Friday 5 June 2026 · 6:00 PM AEST · AAMI Park, Melbourne
Storm -4.5 $1.93 · Will Warbrick anytime tryscorer
Published 2 June 2026 · Odds: Sportsbet · 18+
Odds from Sportsbet. Always confirm current prices before placing.
Friday night football opens with the Storm welcoming Newcastle to AAMI Park, and Craig Bellamy names a full-strength spine: Jahrome Hughes, Cameron Munster, Harry Grant and Sualauvi Faalogo. With Nick Meaney sidelined (calf), Manaia Waitere starts in the centres after a productive bench cameo against the Roosters. Shawn Blore is listed in the reserves as he works back from concussion.
Newcastle's preparation has been disrupted by Sandon Smith's calf injury. Fletcher Sharpe shifts from the back to five-eighth and Fletcher Hunt promotes off the bench into the centres. Dylan Brown is asked to steer the ship at halfback alongside an inexperienced playmaker, while Francis Manuleleua is the new face on the six-man bench. Thomas Cant looks set for game time after going unused last week.
On a track Melbourne defend like a fortress, the −4.5 line is fair value. The Storm forward pack — Utoikamanu, King, Loiero — should dominate yardage and Munster will pull strings from the back. Will Warbrick gets the anytime tryscorer pick: the Storm right winger has consistently finished late-game strike plays and the matchup gives him plenty of width.
Storm: Meaney OUT (calf), Waitere starts. Knights: Sandon Smith OUT (calf), Sharpe shifts to 5/8, Manuleleua first bench appearance.
Confirmed by NRL.com on Tuesday 2 June 2026. Two players omitted 24 hours out, final 19 confirmed 90 minutes before kickoff.
Tips are editorial opinions only. Odds correct at time of publishing - always confirm before placing. 18+ only. Gamble responsibly.