Broncos Target Top-Four Finish in Critical Storm Showdown at Suncorp Stadium

Critical Match for Finals Positioning

The Brisbane Broncos are gearing up for a crucial clash against the Melbourne Storm on Thursday, with hopes of securing a top-four finish. The task won’t be easy, given Melbourne’s dominant 43-14 head-to-head record over the Broncos.

The significance of this match cannot be overstated, as Broncos players acknowledge that “no team’s won the comp outside of the top four.” The stakes are particularly high in what’s being dubbed “a big game” for the Brisbane side.

Team Updates and Recent Form

The Broncos have made several key changes to their lineup, with Jesse Arthars returning to the wing, forcing Deine Mariner into the centres. In the forward pack, Brendan Piakura will start in the back row, with Jaiyden Hunt moving to the bench. Meanwhile, the Storm have received a significant boost with the return of star halfback Jahrome Hughes from a shoulder injury, along with Xavier Coates, Eli Katoa, Nick Meaney, and Josh King all back after being rested.

The Broncos enter the match in impressive attacking form, having scored 122 points in their last three games. Their arsenal includes the dazzling Reece Walsh and the formidable Payne Haas leading the forward pack.

Storm’s Perspective

While Melbourne’s second-place finish is already secured regardless of the result, they’re determined to bounce back after suffering a disappointing 40-10 defeat against the Roosters in their previous outing.

Match Details

The match is scheduled for September 4, 2025, at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. The Broncos will need to improve their performance after their last outing, where they recorded 17 errors, a completion rate of just 69 percent, and 32 missed tackles.

Coach Michael Maguire has emphasized the need for improvement, with players acknowledging they need to lift their game. As one player noted, “I felt like we let each other down as a team and let down Madge, so it was warranted, to be honest.”