2025 NRL: Melbourne Storm Season Preview

After failing to cap off a brilliant 2024 with a premiership, Melbourne will be desperate to atone in 2025.

Season Preview

The Melbourne Storm hates losing grand finals!

Their 2007 and 2009 premierships (yes, ’07 and ’09 were stripped, but they counted at the time) came after losing grand finals the previous season (2006 and 2008). Bellamy’s men will be aiming for another rebound premiership in 2025.

After finishing 2023 with a heavy preliminary final loss, Melbourne sailed to the 2024 minor premiership, and thumped Cronulla-Sutherland and the Sydney Roosters to make the Grand Final.

Unfortunately, they saved their worst performance for last. Trailing 10-6 at half-time, a controversial disallowed try to Jack Howarth in the 49th minute cost Melbourne a potential lead before Paul Alamoti gave Penrith a 14-6 lead with 20 minutes left. And that was enough for the Panthers’ fourth-straight premiership.

Melbourne will have to overcome a challenging draw to reach another Grand Final. They play five of last year’s finalists twice (North Queensland, Cronulla, Sydney Roosters, Penrith, Manly Warringah); they have 17 seven-day turnarounds, four six-day turnarounds, and two five-day turnarounds. And their last bye in Round 15 means they have 12 straight games leading into the finals. Bellamy will be hoping Melbourne are locked into the top four so he can rest key players later in the season.

The Storm ran out a reserve grade side against the NZ Warriors in their first Pre-Season Challenge game, and lost 36-10. They fielded a stronger line-up in their second game against North Queensland, losing 36-24.

Based on current form, another Penrith vs Melbourne Grand Final is likely. Will Melbourne find enough to go one better in 2025?

Best Signing

Ex-Wests Tigers have a history of thriving at new clubs, so Stefano Utoikamanu could make an impact at the Storm. With Nelson Asofa-Solomona still serving his 2024 preliminary final suspension, Stefano should move into the front row immediately: from there, he’ll either partner NAS up front or add to the Storm’s forward depth, depending on form and team balance. He played 75 games in four seasons at the Tigers.

Key Player

While it sounds obvious, Jahrome Hughes is the key to Melbourne going one step further in 2025. He deserved his 2024 Dally M Medal, playing 23 games, scoring 48 points (12 tries), and took on the vice-captain role with Cameron Munster. After missing the Pacific Championships due to injury, Hughes will be fresh for 2025. While the season hasn’t started yet, Hughes may already have an eye on the finals to ensure he’s at his best when it really matters.

Player to Watch

Alec MacDonald had his best season since joining Melbourne in 2022, playing 22 first grade games in 2024 (with 21 off the bench, including the 2024 Grand Final): he showed a healthy defensive appetite, with 461 tackles. He’ll likely continue as a bench player in 2025 – but will still be a crucial part of Melbourne’s forward rotation.