The Dolphins are set to lock horns with the Melbourne Storm in Round 7 of the 2025 NRL season at Suncorp Stadium on Friday, April 18, 2025. This highly anticipated clash sees the Dolphins looking to build on their recent momentum after a rocky start to the season, while the Storm aim to assert their dominance in the league.
After losing their first four games against the Rabbitohs, Knights, Wests Tigers, and Broncos, the Dolphins have managed to bounce back with two consecutive victories, positioning themselves at 14th on the NRL ladder. The Storm, on the other hand, have enjoyed a strong start to the season with four wins in five games, currently sitting second behind the undefeated Bulldogs.
The match is set to kick off at 8:00 p.m. AEST, and fans are eager to see how both teams will perform in this critical matchup. The Dolphins will be without key players, including Kurt Donoghoe, who has dropped off the bench, while Ray Stone comes in to bolster the squad. The Storm will miss their captain Harry Grant due to a hamstring injury, with Bronson Garlick stepping in as the starting hooker. Jahrome Hughes, recovering from a shoulder injury, has been named in a huge boost for the Storm.
Fans can tune in to watch the match live on Fox League or free-to-air on Channel 9 across Australia. For those looking to stream the game, options are available through Kayo Sports, Foxtel, and 9Now. With the stakes high, both teams will be eager to secure a win as they look ahead in the 2025 NRL season.
The Dolphins have shown resilience in their recent performances, and with the return of star players, they hope to capitalize on the Storm's recent struggles. The Storm's coach, Craig Bellamy, has made adjustments to the lineup, including shifting Grant Anderson to center and giving Sua Fa’alogo his first NRL appearance of the season on the wing. The team will also be without Will Warbrick and Nelson Asofa-Solomona, who remain sidelined due to head injuries.
As for the Dolphins, their lineup features Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow at fullback, supported by Jamayne Isaako and Jake Averillo on the wings. The team is looking to build on their recent success and prove themselves against one of the league's top teams.
Statistically, the Storm come into this match as heavy favorites, with a predictive analytics model giving them an 80% chance of victory over the Dolphins. The betting odds reflect this, with the Dolphins listed at $3.70 to win, while the Storm are favored at $1.30. The line is set at Dolphins +11.5, indicating the expectations for a competitive matchup, but one that leans heavily in favor of the Storm.
Recent performances have shown the Storm's attacking prowess, with players like Ryan Papenhuyzen and Xavier Coates leading the charge. Coates, in particular, has a 9.4% chance of scoring the first try, while Papenhuyzen boasts a 55.5% chance of scoring at any time during the game. On the Dolphins' side, Tabuai-Fidow has a 5.8% chance of scoring first, and a 40.2% chance of finding the try line at any point.
The game promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams having much to prove. The Dolphins are eager to continue their upward trajectory, while the Storm look to maintain their status as one of the premier teams in the competition. With star players on both sides, fans can expect a thrilling match filled with intensity and skill.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, the anticipation builds among fans and players alike. Will the Dolphins continue their resurgence, or will the Storm assert their dominance once again? Only time will tell as these two teams clash in what promises to be a memorable Good Friday showdown at Suncorp Stadium.
Stay tuned for live updates and insights as the action unfolds on the field.
