A classic rivalry reignites at 4 Pines Park as the Sea Eagles host the Storm in a crucial Round 17 clash. With both sides chasing consistency and a push up the ladder, this matchup shapes as a high-quality battle between two teams with plenty to prove.
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Matchday Details
Saturday 27 June – 7.35pm (AEST) – 4 Pines Park, Sydney
📺 Broadcast: Fox League / Kayo
Referee: Ashley Klein | Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic (c), 2. Jason Saab, 3. Tolutau Koula, 4. Josh Feledy, 5. Lehi Hopoate, 6. Luke Brooks, 7. Jamal Fogarty, 8. Taniela Paseka, 9. Jake Simpkin, 10. Ethan Bullemor, 11. Haumole Olakau’atu, 12. Ben Trbojevic, 13. Jake Trbojevic, 14. Joey Walsh, 15. Nathan Brown, 16. Simione Laiafi, 17. Aaron Schoupp, 18. Blake Wilson, 19. Jackson Shereb, 20. Hugo Hart, 21. Onitoni Large, 22. Clayton Faulalo
Storm: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo, 2. Will Warbrick, 3. Jack Howarth, 4. Joe Chan, 5. Moses Leo, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Tyran Wishart, 8. Stefano Utoikamanu, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Josh King, 11. Cooper Clarke, 12. Ativalu Lisati, 13. Trent Loiero, 14. Trent Toelau, 15. Jack Hetherington, 16. Josiah Pahulu, 17. Alec MacDonald, 18. Shawn Blore, 19. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown, 20. Davvy Moale, 21. Stanley Huen, 22. Angus Hinchey
Match Preview
The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and the southern visitors, the Melbourne Storm, will square off in Round 17 on Saturday night at 4 Pines Park as they strive to climb the NRL ladder.
This weekend’s game should be exciting to watch because of the fierce rivalry established over multiple grand finals, heated on-field brawls, and championship-defining clashes.
The sixth-placed Sea Eagles remain optimistic after a one-point loss to the Canterbury Bulldogs in Sydney last weekend, following a bye the week before. Their defence remained strong, holding the Bulldogs on their line, but Canterbury’s defence was just as resolute. The Sea Eagles ultimately lost a close game via a one-point field goal from captain Stephen Crichton. However, they have shown they will not back down as they prepare to face the Storm this weekend.
The 11th-placed Melbourne Storm appear to have rediscovered their rhythm and returned to their premiership-winning ways. After reintegrating their Origin players, they defeated the Canberra Raiders convincingly at AAMI Park last weekend. That performance has them well placed to challenge Manly on Saturday.
The two sides last met in Round 20, 2025 at AAMI Park, where the Sea Eagles narrowly won 18–16. The Storm will be looking for redemption.
Manly have won four of their past six matches against Melbourne and will look to add to that record this weekend. Although the Storm defeated the Sea Eagles 48–24 at 4 Pines Park in Round 5 last season, Manly generally holds a strong record at the venue, winning 62 matches compared to Melbourne’s 46.
The Storm have won three games in a row and appear more disciplined and cohesive, suggesting they may have rediscovered the winning formula that has defined their success.
Meanwhile, the Sea Eagles’ campaign has lost some momentum, but they have shown they can compete with top sides in what shapes as a difficult contest.
Manly’s starting line-up has been reshuffled due to injuries. With Reuben Garrick out under concussion protocols, Josh Feledy moves into the centres. Hooker Brandon Wakeham is sidelined with a calf injury, while prop Kobe Hetherington is also out under concussion protocols. Jake Simpkin and Ethan Bullemor move into the starting side, while Aaron Schoupp and Blake Wilson have been added to the extended bench. Clayton Faulalo has been named among the reserves as he recovers from a hamstring injury.
Melbourne’s starting side has minimal disruption. Jahrome Hughes is out with a hamstring injury, with Tyran Wishart replacing him at halfback. Harry Grant starts at hooker, meaning Trent Toelau shifts to the interchange, while Josiah Pahulu is a new addition to the bench.
The battle across the back five looms as a key factor, with Tolutau Koula and Jack Howarth headlining the contest. Additional threats come from Lehi Hopoate and Jason Saab for Manly, and Will Warbrick and Moses Leo for Melbourne.
Hopoate played a crucial role last weekend, scoring twice in a narrow loss, and adds attacking spark to the Sea Eagles’ edge. Koula, meanwhile, has been exceptional at 4 Pines Park, scoring 14 tries in his past 15 games at the venue.
The Storm’s outside backs are equally dangerous, with Leo and Warbrick combining for seven tries in their past six games. Leo, in particular, has been impressive, recording 11 line breaks, 39 tackle breaks, and averaging 149 running metres per game this season. His power and agility will test the Sea Eagles’ defence.
A key matchup to watch is Koula against Howarth. Howarth has been strong defensively, making 41 tackles and averaging 135 running metres, while Koula’s pace and ability to break the line has led to 56 tackle breaks and an average of 175 running metres.
Up front, Manly will rely on Taniela Paseka, Jake Simpkin, and Haumole Olakau’atu, while Melbourne’s pack is led by Stefano Utoikamanu and Harry Grant, supported by promising forward Cooper Clarke.
The Storm will also be chasing a milestone, aiming for their 500th win since entering the NRL in 1998.
This weekend promises to be a compelling contest between two historic rivals looking to climb the ladder and assert themselves as genuine contenders.
Prediction
RLZ Tip: Sea Eagles by 12
Full Round 17 tips → /nrl-round-17-predictions-2026/
Bold call: Tolutau Koula surprises with an impressive try through the middle.
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Related
- Full Round 17 coverage → /nrl/2026-season/round-17
- NRL Round 17 Team Lists → /nrl-round-17-team-lists-2026/
- NRL Injury List → /nrl/injuries/
