Storm still favourite to win NRL despite pre-season hiding in NZ

The Melbourne Storm remain favourites to win the 2025 NRL Premiership despite worrying signs in a 36-10 loss to the New Zealand Warriors in Hamilton on Saturday.

Melbourne pays $3.75 at the top rugby league bookmakers to claim the title this season, ahead of the Penrith Panthers ($4.50) and Brisbane Broncos, while the Warriors are well off the pace on $41.

However, it was the Kiwi side that came out firing on Saturday, running in four tries inside the first 18 minutes to impress in their final Pre-Season Challenge clash before heading to Las Vegas for their opening fixture.

The match was played on a smaller-than-usual field in preparation for the NFL-sized dimensions that the Warriors will face at Allegiant Stadium on March 1, but it made no difference to the New Zealand Warriors backline.

Wingers Taine Tuaupiki and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck each ran in two tries during the first quarter with the home side exposing Melbourne’s defence out wide.

Ali Leiataua added a brace of his own later in the half, before Chanel Harris-Tavita capped off a near-flawless first half for the Warriors to make their lead 36-0 at the break.

The second stretch was a different story, as the hosts would fail to add to their half-time lead while the Storm crossed over twice to make the final score 36-10.

The Storm head back to Australia now while New Zealand prepares for round one, where they meet the Canberra Raiders in the opening match of the competition.

They are favourites across the leading NRL betting apps to win their first fixture of the season, considering the Raiders are widely seen as contenders for the wooden spoon in 2025.

BetOnline prices New Zealand at $1.62 to win the Las Vegas clash, while Canberra trail at $2.30.

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