From their Magic Round epic in 2025 to a classic qualifying final in 2019 decided by a late John Bateman try, the Raiders-Storm rivalry rarely fails to deliver.

The Storm have won 38 of the 56 matches between the sides since 1998, including 16 of 23 at GIO Stadium, but Craig Bellamy’s men head to Canberra on the back of a worrying four-game losing slide.

This is rare air for the Storm, who haven’t lost five in a row since 2012, and the lack of defensive steel will have Bellamy and his senior leaders on edge.

In Kaeo Weekes, Ethan Strange and Hudson Young, the Raiders have the firepower to expose any frailties in Melbourne’s defence and they will be looking a repeat of the razzle dazzle footy that carried them past the Bunnies in Perth.

Team News

Raiders: Centre Matt Timoko is set for his first match since Round 2 as Ricky Stuart rejigs his backline for Friday night’s crucial clash with the Storm. Seb Kris moves to the wing as a result and Savelio Tamale has dropped back to the reserves. “Sav is just lacking a little bit of confidence and he’ll get through it, we’ll take care of him,” Stuart said. Josh Papalii and Noah Martin have been named to start but could revert to the interchange on game day, as they did last week. No changes in the 1-19 in Thursday’s 24-hour update with Owen Pattie the reserve.

Storm: Manaia Watere is set to start on the wing after Moses Leo shifted to the reserves. No other changes to the starting side as Melbourne battle to avoid five-straight losses for the first time since 2012. The extended bench includes local product Hugo Peel, who is in contention to become the seventh Victorian to represent the club at NRL level, and Shawn Blore who is chasing his first NRL appearance of the season after three games in NSW Cup.

Stat Attack

The Raiders have not defeated the Storm at GIO Stadium since 2016.
The Storm are aiming to avoid five straight defeats for the first time in 14 years.
Storm centre Nick Meaney will make his 100th appearance for the club.
The Raiders have conceded 32 points or more in their last three game.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.