Overview
- Melbourne led 22-12 at halftime before Brisbane overran the Storm to win by four points.
- Reece Walsh set up multiple tries and produced last‑gasp tackles, including on Ryan Papenhuyzen, to preserve the result.
- Coach Craig Bellamy said "we just weren't good enough" as he and captain Harry Grant reflected on lessons to carry into 2026.
- The NRL's Accor Stadium suite drew Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, PNG leader James Marape, News Corp chair Lachlan Murdoch and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan.
- The federal government has committed $600 million to help launch a Papua New Guinea NRL team by 2028, underscoring rugby league's role in regional diplomacy.