A huge clash on Friday Night Football in NRL Round 25, as the 2nd placed Storm host the 3rd placed Bulldogs in a clash the Bulldogs must win if they are to stay in the hunt for the Minor Premiership. Things are heating up, and this could be a matchup we see again in September, so plenty on the line in Melbourne for this one.
Ben Bridge brings you his preview and best bets for this clash below and if you’re keen to play along, simply join Neds via this link!
Storm vs Bulldogs Eagles Prediction & Tips: 2025 NRL Round 25
Storm Surge into Clear Premiership Favouritism
The Storm snapped the Panthers’ 9-game winning streak last week with a win that cemented them as the favourites heading into the Finals. Despite the Panthers dominating the first half, and the statistics overall, the Storm used all their nous to get the win in Golden Point, with Harry Grant making two huge plays to get them over the line.
Of the many Storm stars, Xavier Coates proved a real thorn in the side of the Panthers, leaping for one try over Brian To’o, and intercepting an errant Panthers’ pass to score another, in a huge effort from the Storm winger. Tyran Wishart set up two tries, whilst Harry Grant was the match winner, making a massive 58 tackles, earning his side THAT penalty to deny Nathan Cleary the winning field goal, and scoring the game winning try when he fooled everyone on the field, and most off it, with his dummy and run for a try under the sticks in Golden Point. A huge performance from the best hooker in the game.
Bulldogs’ Ceiling Reached this Season?
The Bulldogs continued their average form since the arrival of Lachlan Galvin, losing in dramatic fashion to the Roosters last Friday night at Allianz Stadium. Despite an early try to Enari Tuala which put them up 6-0, the Bulldogs never looked in it, as the Roosters ran in four unanswered tries before the Bulldogs sniffed any more points, before eventually going down 32-12. The Bulldogs only managed to run for 1148 metres, with their output in this area the past few weeks being well below average. The loss dropped them four points behind the Raiders on top of the table, and their chances of the Minor Premiership fading.
There wasn’t a lot to be proud of for Bulldogs’ players, with Matt Burton outgaining all other Bulldogs’ players, in a damning indictment of their forwards’ inability to go forward. Burton ran for 156 metres, made 9 tackles (missed 5), kicked for 427 metres and scored a try, in a performance which was concerning looking back on for the Bulldogs. After looking likely to win the Minor Premiership just over a month ago, the Bulldogs now need to win every game in the remaining three weeks to ensure a top 3 finish.
Storm vs Bulldogs Recent History
This has been a dominant period for the Storm in this rivalry, with the last Bulldogs victory over the Storm coming all the way back in round 6 of the 2016 season. This win for the Bulldogs marked the end of an amazing three-game winning streak over the Storm at AAMI Park, a statistic that sounds almost unbelievable.
Remarkably, the teams haven’t met since round 6 of the 2024 season, where the Storm closed massive 17.5-point favourites, with the total closing 44.5. In a warning to the rest of the NRL, the Bulldogs gave the Storm a huge scare, leading the Storm 14-10 with just over five minutes remaining, before a Shawn Blore try saw the Storm scrape home 16-14. Jacob Kiraz was sensational for the Bulldogs, running for over 300 metres, busting six tackles, popping two offloads and setting up a line break, however it was the combination of Cam Munster and Ryan Papenhuyzen that got the job done eventually for the Storm, despite the Storm being outgained by their rivals, and the Bulldogs breaking the line three extra times. It’s just what they do, win games when they have no right to do so, and don’t be surprised if it happens again this week.
Storm to Prove Too Good in Top of the Table Clash
The Storm opened 5.5-point home favourites on the look ahead line, before re-opening as massive 7.5-point home favourites on Monday morning. I believe this is a little of a bump up on the rating of the Storm, after their terrific win over the Panthers last week, and a downgrade on the Bulldogs after their poor performance against the Roosters last round. Money has since come in for the Bulldogs, with the Bulldogs a heavily juiced 6.5-point underdog, with the number even dropping to 5.5 at some books.
Have the Storm as a solid 10.5-point favourite coming into this matchup. I see terrific value in the Storm, with the one concern I have being there may be a slight down week for the Storm after their massive effort last week, and a letdown could happen. However, with it so tight at the top of the table, I’m sure Craig Bellamy will have the Storm up again this week. The Bulldogs have covered both games as dogs this season, but I’m not overly concerned, as their form is poor in my opinion.
Looking towards the total, and it opened 43.5 and has been heavily bet down to 40.5 at the time of writing. My fair is 42.5, so I do see a little value in the over number, however looking more into this contest I won’t be touching the over. There is a chance this turns into an arm wrestle, with the Storm pulling away late, so I much prefer the Storm to cover the spread, over the total in this game.
Storm (-5.5)
$1.94 (2 Units)
Storm vs Bulldogs Player Prop Bet: Munnie to Cross
Our Best Prop Bet: Munster 1+ Try
Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Munster has been named to start at fullback, which clearly helps his chances at scoring a try, but even if he plays at five eighth, I still love his chances to score up against Lachlan Galvin. The master will put on a show against the rookie.
Cam Munster (1+ try)
$3.20
Same Game Multi: Storm vs Bulldogs
Leg 1: Storm (-5.5) – See best bet.
Leg 2: C Munster (1+ try) – See above best prop bet.
Leg 3: E Tuala (1+ try) – Tuala keeps scoring out on the left for the Doggies, and I’ll back him in again this week. The Dogs will have to use every inch of the field to score against this Storm defence, and a winger is a great bet here.
SGM Odds: $12.00 at Dabble
Storm vs Bulldogs Better Odds & Match Info
Date: Friday, 22nd August
Location: AAMI Park - Melbourne
Time: 8:00pm AEST
Weather: Rain, 17 degrees
Odds: Storm ($1.50) vs Bulldogs ($2.60)
Line: Storm (-5.5)
Points: 40.5
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Where to Watch Storm vs Bulldogs
Watch the Storm vs Bulldogs match on Channel 9, as well as live and ad free on Kayo Sports.
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