Melbourne Storm v Penrith Panthers
NRL TEAMS - 2025 Round 3
36 hours ago | LeagueUnlimited Media
Storm v Panthers preview
After a devastating end to 2025 losing to the Penrith side, the Melbourne Storm will be looking to claim revenge in this Grand Final rematch.
Storm are fresh off their first bye of the year, which came after a massive Round 1 win over the Eels, where the Melbourne side scored ten tries, eight of which were in the firsthalf of the game.
Missing the Grand Final and Round 1, Nelson Asofa-Solomona is listed among the extended squad in the reserves after serving his five-match stint on the sidelines. The only change of Craig Bellamy's starting 17 is Grant Anderson re-joining the side, with Will Warbrick out due to concussion.
Penrith played their first game of the season on US soil in Las Vegas and claimed a close victory over the Sharks. Round 2 then saw a shock upset for the Panthers, where they lost to the Roosters by six points, a game they were expected to easily win. Not only have they only gone one from two, but they have also leaked 70 points between the two matches, compared to 2024 where they only conceded 26 points within the opening two rounds.
Ivan Cleary makes a few forced changes to the side. With Dylan Edwards missing due to a groin injury, Daine Laurie shifts to fullback whilst Brad Schneider joins the bench, and Blaize Talagi is 18th man. Isaiah Papalii returns to the bench after missing Round 2 due to a hip injury, with Matt Eisenhuth joining the reserves.
Melbourne claimed victory over the Panthers twice during the regular season in 2024, but when it came to the fairytale ending and Grand Final, they just could not get the job done. Though, despite this horrific last meeting, the Storm have a good record at home against the Panthers, winning 8/9 matchups at AAMI Park.
Last meeting: Grand Final 2024 - Storm 6 Panthers 14
Who to watch: Playing his 150th game for the Storm, halfback Jahrome Hughes is one of the many magical playmakers featured in the side. He won the Dally M Player of the Year in 2024, a season which saw him score twelve tries, kick for over 8000 metres and make 26 try assists.
Opposite Hughes is Nathan Cleary, one of the best players in the game, playing an instrumental role in Penrith's four-peat. In 2024, Cleary scored four tries and made 16 try assists, which came off the back of singlehandedly giving Penrith the comeback to win their third straight Grand Final in 2023.
Both are amazing playmakers and will be the key to the winning sides' success on Thursday night.
Favourite: Storm are favoured to claim another win and stay comfortable up the top of the ladder.
My tip: Both teams have a strong mix of forwards and spine, however the Storm would have to have one of the strongest spines in the comp (if not the strongest), and it's something the Panthers have not quite mastered yet with the loss of Jarome Luai. Melbourne will be refreshed, and I don't think Penrith's desire to win again after an embarrassing Round 2 loss will be enough to get them over the line. Storm by 20.
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Grant Anderson 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 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 22. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 18. Bronson Garlick 20. Kane Bradley
22. Thomas Jenkins 2. Casey McLean 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Brian To'o 6. Jack Cole 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Brad Schneider 15. Isaiah Papali'i 16. Liam Henry 17. Luke Garner 18. Blaize Talagi 20. Matt Eisenhuth
Referees: Adam Gee; Sideline Officials: David Munro, Phil Henderson; Video Referees: Chris Butler;