Melbourne Storm vs Sydney Roosters Prediction – Round 26 2025
27/08/2025|Joel Caine|NRL Expert Predictions & TipsThe Melbourne Storm can still finish as minor premiers and will take a league-best five-match winning streak into this clash against the Sydney Roosters at AAMI Park on Friday night.
That streak started when these teams last met, with Melbourne claiming a tense 34-30 triumph. Most recently, the Storm sealed a home qualifying final by defeating the Bulldogs 20-14.
Sydney had started their own winning streak in an attempt to push back into the top eight, but with a 30-10 loss to Parramatta last week, finals are far from assured.
The Roosters regain Daniel Tupou from concussion but have lost Sam Walker to his own, meaning Sandon Smith slots in at five-eighth with Hugo Savala shifting to halfback.
The Storm are resting Xavier Coates, Nick Meaney, Eli Katoa, and Josh King. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown and Kane Bradley take over as the new wingers, while Shawn Blore and Nelson Asofa-Solomona return to the 17.
Meanwhile, Bronson Garlick steps up at hooker to replace the suspended Harry Grant.
Check out our Melbourne Storm vs Sydney Roosters match preview for plenty of betting tips and predictions across a host of markets. From H2H to anytime try scorer and everything in between.
Looking for all the latest news, analysis, odds, and betting tips ahead of this clash? Check out our Storm vs Roosters prediction below.
Storm vs Roosters Prediction and Betting Tips
Head-to-Head Prediction
Look out Roosters’ fans, that mini revival might have been in vain. Last week’s shock loss to the Eels, paired with this trip to Melbourne, could spell the end for your finals’ hopes.
A loss here, which seems likely given their record at AAMI Park, their current form, and Melbourne’s refusal to seemingly ever lose at home, will see them drop out of the eight should the Dolphins win.
Oh yeah, the Dolphins are playing the last-placed Titans, at home no less. Uh oh.
Betting tip: Melbourne Storm.
First Tryscorer Prediction
Back from a concussion, rapidly climbing the all-time try scoring ranks and undoubtedly one of the greatest finishers the game has ever seen, you can never really go too wrong backing Daniel Tupou in this market.
He also loves playing against the big boys. Tupou has scored at least one try in each of Sydney's last five matches against opponents that were ranked in the top eight and we’re tipping him to be the first try scorer in this must-win match for the Roosters.
Betting tip: Daniel Tupou.
Over/Under Prediction
Each of Melbourne's last four home matches have gone under the total match points line.
Betting tip: Under total match points.
Storm vs Roosters Anytime Tryscorer Betting Tips
Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown
In six of Melbourne's last seven matches, their starting left wing has scored at least one try.
Mark Nawaqanitawase
Mark Nawaqanitawase has scored at least one try in each of his six previous appearances against teams on a winning streak.
Marion Seve
In each of Sydney's last three matches at AAMI Park, the opposition's starting right centre has scored a try.
Grant Anderson
In three of Sydney's last four matches as an underdog, the opposition's starting left centre has scored a try.
Storm vs Roosters Teams
Melbourne Storm Team List
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen
2. Kane Bradley
3. Marion Seve
4. Grant Anderson
5. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown
6. Cameron Munster
7. Tyran Wishart
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Bronson Garlick
10. Alec MacDonald
11. Shawn Blore
12. Joe Chan
13. Trent Loiero
14. Jonah Pezet
15. Ativalu Lisati
16. Lazarus Vaalepu
17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Sydney Roosters Team List
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Billy Smith
4. Robert Toia
5. Mark Nawaqanitawase
6. Sandon Smith
7. Hugo Savala
8. Spencer Leniu
9. Connor Watson
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Angus Crichton
12. Victor Radley
13. Naufahu Whyte
14. Benaiah Ioelu
15. Egan Butcher
16. Salesi Foketi
17. Siua Wong
Storm vs Roosters Match Details
Date: Friday, August 29, 2025.
Kick-off: 8:00pm AEST.
Location: AAMI Park, Melbourne.