The 2025 finals series begins with a bang as the 2nd-placed Melbourne Storm play host to the 3rd-placed Bulldogs.

Melbourne hold the mental edge over the Bulldogs, given it was only three weeks ago the Storm ran out 20-14 winners over Canterbury.

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MATCH CENTRE: Bulldogs v Storm score, stats, live blog

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This week, most of the discussion around this game has been related to the Bulldogs’ shock call to drop Reed Mahoney in order to bring Toby Sexton onto the bench.

Sexton hasn’t been sighted in first grade since he was axed after a Round 19 win against the Cowboys. Both he and Mahoney have been forced out of the club and will join other clubs from 2026.

In a huge late boost for the Bulldogs, star winger Jacob Kiraz is back from an ankle injury.

Melbourne will be without a couple of key spine members in half Jahrome Hughes and fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen while hooker Harry Grant returns from a two-game suspension.

Tyran Wishart has been named to start in the No. 7 jersey but Jonah Pezet could come into the starting side.

Storm team: 1. Nick Meaney 2. Will Warbrick 3. Grant Anderson 4. Joe Chan 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Tyran Wishart 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Ativalu Lisati 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Jonah Pezet 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Bronson Garlick 19. Marion Seve 20. Jack Howarth

Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jethro Rinakama 3. Enari Tuala 4. Stephen Crichton 23. Jacob Kiraz 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Jaeman Salmon 14. Kurt Mann 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Josh Curran 21. Toby Sexton 22. Harry Hayes

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