With both sides sitting in the lower half of the ladder, the Canterbury Bulldogs and Melbourne Storm clash at Accor Stadium on Friday night. 

Melbourne has dominated the matchup in recent years, winning 10 of the past 11 meetings, and enters this contest on the back of consecutive victories, including a convincing 34-8 win over Parramatta during Magic Round. 

Meanwhile, Canterbury slumped to a fifth straight defeat after a 38-16 loss to Cronulla dropped them to 14th on the ladder. 

The hosts will be without skipper Stephen Crichton due to Origin commitments, with Jacob Kiraz returning from injury on the wing, Enari Tuala shifting into the centres and Marcelo Montoya named on the extended bench. 

Melbourne will be heavily impacted by Origin absences as usual, with Cameron Munster, Harry Grant and Trent Loiero unavailable. 

Keagan Russell-Smith, Trent Toelau and Cooper Clarke come into the side, while Alec MacDonald returns to the interchange alongside debutant Gabriel Satrick.

For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of this Friday night firefight, check out our Bulldogs vs Storm tips and predictions below.

Bulldogs vs Storm Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

There’s a Storm brewing once again in the NRL and it’s forecast to hit Accor Stadium on Friday night.

Just as they were written off by everyone, Melbourne now find themselves on the cusp of a three-game winning streak as they commence CPR on their season.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs appear to have flatlined, and we doubt even a defibrillator could save them at this point. 

Their losing streak extended to five in a row last week, with the calls for Cameron Ciraldo’s head growing louder and louder by the week. 

Melbourne have been absolutely pillaged as always by Origin representation, but with the way the Bulldogs have been defending of late, siding with the Storm still seems like the smart play.

This will be a close one, but after their showing last week against the Sharks, we simply can’t bring ourselves to tip the Bulldogs. 

Betting tip: Melbourne Storm.

First Try Scorer Prediction 

With his fellow spine superstars Cameron Munster and Harry Grant away on Origin duty, the time is now for Melbourne halfback Jahrome Hughes to stand up and be counted. 

The former Dally M winner loves playing in Sydney and has scored a try in each of Melbourne's last two matches at Accor Stadium. We’re backing him to make a statement early here and cross for the opening try in this one.

Betting tip: Jahrome Hughes.

Over/Under Prediction 

Four of Melbourne's last five away matches have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under (48.5) total match points. 

Line Prediction

Canterbury has failed to cover the line in each of its last nine Friday matches.

Betting tip: Storm (+1.5) line. 

Bulldogs vs Storm Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Jacob Kiraz

Jacob Kiraz has scored a try in each of his last four home appearances.

Will Warbrick

Will Warbrick has scored at least one try in each of Melbourne's last four away matches against opponents that were ranked lower on the ladder.

Enari Tuala

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

Sualauvi Fa'alogo

Sualauvi Fa'alogo has scored at least one try in each of Melbourne's last three away matches against opponents that were ranked lower on the ladder.

Bulldogs vs Storm Teams 

Canterbury Bulldogs Team List 

1. Connor Tracey

2. Jacob Kiraz

3. Bronson Xerri

4. Enari Tuala

5. Jonathan Sua

6. Matt Burton

7. Lachlan Galvin

8. Max King

9. Bailey Hayward

10. Leo Thompson

11. Sitili Tupouniua

12. Jacob Preston

13. Jaeman Salmon

14. Kurt Mann

15. Harry Hayes

16. Jack Underhill

17. Alekolasimi Jones

18. Jethro Rinakama

Melbourne Storm Team List 

1. Sua Fa’alogo

2. Will Warbrick

3. Jack Howarth

4. Nick Meaney

5. Moses Leo

6. Keagan Russell-Smith

7. Jahrome Hughes

8. Stefano Utoikamanu 

9. Trent Toelau

10. Josh King

11. Shawn Blore

12. Ativalu Lisati

13. Cooper Clark 

14. Gabriel Satrick

15. Alec MacDonald

16. Davvy Moale

17. Stanley Huen

18. Joe Chan

Bulldogs vs Storm Match Details 

Date: Friday, May 22, 2026. 

Kick-off: 8:00pm AEST.

Location: Accor Stadium, Sydney.