NRL Match Preview: Raiders v Storm

After trailing 28-10 at halftime to the Dolphins last weekend, strong hit ups and second efforts paved the way for the Raiders to run in five unanswered tries to cap off a screaming comeback at GIO Stadium.

Similarly, in their last two games the Raiders have trailed early before dominating in the second half, so they’ll need to keep themselves in the game before they find that momentum.

Meanwhile, the Melbourne Storm bounced back from their round seven loss to the Dolphins, taking down the Rabbitohs 24-16 in their annual ANZAC Round clash at AAMI Park.

Talking points

• Raiders captain and prop Joe Tapine will make his 200th appearance for the club this weekend.
• Ricky Stuart has named an unchanged lineup for this weekend with Ethan Strange and Jamal Fogarty to combine in the halves and Josh Papalii coming off the bench.
• Last year’s Magic Round saw the Raiders emerge victorious of the Bulldogs with Hudson Young scoring a double.
• Melbourne have named livewire Sualauvi Faalogo on the wing who will square up against rookie Savelio Tamale
• The Raiders have not lost in Magic Round since 2019

Last time they met

Last time these two teams met, the Storm took out a 16-6 win over the Raiders at AAMI Park in Melbourne during round 17, 2024.

Key Match-Up

Hudson Young vs Eliesa Katoa

An 80-minute second rower through and through, Hudson Young has been among the most consistent forwards in the comp this season and dominated in typical fashion last weekend against the Dolphins with 177 running metres and 29 tackles.

A stand-out figure in what has been one of the most formidable forward packs in the competition, Young has consistently impacted the scoreboard and will be key to the Raiders’ attack in Brisbane. 

Averaging 150 running metres and a 93% tackle efficiency this season, Young has already marked three try-doubles in a row and is showing signs of peak form in 2025. With seven tries in eight games, he ranks among the best attacking forwards in the league.

Similarly, Young ranks 24th in the league for line breaks this season, with six already to his name – highlighting his ability to exploit defensive lapses and finding space through the middle, especially against teams vulnerable around the ruck.

On the other hand, Eliesa Katoa has posted an 88% tackle efficiency in 2025, being an ever-reliable forward for the Storm.

After Melbourne’s strong start to the season, Katoa has demonstrated immense value as a supporting forward, with 14 offloads in seven games compared to Young’s 10. Further he has recorded two try assists, helping to put his teammates across the line.

Not afraid of a hit up, Katoa has run for 100+ metres each game this season for an average of 137.

Head-to-head

Since 1998, the Raiders have played the Storm 54 times, winning 16 of them for a 29.6% efficiency rate.