Melbourne have their sights on grand final redemption as they prepare to host a desperate Broncos side at AAMI Park on Friday night.
The Storm have used last year’s grand final defeat to Brisbane as motivation in an impressive start to the season, claiming big wins over the Eels and Dragons.
Friday’s clash provides a new test against a Broncos team still searching for the form that led them to a drought-breaking title in 2025.
After falling to Penrith in Round 1, Michael Maguire’s side suffered a shock loss to Parramatta last week and they are eager to avoid an 0-3 start to the year.
Records aside, there are plenty of sensational positional battles dotted around the park. Fullbacks Reece Walsh and Sua Faalogo will go head to head, as will five-eighths Ezra Mam and Cameron Munster.
The battle up front promises to be mouthwatering, with Payne Haas looking to lay the foundation for the Broncos. Back-rowers Ativalu Lisati and Joe Chan have been phenomenal for the Storm this year and they are eager to keep the momentum rolling on Friday night.
Brisbane have already conceded 66 points this year and they will have to tighten up their defence if they are to defeat a side that has scored points at will this season.
Melbourne have scored 98 points in two games courtesy of one of the most scintillating backlines in the competition and the Storm are eager to keep the points flowing this weekend.
Team News
Storm: Back-rower Trent Loiero has served the two-game ban he received in the 2025 grand final and comes onto the interchange bench in place of Jack Hetherington. Lock Alec MacDonald is part of the extended squad as he looks to return from concussion but Shawn Blore faces more time on the sideline after injuring his ankle in NSW Cup last weekend. Rising star Cooper Clarke retains his place on the bench.
Broncos: With former Storm man Grant Anderson named to make his Broncos debut on the wing, Deine Mariner moves to centre and Gehamat Shibasaki drops to the interchange bench. Skipper Adam Reynolds (rib cartilage) was named on Tuesday but is unlikely to play while back-rower Jack Gosiewski (HIA protocols) is also out. Xavier Willison starts the game. Cook Islands star Brendan Piakura is listed in No.18 as he looks to return from a knee injury.
Stat Attack
The Storm have won their last nine games against the Broncos at AAMI Park.
The Broncos have conceded 66 points in their opening two games.
The Storm have scored 13 tries in 14 games against the Broncos.
Broncos fullback Reece Walsh has scored 28 points in his last two games against the Storm.
Storm coach Craig Bellamy has won 14 from 17 against Michael Maguire-coached teams.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.