The countdown is over. On Sunday evening, the Brisbane Broncos and Melbourne Storm will meet at Accor Stadium in Sydney for the 2025 NRL grand final. Kick-off time is 7:30 pm AEDT (7:00 pm ACST) — that’s 6:30 pm AEST and 4:30 pm AWST. (FOX SPORTS)
Both teams enter this decider on the back of dramatic finishes, and both are chasing redemption. Melbourne seeks to reclaim the title after back-to-back losses in grand finals; Brisbane hopes to end a long drought and recapture the glory they last tasted in 2006. (FOX SPORTS)
Here’s everything you need to know going into the clash — and what each side must do to emerge victorious.
Road to the Grand Final
Melbourne Storm’s Path
Melbourne wrapped up second place in the regular season with a 17–7 record. (Wikipedia)
They beat the Bulldogs 26–18 in a qualifying final to secure a week off. (Wikipedia)
In the preliminary final, the Storm defeated the Sharks 22–14 to book their spot in the grand final. (FOX SPORTS)
That result also gave Melbourne added recovery time — they entered grand final week with a buffer which some see as a scheduling advantage. (FOX SPORTS)
Brisbane Broncos’ Rise
Brisbane were fourth on the ladder with a 15–9 finish. (Wikipedia)
They edged the minor premiers, the Canberra Raiders, 29–28 in a qualifying final — a golden point kick secured their passage. (Wikipedia)
Then came the moment of the campaign: trailing 14–0 at half time against Penrith in the preliminary final, Brisbane stormed back to win 16–14. (News.com.au)
That win ends Penrith’s grip on recent grand finals and swings momentum heavily in Brisbane’s favor. (News.com.au)
Teams, Tactics & Key Matchups
Team Sheets
Both sides have locked in their squads. (National Rugby League)
Melbourne’s selection is unchanged from their preliminary final win. (National Rugby League)
Brisbane make one change on the bench with Patrick Carrigan reintroduced. (FOX SPORTS)
Storm starting 13: Ryan Papenhuyzen (1), Will Warbrick (2), Jack Howarth (3), Nick Meaney (4), Xavier Coates (5), Cameron Munster (6), Jahrome Hughes (7), Stefano Utoikamanu (8), Harry Grant (9), Josh King (10), Shawn Blore (11), Eliesa Katoa (12), Trent Loiero (13). (National Rugby League)
Broncos starting 13: Reece Walsh (1), Josiah Karapani (2), Kotoni Staggs (3), Gehamat Shibasaki (4), Deine Mariner (5), Ben Hunt (6), Adam Reynolds (7), Corey Jensen (8), Cory Paix (9), Payne Haas (10), Brendan Piakura (11), Jordan Riki (12), Patrick Carrigan (13). (National Rugby League)
Referee for the match: Grant Atkins. (Zero Tackle)
Tactical Battles to Watch
Forward dominance. Brisbane must control the middle. Payne Haas, Carrigan, Jensen — if they succeed in lifting their output, they can restrict Storm momentum. Melbourne’s forwards must match that aggression.
Hooker battle. Harry Grant against Cory Paix (or possibly Ben Hunt switching) will heavily shape ruck speed and distribution. If one gets on top, the corresponding halves will benefit.
Playmaking and precision. Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes vs Ben Hunt and Adam Reynolds. Brisbane need minimal errors. Melbourne will press for turnovers and opportunity off breaks.
Wing and edge work. Xavier Coates is dangerous, especially if space opens. Brisbane’s edges (Staggs, Mariner) will test defensive alignment.
Bench impact. Brisbane’s depth may become critical late. If the match turns attritional, their substitutes must maintain energy and execution.
Game Day Schedule & Viewing Info
- Gates open at 1:00 pm at Accor Stadium. (FOX SPORTS)
- The State Championship kicks off at 1:20 pm. (FOX SPORTS)
- NRLW Grand Final will follow, with pre-game show at 3:20 pm and kick off around 4:00 pm. (FOX SPORTS)
- Pre-game entertainment begins at 6:30 pm AEDT, ahead of the men’s grand final. (ABC)
- The main event starts 7:30 pm. (FOX SPORTS)
TV / Streaming:
- Channel Nine holds exclusive broadcast rights in Australia. (Zero Tackle)
- Online streaming is available through 9Now (requires valid email login). (Zero Tackle)
- Fox Sports / Kayo will broadcast earlier games and replays but do not hold rights for live coverage of the men’s grand final. (Zero Tackle)
Weather:
Expect a warm, mostly sunny day with light winds. The maximum temperature forecast is ~28 °C. (ABC)
Stakes & Narrative
Melbourne’s Urgency
This is coach Craig Bellamy’s 11th grand final appearance. (News.com.au)
Storm lost the last two deciders, and they’ll seek redemption. (National Rugby League)
They also benefit from fresher legs. Their preliminary final was earlier, giving more recovery. (FOX SPORTS)
Brisbane’s Redemption Arc
Brisbane haven’t won a premiership since 2006. (Wikipedia)
They’ve shown grit, especially with the comeback over Penrith. (News.com.au)
They’re riding momentum and muscle. But they’ll need discipline, structure, and composure under pressure.
What the Public Is Watching
This match is expected to draw huge broadcast numbers — perhaps eclipsing the AFL grand final for viewership. (The Guardian)
Merchandise of both clubs is flying off shelves in Sydney, even though neither is local. (Daily Telegraph)
Tickets sold out swiftly — many fans missed out despite early access windows. (Courier Mail)
And in the buildup, Melbourne forward Stefano Utoikamanu stirred tensions by calling some Broncos players “stuck up.” (The Guardian)
That kind of talk might inflame the rivalry — but neither team can afford distraction on game day.
Keys to Victory
For Melbourne Storm
- Set the right tone early. Brisbane will start hard. Melbourne must match that first 10 minutes.
- Exploit errors. Turnover opportunities and penalty counts could swing momentum.
- Control through their spine. If Hughes / Munster / Grant can dictate pace, they’ll open paths.
- Use their bench wisely. Keep intensity up and manage fatigue around the 50–60 minute mark.
For Brisbane Broncos
- Front up physically. If their forwards dominate, they can disrupt Melbourne’s rhythm.
- Protect their ball. Discipline in handling and minimizing penalties is essential.
- Time their bursts. They should have a plan to inject pace in critical moments (after 20, 50, 65 minutes).
- Close out with composure. Melbourne will fight. The final 10 minutes will test mental strength.
What to Watch Live
- How well Brisbane’s pack handles the early surge.
- Clash at dummy half between Paix / Hunt vs Grant.
- Whether Melbourne backs can break the edges if Brisbane’s alignment slips.
- Tactical adjustments from the coaches around the 50-minute mark.
- Penalty count and influence of refereeing on momentum.
The 2025 grand final between Brisbane and Melbourne is more than a match. It’s a collision of form, history, redemption, and ambition. At 7:30 pm, every pass, tackle and error will carry weight. The winner will be stamped into this season’s legacy.
