The Melbourne Storm are the first team through to the NRL Grand Final after a dominant performance from their star-studded spine.
Fresh off an arm injury, Jahrome Hughes scored the Storm’s second try of the game while halves partner Cameron Munster stepped up to help steer Melbourne to their 11th decider under coach Craig Bellamy.
Stefano Utoikamanu also starred with an impressive performance on both sides of the ball.
Read on for foxsports.com.au’s Storm player ratings.
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1. RYAN PAPENHUYZEN – 7.5
Wasn’t his most dominant performance but still left his mark on the game with a try in the 35th minute. Copped a knock in the second half and looked to pick up a shoulder injury but soldiered on.
2. WILLIAM WARBRICK – 7
Scored the first try of the game and proved to be a handful in attack, finishing with a linebreak, seven tackle busts and 135 running metres to go with his four-pointer. Was out-competed under the high ball at times though.
3. JACK HOWARTH – 6.5
Had a couple of errors but still held his own and did his part, finishing with a try assist and over 100 running metres.
4. NICK MEANEY – 7.5
Gave away an early yardage penalty but made up for it with a good effort to get on the outside of KL Iro and set up the first try of the game. Was pinged for a crusher tackle, which ultimately led to a Sharks try but his boot proved handy with a penalty goal all but sealing the win.
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5. XAVIER COATES – 7.5
Put in a neat grubber kick early but also came up with some regrettable defensive reads and conceded a penalty. But off-set that with a try and 155 running metres — the equal most of any Storm player.
6. CAMERON MUNSTER – 8.5
Busy as per usual with a try assist, linebreak, linebreak assist and over 150 running metres. Showed up in kick-pressure early, had a nice break and produced the chip-kick to set up Papenhuyzen’s try. Also had a try-saving tackle on Briton Nikora along with Papenhuyzen.
7. JAHROME HUGHES – 8
Admirable performance in an early return from a broken arm, finishing with a try, a linebreak, seven tackle busts and 82 running metres. Was active early, copped a knock in the second half but pushed on.
Bellamy says Hughes return a “big call” | 12:12
8. STEFANO UTOIKAMANU – 9
Absolute workhorse who left his mark on the game with 126 running metres — the most of any Storm forward — and 20 tackles, no misses. The 2025 recruit from Wests Tigers showed his intention early and played a role in the Storm’s first two tries. “Stefano Utoikamanu had a career-best game,” NRL great Braith Anasta said.
9. HARRY GRANT – 8.5
Made his presence known without any major standout moments, but was rock-solid in defence, finishing with 41 tackles and two misses. Brought great energy in defence particularly and led the line-speed.
10. JOSH KING – 7.5
Was super busy in defence, finishing with 32 tackles — two misses. Can’t fault his effort.
15. SHAWN BLORE – 7
Like King, did his job without standing out, finishing with eight runs for 56 metres and 27 tackles — one miss. If anything, looked a little rusty in his return from a throat injury.
12. ELIESA KATOA – 8
Busy on both sides of the ball, finishing with 100 running metres and 33 tackles — but did miss five. The Storm were better for having him on the field though and his footy smarts shone through in moments.
13. TRENT LOIERO – 7
Safe in defence with 33 tackles — one miss — and came up with a big hit on Nicho Hynes that left the Sharks No.7 reeling.
Unsung hero in famous grand final try | 00:37
11. ATIVALU LISATI – 6
Only played 23 minutes and had a quiet game with three carries for 18 metres and 11 tackles — two misses.
14. TYRAN WISHART – 6
Had limited opportunities with only a 10-minute stint off the bench.
16. TUI KAMIKAMICA – 6.5
Brought plenty of spark off the bench, finishing with seven runs for 73 metres in his 35-minute stint.
17. ALEC MACDONALD – 6.5
Busy first stint and brough a lot of energy off the bench. Finished with eight runs for 67 metres and an impressive 23 tackles — no misses.
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