As the NRL season heats up, the Melbourne Storm and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles are set to clash in a highly anticipated Round 5 match at 4 Pines Park on Sunday, April 6, 2025. With both teams boasting a rich history of competitive encounters, fans are eager to see how the latest chapter unfolds.
The Storm, under the guidance of veteran coach Craig Bellamy, are looking to bounce back from a shocking loss to St George Illawarra in Round 4. Bellamy has emphasized the need for an immediate reaction from his squad, especially after the disappointment of that defeat. "We need to show our resilience and come back stronger," Bellamy stated in a pre-match press conference. His team has not won at 4 Pines Park since 2020, adding pressure to their performance this Sunday.
On the other side, the Sea Eagles, coached by Anthony Seibold, are riding high after winning three of their last four matches against the Storm. However, they will have to face this challenge without their star fullback Tom Trbojevic, who is sidelined for four weeks due to a knee injury sustained last weekend. Seibold expressed concern over Trbojevic's absence but remains confident in his team's ability to perform. "We’ve shown we can compete at a high level, and we’ll need to step up in Tom’s absence," he said.
In light of Trbojevic's injury, Lehi Hopoate will take over the fullback position, a role he filled successfully earlier in the season. Clayton Faulalo is set to make his mark on the wing, bringing fresh energy to the Sea Eagles' lineup. Nathan Brown will start at prop, replacing Josh Aloiai, who is expected to miss a week with a shoulder injury. Toafofoa Sipley joins the bench as the Sea Eagles aim to maintain their momentum.
Meanwhile, the Storm have welcomed back champion halfback Jahrome Hughes, who has recovered from a hand injury sustained against Penrith two weeks ago. His return is a significant boost for Melbourne, as Hughes is known for his game-changing abilities. Tyran Wishart will shift to the wing to accommodate Hughes’ return, while Will Warbrick has been ruled out due to concussion.
Both teams have finalized their 19-man squads ahead of the match, with the Sea Eagles trimming their list to include the key players ready to take the field. The match officials for this exciting encounter are set, with Grant Atkins as the referee and Kasey Badger serving as the senior review official.
Recent history favors the Sea Eagles, who have won three of their last four encounters with the Storm. Jason Saab, a standout winger for Manly, has been particularly effective at 4 Pines Park, scoring six tries in his past seven games there. Meanwhile, Storm's second-rower Eliesa Katoa has also made an impact against the Sea Eagles, scoring four tries in five games, showcasing the offensive firepower both sides bring to the field.
As the teams prepare for this crucial match, fans can expect a fierce battle filled with intensity and skill. The rivalry between the Storm and Sea Eagles has produced some memorable moments over the years, and this match is poised to add another thrilling chapter.
With both teams eager to secure vital points in the early stages of the season, the stakes couldn't be higher. Can the Storm finally break their losing streak at 4 Pines Park, or will the Sea Eagles continue their dominance? The answer will unfold on the field as these two NRL powerhouses clash.
