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The Melbourne Storm have continued their late season surge with a comfortable 24 to 10 victory over the Penrith Panthers.
The Storm weren’t at their best, but they were clinical when it counted. The Panthers defended well for the most part, but in the end tough defence from the Melbourne boys stifled the Panthers.
Both teams are up for huge games next weekend. The Storm will take on the Roosters, while the Panthers will play Manly at Brookvale Oval.
FINAL SCORE:
Storm 24
Panthers 10
The Penrith Panthers won one-point thriller over the Cowboys last start to keep their top-two aspirations alive, but will face tougher competition when they take on a resurgent Melbourne Storm. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:00pm (AEST).
There’s something special brewing out Penrith way, and while it may not lead to immediate premiership success, there is plenty of cause for optimism.
CATCH UP ON THE LATEST NRL HIGHLIGHTS
Usually the loss of a key playmaker for the season would cruel a side’s tilt for glory (think Ricky Stuart’s broken leg, or the Knights without Andrew Johns), but the Panthers have barely blinked.
Jamie Soward has stepped up to fill Peter Wallace’s considerable shoes and is in superb form at present, while fullback Matt Moylan is playing like an extra half, winning games off his own boot, and in talks about extending his stay at the club.
Everyone is playing their roles, and it clear that Ivan Cleary’s men are a happy camp at the moment.
Apart from a slip-up against the Knights, the Storm have been in ominous form of late with a refreshed Cooper Cronk leading the way.
However it’s been the performances of Jesse Bromwich that have really helped the Storm, with the big front-rower one of the form players in the competition.
One area that could cost the Storm particularly in a match against the Panthers is their goal-kicking. Skipper Cameron Smith has been well below his high standards with the boot of late, and with for and against likely to play a huge role at the end of the season, points are now at a premium.
The Panthers have named the same 17 that defeated the Cowboys on Monday night, but there are some doubts surrounding the fitness of hooker James Segeyaro, who suffered an ankle injury last week.
The live-wire dummy half has been one of the stand-out performers for the Panthers this year, and his loss would be a massive blow for a team already missing several key players.
Melbourne’s only change is a direct swap between Ryan Hinchcliffe and Jordan McLean, the latter being named on the bench.
Prediction:
While it is true that the Storm have an excellent record over the Panthers, and are certainly the bookies’ favourites, it is hard to write off the home side.
The Panthers have so far found ways to win even when it seems the odds are stacked against them. They will be out to avenge their earlier loss to the Storm, but more importantly prove to the rest of the competition that they are worthy of challenging for the title.
Panthers to win in a tight affair.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 7:00pm (AEST).
If you are following the action live, be sure to share your thoughts on the match in the comments below.
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