Melbourne Storm vs Cronulla Sharks Prediction – Round 17 2025

The Melbourne Storm will look to extend their winning streak when they host the Cronulla Sharks at AAMI Park on Sunday afternoon.

The Storm are attempting to keep up with the pace-setting Canterbury and Canberra in the minor premiership race, currently riding three straight wins.

Despite not playing their best footy, they held off a resilient Souths side to steal a 25-24 victory in golden point last week, thanks to a Ryan Papenhuyzen field goal.

Meanwhile, the Sharks will want to dust themselves off after a disappointing 34-28 loss to the Broncos – a result which saw them give up a 16-point second-half lead.

Jack Howarth is out of the Storm side due to illness with Grant Anderson shifting to the centres, while Maroons winger Xavier Coates returns after being held out last week.

Despite question marks over the halves and rumours that underperforming marquee man Nicho Hynes could be shifted elsewhere, Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon has held firm.

He has opted for just one change with the returning Oregon Kaufusi sending Braden Hamlin-Uele to the bench.

Here are the full teams for this one, along with betting tips for the H2H, first try scorer, and over/under markets. This is our Storm vs Sharks prediction.

 

Storm vs Sharks Teams

 

Melbourne Storm Team List

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen

2. Sualauvi Faalogo

3. Grant Anderson

4. Nick Meaney

5. Xavier Coates

6. Cameron Munster

7. Jahrome Hughes

8. Stefano Utoikamanu

9. Harry Grant

10. Josh King

11. Shawn Blore

12. Eliesa Katoa

13. Trent Loiero

14. Tyran Wishart

15. Alec MacDonald

16. Tui Kamikamica

17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona

 

Cronulla Sharks Team List

1. William Kennedy

2. Sione Katoa

3. Jesse Ramien

4. Siosifa Talakai

5. Ronaldo Mulitalo

6. Braydon Trindall

7. Nicho Hynes

8. Addin Fonua-Blake

9. Blayke Brailey

10. Oregon Kaufusi

11. Briton Nikora

12. Teig Wilton

13. Cameron McInnes

14. Daniel Atkinson

15. Jesse Colquhoun

16. Toby Rudolf

17. Braden Hamlin-Uele

Storm vs Sharks Prediction and Betting Tips

 

Head-to-Head Prediction

Two teams who had to endure late comebacks last week, will tangle when the Storm welcome the Sharks to AAMI Park on Sunday afternoon.

Melbourne handled their opponent’s revival last week a lot better than the Sharks did, managing to still see off the Bunnies in golden point, despite giving up what seemed like an unassailable lead in regular time.

Cronulla on the other hand folded like hot laundry when the Broncos came for them late, ultimately crashing to defeat.

We are expecting more of the same from the Sharks here in what often proves to be the toughest road trip in Rugby League. Storm by a couple for us.

Betting tip: Melbourne Storm.

 

First Try Scorer Prediction

We’re backing Mad Dog Munster to use his Man of the Match and series saving performance for Queensland in Origin II as a springboard for the second half of the season.

That’s why we’re backing him to open the scoring here and we’ve got some statistical support too.

In each of Cronulla's last three matches, the opposition's starting five-eighth has scored at least one try. Cameron, over to you.

Betting tip: Cameron Munster.

 

Over/Under Prediction

There’s some serious points scoring pedigree between these two teams. When they throw down at AAMI Park the Storm and the Sharks love to pile them on.

Each of Melbourne's last six home matches against Cronulla have gone over the total match points line and we’re tipping they’ll make it seven on Sunday.

Betting tip: Over total match points.

Storm vs Sharks Match Details

 

Date: Sunday, June 29, 2025.

Kick-off: 2:00pm AEST.

Location: AAMI Park, Melbourne.