No contest in grand final rematch

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Melbourne Storm v Penrith Panthers

The Melbourne Storm have recorded a club record 16th win in succession by dominating the Penrith Panthers 37-10 at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Leading from start to finish in a match which saw rookie winger Dean Ieremia claim his first career hat-trick, Melbourne were never troubled by a Penrith side missing a number of star players due to injury.

In a frenetic opening where both teams signalled their intentions to attack, Reimis Smith (9th minute) withstood a valiant last-gasp effort from Matt Burton to slide over for first points. 

The Storm extended their lead through Ieremia (12th minute) in the following set after a cross-field kick from Josh Addo-Carr allowed the Victorian junior to pounce next to the posts.

Ieremia (18th minute) bagged his second of the afternoon after the bunker cleared Felise Kaufusi of an obstruction against Viliame Kikau in the lead up.

The Panthers attempted to get back in the contest through a barge-over from Liam Martin, however the combined strength of Brandon Smith and Cameron Munster ensured the home side kept their line in tact.

Ryan Papenhuyzen rounded out the first half scoring with a late penalty goal to send the Storm to the sheds up 18-0.

Continuing the flow of points after the resumption of play, Jesse Bromwich (53rd minute) crashed over for his first try of the season to elevate the Storm into outright first on the premiership ladder.

Harry Grant (63rd minute) burrowed over in his first match back from injury before Ieremia (65th minute) put himself in the right place to claim his first hat-trick in the NRL.

The Panthers avoided the embarrassment of being held scoreless for the first time since 2015 - incidentally against the Storm - with Matt Burton sending Brent Naden (71st minute) over in the corner.

Scott Sorenson (79th minute) collected a consolation four-pointer in his 50th NRL match, however the final say of the match belonged to Papenhuyzen who slotted a field-goal on full-time to seal the 37-10 victory.

Next Saturday as part of the Suncorp Stadium triple-header, the Storm will take on the Sea Eagles at 7.30pm, while the Panthers face the Roosters earlier in the day at 5.30pm.