Last year's grand finalists will meet in the penultimate round of the home-and-away season when the Brisbane Broncos host the Melbourne Storm at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night. 

Both teams have endured disappointing 2026 campaigns, with neither set to feature in any finals action. 

The Storm’s 22-14 loss to the Panthers last Thursday confirmed they would miss finals footy for the first time since 2002, excluding 2010. 

Meanwhile, the Broncos upset reigning minor premier Canberra 34-30 on Friday to officially end the Green Machine’s season. 

Star Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes is set to return from a hamstring injury, shifting Tyran Wishart to the centres in place of Jack Howarth, while Marion Seve joins the bench. 

The Broncos have named an unchanged 19, meaning Adam Reynolds misses out on a farewell appearance ahead of his retirement. Brisbane won 18-14 when these sides met in the opening month of this season and of course were victorious in last year’s decider. 

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights ahead of this grand final rematch, check out our Broncos vs Storm tips and predictions below!

Broncos vs Storm Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

Believe it or not, these two teams contested last year’s grand final. It goes to show just how much can shift in the space of a season. 

When they meet to open NRL Round 26, the Brisbane Broncos and Melbourne Storm will be sitting in 15th and 11th respectively. 

The Broncos' 2026 season has been one of the great NRL disappointments. Sitting 15th on the ladder after winning the comp last year, they've been well out of finals contention for a while now. 

Melbourne, meanwhile, are in 11th and also out of the finals race, meaning they come to Suncorp with nothing but pride to play for, which can actually make them dangerous, as they rarely take their foot off the gas regardless of the situation.

That said, the Broncos showed plenty of grit last week when they came from behind to beat the Raiders 34-30. 

They’re at home here too, which would usually be a good thing. However, they have lost each of their last eight matches at Suncorp Stadium. Number nine loading? We think so. 

Betting tip: Melbourne Storm. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

As a proud Queenslander who has represented the Marrons on many occasions, Suncorp Stadium really is Harry Grant’s home away from home.

In fact, he has scored at least one try in three of his last four appearances at the old Lang Park and presents a fair chunk of value to be the first past the posts in this one. 

Betting tip: Harry Grant. 

Over/Under Prediction 

Each of Brisbane's last four home matches have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under 49.5 total match points. 

Line Prediction

Brisbane has failed to cover the line in each of its last six home matches when playing with a rest disadvantage.

Betting tip: Storm (-3.5) line. 

Broncos vs Storm Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Josiah Karapani

In each of Melbourne's last four away matches, the opposition's starting right wing has scored at least one try.

Cameron Munster

In six of Brisbane's last seven home matches, the opposition's starting five-eighth has scored at least one try.

Ezra Mam

Ezra Mam has scored at least one try in two of Brisbane's last three matches.

Tyran Wishart

Tyran Wishart has scored a try in three of Melbourne's last four matches.

Broncos vs Storm Teams 

Brisbane Broncos Team List 

1. Hayze Perham

2. Josiah Karapani

3. Kotoni Staggs

4. Deine Mariner

5. Grant Anderson

6. Ezra Mam 

7. Ben Hunt

8. Xavier Willison

9. Billy Walters

10. Payne Haas

11. Jaiyden Hunt

12. Jordan Riki

13. Pat Carrigan (c)

14. Blake Mozer

15. Aublix Tawha

16. Jack Gosiewski

17. Va'a Semu

18. Tom Duffy

19. Gehamat Shibasaki

Melbourne Storm Team List 

1. Sua Fa’alogo

2. Suilagi Tuimalatu-Brown

3. Tyran Wishart

4. Nick Meaney

5. Moses Leo

6. Cameron Munster

7. Jahrome Hughes 

8. Stefano Utoikamanu 

9. Harry Grant (c)

10. Josh King

11. Shawn Blore

12. Oryn Keeley

13. Trent Loiero

14. Trent Toelau

15. Alec MacDonald

16. Jack Hertherington

17. Cooper Clark

18. Angus Hinchey

19. Marion Seve

Broncos vs Storm Match Details 

Date: Thursday, August 27, 2026. 

Kick-off: 7:50pm AEST. 

Location: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.