This is arguably the match of the weekend with bitter rivals the Manly Sea Eagles and Melbourne Storm clashing at Brookvale Oval on Sunday afternoon.
The Sea Eagles enter this heavyweight clash having scored more points than any other team across the opening four weeks.
That has resulted in them picking up three wins to start the season, all of which have come at home.
Manly have won three of their past four against the Storm and Craig Bellamy’s men haven’t won at Brookvale since 2020 and are coming off a shock loss against the Dragons.
There’s no doubt, Melbourne’s normally iron-clad defence is about to have its mettle tested. Will they be able to hold out a Manly side who are missing a very key cog in attack?
Here’s how these two sides will line up, as well as some betting tips for the H2H, first try scorer and over/under markets. Check out our Sea Eagles vs Storm prediction and preview below.
Sea Eagles vs Storm Teams
Manly Sea Eagles
1. Lehi Hopoate
2. Jason Saab
3. Tolutau Koula
4. Reuben Garrick
5. Clayton Faulalo
6. Luke Brooks
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Nathan Brown
9. Jazz Tevaga
10. Siosiua Taukeiaho
11. Haumole Olakau’atu
12. Ben Trbojevic
13. Jake Trbojevic
14. Jake Simpkin
15. Corey Waddell
16. Ethan Bullemor
17. Toafofoa Sipley
Melbourne Storm
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen
2. Will Warbrick
3. Jack Howarth
4. Grant Anderson
5. Xavier Coates
6. Cameron Munster
7. Tyran Wishart
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Harry Grant
10. Josh King
11. Shawn Blore
12. Eli Katoa
13. Trent Loiero
14. Bronson Garlick
15. Alec MacDonald
16. Tui Kamikamica
17. Lazarus Vaalepu
Sea Eagles vs Storm Prediction and Betting Tips
Head-to-Head Prediction
We’re about to see what happens when two teams right in premiership contention duke it out.
This could very well harken back to the kind of contests that existed in the ‘Battle of Brookvale’ days, so buckle up!
Melbourne might be vulnerable after their shock loss to St George last week, with Manly ready to pounce.
Sea Eagles skipper DCE blocked out all the noise around his future with a MOTM display against the Eels last start in pleasing scenes for head coach Anthony Seibold.
He won’t be as pleased with the news that star fullback will miss at least the next month of footy with a new knee injury. Is there an unluckier man in the NRL?
Still, the way they starred without him a few weeks back, we are confident they still have what it takes to condemn the Storm to back-to-back losses.
Betting tip: Manly Sea Eagles.
First Try Scorer Prediction
With one star injury-prone fullback grounded, we’re tipping another to score. If anyone can sympathise with Tom Trbojevic it’s Melbourne fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen.
Paps has had to overcome his own injury nightmares, but they seem to be finally behind him, as he has hit top form with the Storm.
Speaking of form, he has that of the try scoring variety against this opponent, having scored two tries in each of his last two outings against Manly.
Betting tip: Ryan Papenhuyzen.
Over Under Prediction
Sun’s out, tries out? That seems to be the case for the Melbourne Storm. Nine of their last 10-day matches have gone over the total match points line of 48.5.
With this scintillating showdown set to take place in the Sydney sunshine, we’ll be backing this form line to repeat itself on Sunday afternoon.
Betting tip: Over total match points.
Sea Eagles vs Storm Match Details
Date: Sunday, April 6, 2025.
Kick-off: 5:05pm AEDT.
Location: Brookvale Oval, Sydney.