2025 NRL Team Previews

Melbourne Storm NRL 2025 Team Preview, Predictions & Player Movement

Jeremy Darke

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Last updated: 07 Feb 2025

Jeremy Darke 07 Feb 2025

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Melbourne Storm predicted to finish first in 2025 NRL season.
Key challenge: Maintain player health, especially Ryan Papenhuyzen & Cameron Munster
Minor roster tweaks with the addition of Stefano Utoikamanu.

Melbourne Storm predicted to win the NRL Minor Premiership. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

NRL 2025 Team Previews, Predictions & Player Movement: Melbourne Storm

NRL 2025 Team Previews, Predictions & Player Movement: Melbourne Storm
Where they finish in 2025: 1
Projected Win total: 19
Best contender for Dally M: Jahrome Hughes
What’s to like
What’s NOT to like
Melbourne Storm Offseason Player Movement
Melbourne Storm Predicted Starting 17

Where the Melbourne Storm finish in 2025: 1

Nothing has really changed in Melbourne and if you look at their 2024 season, they won the minor premiership without ever really playing full strength throughout the whole year until the finals.

With regression expected below them in the top-four it is hard to see any team challenge them for the minor premiership, especially if they stay healthy and not have to carry injuries in their spine. The Storm were on the cusp in 2024 and they are predicted to be right there again.

Projected Win total: 19

The Storm’s projected total matches the mark they set last season with 19 wins from 24 games.

There is a case that Melbourne could improve on their 2024 form if they do stay fit all season, however, it is hard to argue with the figures especially considering the challenges Melbourne face through origin and also how injury-prone players like Ryan Papenhuyzen and Cameron Munster have been.

Most bookmakers have Melbourne’s total at the 17.5 win mark, so the over is looking like a solid option if you roll the dice with their health.

Best contender for Dally M: Jahrome Hughes

The easiest pick of the bunch is the 2024 Dally M Medalist Jahrome Hughes.

There were times last season where the Storm rode on the back of the Kiwi halfback, who was the most reliable creator in the game with 23 try assists, 26 linebreak assist, ranking third in the NRL in both categories. Hughes also ranked 15th in line engagements and crashed over for 12 tries of his own.

It isn’t all about his attack though but even more so the way he changed the game and shifted momentum for his side, through his meticulous kicking game which won the field position battle or the extra effort in defence organising his troops or putting his body on the line.

What’s to like

Melbourne are almost a mirror image of themselves from the 2024 season with very little player movement as Craig Bellamy instills the, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ method.

Melbourne did lack a little depth in the forwards, sometimes getting over run by a faster and more mobile pack. They addressed the only issue they did have by bringing in a NSW caliber prop in Stefano Utoikamanu, which puts them in an even stronger position than they were last season.

What’s NOT to like

The only aspect of Melbourne that is a concern is their health.

Ryan Papenhuyzen played just 17 regular season games last season, which was the most in 4 years and although the Storm have the depth their fullback’s health is a juggling act.

Cameron Munster also suffered a severe groin injury that saw him play just 14 regular season games and is playing in his 11th NRL season.

The Storm have the development to cover in key positions, however, it could be their only downfall that sees them miss a chance of another premiership run.