July 19, 2025: Storm vs Sea Eagles – Melbourne Storm star Cameron Munster is set to take the field against the Manly Sea Eagles in a high-octane Round 20 NRL clash at AAMI Park, despite facing a deeply personal challenge off the field. Munster will play just a day before attending his father’s funeral in Rockhampton, creating a tight travel schedule that requires him to catch an early flight from Sydney and transfer through Brisbane.
The Storm have made minor adjustments to their lineup. Joe Chan has been named in the centres, with Grant Anderson moving to the wing and Kane Bradley omitted. Tui Kamikamica will start in the front row, pushing Stefano Utoikamanu to the bench.
Meanwhile, Ryan Papenhuyzen has opened up about a nagging calf injury that has sidelined him for the past three games. Speaking to 2GB’s Wide World of Sports, Papenhuyzen said the injury is “annoying” but manageable. He admitted he may need to continue managing the issue for the remainder of the season. “It will be something that we will focus on to make sure it doesn’t flare up,” he said, adding that the team’s rehabilitation efforts have been effective so far.
Team Lineups:
Melbourne Storm:
- Nick Meaney
- Grant Anderson
- Jack Howarth
- Joe Chan
- Xavier Coates
- Cameron Munster
- Jahrome Hughes
- Tui Kamikamica
- Harry Grant
- Josh King
- Shawn Blore
- Eliesa Katoa
- Trent Loiero
Interchange: 8. Stefano Utoikamanu, 14. Tyran Wishart, 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona, 17. Ativalu Lisati
18th Man: Bronson Garlick
Manly Sea Eagles:
- Lehi Hopoate
- Jason Saab
- Tolutau Koula
- Tom Trbojevic
- Reuben Garrick
- Luke Brooks
- Daly Cherry-Evans
- Matthew Lodge
- Jazz Tevaga
- Siosiua Taukeiaho
- Corey Waddell
- Ben Trbojevic
- Jake Trbojevic
Interchange: 14. Jake Simpkin, 15. Tommy Talau, 16. Ethan Bullemor, 17. Toafofoa Sipley
18th Man: Aaron Schoupp
With both teams eyeing crucial competition points and the finals looming, all eyes will be on AAMI Park to see how this emotional and physical battle unfolds.