The end of the NRL season is nigh, and either the Storm or Broncos will be 2025 premiers.
But while each team and fanbase is busy talking up its chances of lifting the Provan-Summons trophy on Sunday night, we’ve taken a less partial look at why they won’t.
Here’s the bad news for the Storm:
1. Scoring stutters - The Storm have scored just 114 points in their last six games at an average of 19 per game. Meanwhile the Broncos have put on 197 points at an impressive average of 32.8. With the same spine, Melbourne was also held to just six points by the Panthers twelve months ago.
2. Hot weather, fast track - Dry conditions and hot temperatures are expected in Sydney on Sunday, something that should absolutely favour the playing style of the Broncos.
3. Bellamy’s birthday - Craig Bellamy became the oldest person to coach an NRL premiership team in 2020 when he was 61, so he’s going to have to break his own record to win it again in 2025.
4. Coates countered - Brisbane know exactly how to limit the aerial threat of towering winger Xavier Coates, something they did to perfection back in Round 27 to nullify one of the Storm’s greatest attacking weapons.
5. Reece Walsh - As dynamic as he is enigmatic, the Broncos fullback shapes as the most dangerous player on the field. Can the Storm handle him better than the last time the two sides met when Walsh scored two tries?
6. 40-point defeats - It’s been two decades since a team has conceded 40 points more than once during the regular season and still gone on to win the NRL title (Wests Tigers, 2005). The Storm conceded 42 against the Dolphins (Round 7) and 40 against the Roosters (Round 26).
7. October 5th - One for the superstitious fans. The last time the Storm played in a grand final on Sunday October 5 was 2008—and they were belted 40-0 by the Sea Eagles.
8. Jahrome Hughes’ left forearm - For whatever reason the Sharks forwards never really tested the Storm halfback’s injured forearm in last weekend’s preliminary final. Brisbane are unlikely to be so kind, especially given it’s still just four weeks since it was broken. If Hughes is restricted in any way, it would be a huge dent to the Storm’s chances.
Now, before you get upset Storm fans, be sure check out the eight reasons why the Broncos won’t win.
MORE: 8 reasons why the Brisbane Broncos won’t beat the Storm