NRL Round 7 preview: Dolphins vs Storm betting tips

Best bets for Dolphins vs Storm

NRL Round 7: Dolphins vs Melbourne Storm preview

The Dolphins face a massive test when they host the high-flying Melbourne Storm at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night in NRL Round 7, with kickoff set for 8pm AEST.

The Storm are humming in 2025 with four wins from five outings and a league-best 36.8 points per game, while the Dolphins are coming off back-to-back wins after a rocky 0-4 start.

Melbourne have hit turbo mode across the past fortnight, piling on 90 points in two games while showcasing elite attacking polish. They have never lost to the Dolphins and will head into this clash as $1.22 favourites with the top online bookmakers.

The Storm have posted 40 or more points in three of their last four wins and boast the best try-scoring rate in the NRL despite minimal time inside the opposition red zone.

The Storm average 6.6 linebreaks per game and lead the competition in points per match, with Ryan Papenhuyzen, Cameron Munster and Harry Grant in devastating touch.

The Dolphins may be surging after toppling the Panthers, but the gulf in class between team and this week’s opponent is vast.

Melbourne’s average winning margin this season is 24 points, and they’ve already crushed the Dolphins three times by a combined 102 points. Kristian Woolf’s men are conceding 19 per game and now meet the most lethal offence in the NRL.

While the Dolphins are a better outfit than they were this time last year, the Storm’s structure, kicking game, and finishing power out wide make them one of the toughest assignments in the league.

The over has hit in four of Melbourne’s last five, and this clash promises to be another open, high-scoring affair. Unless the Dolphins produce another magic night, this could blow out early.

Dolphins vs Melbourne Storm R7 team news

Dolphins

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Jake Averillo
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Jack Bostock
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Isaiya Katoa
8. Daniel Saifiti
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Felise Kaufusi
11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
12. Tom Gilbert
13. Max Plath
14. Kurt Donoghoe
15. Mark Nicholls
16. Connelly Lemuelu
17. Josh Kerr

The Dolphins have gone with the same 17 that beat Penrith, with Ray Stone included as 18th man.

Melbourne Storm

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen
2. Sualauvi Faalogo
3. Jack Howarth
4. Grant Anderson
5. Xavier Coates
6. Cameron Munster
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Harry Grant
10. Josh King
11. Shawn Blore
12. Eliesa Katoa
13. Trent Loiero
14. Tyran Wishart
15. Alec MacDonald
16. Tui Kamikamica
17. Bronson Garlick

Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes has been cleared to play. Grant Anderson shifts to centre, with Sua Fa’alogo named on the wing for his first start of 2025.

Dolphins v Melbourne Storm R7 betting predictions

Melbourne have won all three of their previous clashes against the Dolphins by double digits, including a 48-6 demolition last year. They’ve covered this line in three of their last four and look set to control the game through their spine. With attacking confidence sky-high, the Storm should win this by at least 14 points at $1.90 odds with BetOnline.

Grant Anderson has crossed in five of his last six games when starting in the centres or wing. He now shifts into a more involved role against a Dolphins edge that has leaked tries to outside backs. With the Storm set to dominate field position, Anderson looms as a great tryscorer option at $2.35 with BetOnline.

The Storm’s last two games have ended with totals of 56 and 60 points, and they’re averaging 36.8 per game in 2025. The Dolphins have also found their groove in attack, scoring 66 points across the last two rounds. With dry conditions and two strike-heavy teams, over 50 points could be topped by the 60-minute mark at $1.90 odds with BetOnline.

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