 6:00pm AEST – GIO Stadium, Canberra
📺 Kayo / Foxtel
Referee: Peter Gough | Senior Review Official: Liam Kennedy
Canberra Raiders: 1. Kaeo Weekes, 2. Sebastian Kris, 3. Simi Sasagi, 4. Matthew Timoko, 5. Jed Stuart, 6. Ethan Strange, 7. Ethan Sanders, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Tom Starling, 10. Joseph Tapine (c), 11. Hudson Young, 12. Noah Martin, 13. Corey Horsburgh, 14. Jayden Brailey, 15. Zac Hosking, 16. Ata Mariota, 17. Morgan Smithies, 18. Daine Laurie, 19. Joe Roddy, 20. Owen Pattie, 21. Savelio Tamale, 22. Chevy Stewart
Melbourne Storm: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo, 2. Will Warbrick, 3. Jack Howarth, 4. Nick Meaney, 5. Manaia Waitere, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Stefano Utoikamanu, 9. Harry Grant (c), 10. Josh King, 11. Joe Chan, 12. Cooper Clarke, 13. Trent Loiero, 14. Tyran Wishart, 15. Alec MacDonald, 16. Jack Hetherington, 17. Davvy Moale, 18. Shawn Blore, 19. Hugo Peel, 20. Lazarus Vaalepu, 21. Moses Leo, 22. Trent Toelau
Match Preview
Friday Night footy begins with what would’ve been a blockbuster top-of-the-table clash between Melbourne and Canberra in 2025, but becomes a match with two teams looking to rediscover their dominant identity.
The Raiders come into this game in 15th place after scraping by South Sydney 36-34 last weekend. In typical Raiders fashion, a 36-22 lead with six minutes to go became a grandstand finish, similar to the way they won their opening game against Manly after dominating the scoreboard until the final moments. There are some gleaming problems in the nation’s capital, but the good news is there is plenty of time to patch these up and coach Ricky Stuart has no doubts he can eventually get the best out of his football team. As for Craig Bellamy’s Melbourne Storm, they’re in an unfamiliar patch of poor form not seen at any stage of Bellamy’s long reign. They had 50 put on them in Round 5 against Penrith, then last week the rot was confirmed after the Warriors eased to a 38-14 win in Melbourne. Not only is this a test for the Storm’s character, it’s a huge test for Bellamy’s character as well, since this sort of adversity has evaded him for the best part of two decades.
Team list Tuesday is always most interesting when looking at the teams that are doing it hard. Two heart-on-the-sleeve coaches could always result in some key axing of important personnel, adding to the interest.
We start with Stuart’s side: Canberra winger Savelio Tamale has made his feelings known to his coach, claiming his confidence isn’t first grade standard, and would like a stint in NSW Cup to help regain his mental game. Ricky being the man manager he is has acknowledged what is best for his young talent and shifted centre Sebastian Kris to his left wing, while Matt Timoko is recalled into the starting team to take his place at centre. Utility back Daine Laurie’s confidence is soaring after some huge individual games in NSW Cup: he joins the bench and will likely see some game time for the first time this season.
A nervous wait for all the Storm players as they prepared for the potential Bellamy axe. The favourite for the backlash was Joe Chan after footage of him receiving a classic Bellamy spray went viral; he was spared for now, being named starting second row, but Shawn Blore is looking very close to an NRL return, being named on the bench, which might spur a reaction from the under fire Chan, probably the angle Bellamy is going for. Moses Leo wasn’t so fortunate as he has been moved to reserves, meaning winger Manaia Waitere gets his shot at starting.
Last year’s Magic Round meeting between the two sides saw a piece of individual brilliance from Kaeo Weekes decide a tight contest and I can see this being the case again on Friday night. If it’s not Weekes for Canberra, it will be Melbourne’s own talented flyer in Sualauvi Faalogo. The Raiders’ defence has looked fragile around their new young halfback in Ethan Sanders, so the opportunity for Faalogo to back up runs from the likes of Jack Howarth and Chan sparks a promising prospect for Melbourne to take advantage and gain an edge. The Storm have their own defensive issues, with their clear weakness involving their left edge, with a staggering 15 tries leaked on that edge in just six games. This will pose opportunities for the likes of Simi Sasagi, Jed Stuart, and Noah Martin to potentially have big games. Bellamy will be hoping the new pairing of Nick Meaney and Waitere will be able to stop the leaks that have been so detrimental to the Storm’s dip in fortunes. While on the topic of Meaney, the Storm centre will celebrate his 100th appearance for the men in purple.
Prediction
RLZ Tip: Storm by 10
Bold call: Will Warbrick to have another dominant display and grab a couple of tries. Martin to score for the first time since Canberra’s first home game of the season.
Related
- NRL Round 7 Predictions
- NRL Round 7 Team Lists
- NRL Round 7 Hub
- NRL Injury List
- NRL Match Review Tracker
