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WATCH: The value players to determine who wins Storm v Bulldogs
Sam Kosack • September 12th, 2025 8:30 am
As the NRL finals begin tomorrow, the game’s biggest stars are preparing for their run at premiership glory.
The Melbourne Storm and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs will kick off week one of the 2025 finals series. With superstars across the board, including Cameron Munster, the returning Harry Grant, Stephen Crichton, and Matt Burton, it promises high quality performances and match-ups.
However, there is one unsung hero for both sides that could hold the key to whether they progress through to a preliminary final, or whether they try go the hard way through the finals.
For the Storm, with halfback Jahrome Hughes absent after breaking his forearm in the final round, the versatile Tyran Wishart will take on the famed number seven jersey.
The Bulldogs were overpowered through the middle by the Sharks in Round 27, with SEN’s Bryan Fletcher identifying forward Sitili Tupouniua as the man to inspire an upset victory.
“He's the only one in their defensive line that scares you as a ball runner,” Fletcher said on SEN 1170 Drive.
“He's got a whack in him, he gets up off the line.
“Everyone else… you're not fearing them, but you're fearing Sitili Tupouniua.
“When he comes on, you know he’s on the field.”
Watch the full explanation below:
