Finals Week One Match Preview: Heading Into the Stormfront

Author: bulldogs.com.au & NRL.com
Timestamp: Thu 11 Sep 2025, 09:29 AM

Both sides will be looking to return to the winners' circle, with a win propelling the victor straight to the Preliminary Final and a week off.

The Bulldogs were unable to overcome the Sharks in their final game of the regular season, while the Storm have headed into the finals on the back of losses to the Roosters and Broncos, losing Jahrome Hughes and Ryan Papenhuyzen in the process in the final round.

Mercurial five-eighth Cameron Munster will look to step up for the home side while inspirational skipper and Dr George Peponis Medal winner Stephen Crichton is the man to spark the Bulldogs.

The last time the Storm and Bulldogs met in a final was the 2014 qualifying final when Canterbury prevailed 28-4 courtesy of a Tim Lafai hat-trick before going on to make the Grand Final.

Meanwhile, versatile lock Jaeman Salmon is set to celebrate the occasion by making his 100th NRL appearance.

Team News:

Bulldogs: A reshuffled backline sees Enari Tuala shift to centre and Blake Wilson and Jethro Rinakama claim the wing spots with Marcelo Montoya (ankle) and Bronson Xerri (concussion) sidelined. Star centre Jacob Kiraz has been named on the extended bench as he looks to return from an ankle injury suffered in Round 26 against the Panthers.

Storm: Tyran Wishart takes over at halfback from Jahrome Hughes (arm) while Nick Meaney is the new fullback with Ryan Papenhuyzen (concussion) sitting out a week. Joe Chan has moved into the centres for the time being but Jack Howarth (groin) is listed among the reserves and could be called up closer to game day. Captain Harry Grant is back from suspension so Bronson Garlick goes back to the bench. Blues prop Stefano Utoikamanu returns after being rested in Round 27 so Tui Kamikamica reverts to the bench to fill the hole left by Nelson Asofa-Solomona (suspended).

Finals Week 1 - Finals Week 1 - Friday 12 Sep

Full Time

Storm

Bulldogs

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Storm is number 1 Nick Meaney

Fullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Connor Tracey
Winger for Storm is number 2 Will Warbrick

Winger for Bulldogs is number 2 Jethro Rinakama
Centre for Storm is number 3 Grant Anderson

Centre for Bulldogs is number 3 Enari Tuala
Centre for Storm is number 20 Jack Howarth

Centre for Bulldogs is number 4 Stephen Crichton
Winger for Storm is number 5 Xavier Coates

Winger for Bulldogs is number 23 Jacob Kiraz
Five-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Cameron Munster

Five-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Matt Burton
Halfback for Storm is number 14 Jonah Pezet

Halfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Lachlan Galvin

Forwards

Prop for Storm is number 8 Stefano Utoikamanu

Prop for Bulldogs is number 8 Max King
Hooker for Storm is number 9 Harry Grant

Hooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Bailey Hayward
Prop for Storm is number 10 Josh King

Prop for Bulldogs is number 16 Josh Curran
2nd Row for Storm is number 4 Joe Chan

2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Viliame Kikau
2nd Row for Storm is number 12 Eliesa Katoa

2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jacob Preston
Lock for Storm is number 13 Trent Loiero

Lock for Bulldogs is number 13 Jaeman Salmon

Interchange

Interchange for Storm is number 7 Tyran Wishart

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Kurt Mann
Interchange for Storm is number 11 Ativalu Lisati

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Sitili Tupouniua
Interchange for Storm is number 15 Alec MacDonald

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 21 Toby Sexton
Interchange for Storm is number 16 Tui Kamikamica

Interchange for Bulldogs is number 22 Harry Hayes

Reserves

Replacement for Storm is number 17 Bronson Garlick

Replacement for Bulldogs is number 5 Blake Wilson

Match Officials

Referee: Adam Gee
Touch Judge: Dave Munro
Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein

Last updated: 9/13/2025 9:38:01 AM

Stat Attack:

Jaeman Salmon will play his 100th NRL match.
The Bulldogs won the last finals meeting in Melbourne between the two sides in 2014.
The Bulldogs will be aiming for their first finals win since 2015.
Storm winger Xavier Coates has scored 41 tries in 37 games at AAMI Park.
The Storm have won only three of their last eight finals matches.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.