The Melbourne Storm and Canterbury Bulldogs will play the second of the NRL's double-header when they meet at AAMI Park on Friday night. 

Dreams of a late-season turnaround for the Storm are rapidly fading as they fell 28-26 to the Rabbitohs last Friday, making it three defeats from their past four matches. 

An injury to captain Harry Grant added to the misery as the side sits in 12th place and six points off the top eight entering Round 22. 

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs are coming off a statement 18-6 victory over the Warriors on Saturday. They have now won five of their last six matches and sit two points behind the ninth-placed Cowboys with a game in hand to begin the round. 

Manaia Waitere replaces Jack Howarth in the centres and Hayden Watson joins the bench for a potential NRL debut for Melbourne. 

There are no changes to Cameron Ciraldo's starting side, with Kurt Mann returning to the interchange. 

The Bulldogs defeated the Storm 30-20 when these sides met earlier this season and will be hoping for a repeat performance here as they push for finals footy.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights ahead of this Friday night footy fiesta, check out our Storm vs Bulldogs tips and predictions below!

Storm vs Bulldogs Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

Melbourne are set to be without Cameron Munster and Harry Grant for this clash against the Bulldogs at AAMI Park.

If there was ever a time to face Melbourne on their own patch, this is it. They’ve dropped to 12th after back-to-back losses and with half their spine sidelined, we fancy the Doggies chances of getting something from this one.

In the exact opposite of Melbourne’s recent trajectory, Canterbury have won their last two on the trot and their composed 18-6 win over the Warriors will have them brimming with confidence going into this one.

Skipper Stephen Crichton has been standing up with the six on his back, with the ball in hand and off the tee. 

Should he produce another captain’s knock here, there’s no reason why the Doggies can’t record a hat-trick of wins while condemning Melbourne to a hat-trick of the opposite. 

Betting tip: Canterbury Bulldogs. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

With Munster and Grant missing, if Melbourne want any chance of winning here, their last remaining member of their big three will need to stand up and be counted.

Jahrome Hughes has scored a try in three of Melbourne's last four home matches against teams on a winning streak and there would be no better way of rallying his troops than by scoring the first try of this contest. 

Betting tip: Jahrome Hughes. 

Over/Under Prediction 

Six of Canterbury's last seven matches have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under (42.5) total match points. 

Line Prediction

Canterbury has failed to cover the line in 13 of its last 15 away matches.

Betting tip: Storm (+5.5) line. 

Storm vs Bulldogs Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips 

Jethro Rinakama

Jethro Rinakama has scored at least one try in each of his last four appearances with Canterbury as a favourite.

Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown

In each of Melbourne's last five home matches, its starting right wing has scored at least one try.

Moses Leo

Moses Leo has scored a try in each of his last three home appearances.

Jacob Kiraz

Jacob Kiraz has scored a try in each of Canterbury's last three night matches against Melbourne.

Storm vs Bulldogs Teams 

Melbourne Storm Team List 

1. Sua Fa’alogo

2. Suilagi Tuimalatu-Brown

3. Manaia Waitere

4. Nick Meaney

5. Moses Leo

6. Tyran Wishart

7. Jahrome Hughes (c)

8. Stefano Utoikamanu 

9. Trent Toelau

10. Josh King

11. Cooper Clark

12. Oryn Keeley

13. Trent Loiero

14. Hayden Watson

15. Alec MacDonald

16. Jack Hetherington

17. Shawn Blore

18. Joe Chan

Canterbury Bulldogs Team List 

1. Connor Tracey

2. Jacob Kiraz

3. Matt Burton

4. Enari Tuala

5. Jethro Rinakama

6. Stephen Crichton (c)

7. Lachlan Galvin

8. Max King

9. Bailey Hayward

10. Leo Thompson

11. Viliame Kikau

12. Jacob Preston 

13. Jaeman Salmon

14. Kurt Mann

15. Josh Curran

16. Harry Hayes

17. Alekolasimi Jones

18. Jed Reardon

Storm vs Bulldogs Match Details 

Date: Friday, July 31, 2026. 

Kick-off: 8:00pm AEST. 

Location: AAMI Park, Melbourne.