NRL 2025 LIVE updates: Payne Haas returns as Broncos take on Storm
Your say – Storm or Broncos?
7.17pm
Joey's view: Broncos have the attack to beat the Storm
Andrew Johns
The knock on this Brisbane team is that they can't win the tough games, that they don't like the pressure of a long arm wrestle within a match. The Storm, on the other hand, love the grind. Are the Broncos prepared to tough it out in the arm wrestle? We're about to find out.
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The Storm have won 16 of their last 17 games against the Broncos. While Brisbane's second half against Souths was impressive, they were playing a reserve-grade side. Let's see how they go in Melbourne, where the weather will be fine, but freezing cold. Let's hope it's a fast surface.
The Storm have been inconsistent and clunky all year, but they've been winning the close games. Harry Grant, if it's possible, has gone up another level since State of Origin.
Then you've got the Queensland connection of Grant and Cameron Munster playing against the Broncos. I thought Ezra Mam and Reece Walsh combined really well last week; they are so dangerous when they get together. In several of the tries against the Rabbitohs, they were next to each other in support. That's exciting for Broncos fans.
The way they play, I'd just let them go for all-out attack. They look better when they have an attacking mindset, which excites their key players.
7.16pm
Welcome
Hello and welcome to our coverage of Thursday night footy.
It's a blockbuster to kick off round 23 with the Broncos playing for a spot in the top four while Melbourne could overtake Canberra at the top of the table with a win tonight.
Payne Haas is back for Brisbane after missing last week's game with an infection, and is a straight swap for Broncos prop Xavier Willison who broke his arm in last week's big win over Souths.
For the Storm, Jack Howarth (groin) is replaced by Kane Bradley in the centres, Maroons forward Trent Loiero returns after being rested and Hary Grant will play his 100th game for the club.
Kick-off is at 7.50pm AET. Follow along for all the action as it happens.
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