Storm
16
Match Complete
Panthers
22
| C. Smith |  | 76 | ||
| S. Drinkwater |  | 75 | ||
| 72 | | C. Crichton | ||
| 69 | | W. Blake | ||
| 51 | | W. Blake | ||
| 45 | | J. Mansour | ||
| 37 |  | N. Cleary | ||
| C. Smith | | 32 | ||
| C. Smith | | 27 | ||
| F. Kaufusi | | 26 | ||
| 12 | | J. Mansour | ||
| C. Smith | | 6 |
| 2 | Tries | 5 | ||
| 2 | Conversions | 0 | ||
| 2 | Penalty Goals | 1 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
The JJ Giltinan Shield is up for grabs as the Melbourne Storm aim to defend the minor premiership when they host the Penrith Panthers. Join The Roar from 7:55pm (AEST) for live coverage of the match.
The Melbourne Storm currently sit two points clear at the top of the table and a win will secure a third consecutive minor premiership as well as a home final. They could finish as low as fourth however if results go against them.
The reigning premiers have won two in a row however, they were unconvincing in their victories against the Eels and Titans. With the finals only one week away, Melbourne will need to click back into gear and lift their intensity once again.
Craig Bellamy has made only one change to his team with Tim Glasby starting at prop, forcing Christian Welch on the bench however, Ryan Hoffman is a chance to make an early return from a hamstring injury after being named on the reserves.
Melbourne’s forward pack have a big challenge ahead of them with the Panthers’ engine room possessing plenty of attacking prowess and the ability to play for extended periods of time.
It will imperative that the Storm shut them down in the middle of the park off the back of Jesse Bromwich and Glasby, as field position will be very important.
Penrith have been out of form in recent weeks losing two in a row since Cameron Ciraldo took the head coaching tenure.
Their lineup has changed plenty recently and Ciraldo has shaken up the 17 once again with James Maloney returning from a knee injury, prompting Tyrone Peachey to make the switch back to the centres due to the loss of Dean Whare (broken arm).
The Panthers will be desperate to bring some form into the finals and could finish inside the top four with a win however, a loss could subsequently see them drop to as low as eighth position.
Melbourne have dominated the Panthers through their 32-game history, winning 25 matches to Penrith’s seven victories.
The last time the two teams met came in round five of last year when the Storm came out victorious 28-6. Penrith have never won at AAMI Park from seven appearances.
Prediction
The Storm will deliver a strong performance in Ryan Hoffman and Billy Slater’s last regular season home game to secure the JJ Giltinan Shield.
Storm by 8.
Join The Roar from 7:55pm (AEST) for score updates and debate in our live blog.
Game Information
Kickoff: 7:55pm (AEST)
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
TV: Live, Nine Network and Fox League
Last meeting: Storm defeated Panthers 28-6 (Round 5, 2017)
Head-to-head: 32 played – Storm 25, Panthers 7
Melbourne Storm
1. Billy Slater, 2. Justin Olam, 3. Cheyse Blair, 4. Curtis Scott, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Brodie Croft, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Cameron Smith, 10. Tim Glasby, 11. Felise Kaufusi, 12. Joe Stimson, 13. Dale Finucane
Interchange: 14. Kenneath Bromwich, 15. Christian Welch, 16. Tui Kamikamica, 17. Sam Kasiano
Reserves: 18. Ryan Hoffman, 19. Jahrome Hughes, 20. Albert Vete, 21. Ryley Jacks
Penrith Panthers
1. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 2. Josh Mansour, 3. Waqa Blake, 4. Tyrone Peachey, 5. Christian Crichton, 6. James Maloney, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Trent Merrin, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Isaah Yeo, 13. James Fisher-Harris
Interchange: 14. Tyrone May, 15. Moses Leota, 16. Corey Harawira-Naera, 17. James Tamou
Reserves: 18. Sione Katoa, 19. Jack Hetherington, 20. Kaide Ellis, 21. Tyrone Phillips
3_Hats SSTID 2014
Roar Rookie
You're kidding mate, the Storm had enough ball and Penalties and 2 Panthers players in the bin to win 3 games. Just wait until next week when the Rabbitohs go down there and make minced meat out of those Soft Underbellyache Storm.
canetoad
Guest
it is about keeping the powerbase in Sydney, and the will play it at any cost, even the admin and Sydney commentators turn a blind eye, everyone I speak to in Nth QLD agrees with me.
canetoad
Guest
the disallowed try to Drinkwater is what the Sydney NRL wanted, plus the laying all over the play of the ball, they give the darling chickens the minor prem ... so obvious
shirtpants
Roar Guru
Nothing certain about the Dragon's doing anything. They've been less than awful the past two months
Joe
Roar Rookie
Storm can't finish fourth as they will always be above the Bunnies who have already played. Their lowest is 3rd and that is if Cronulla win by 90 so I think realistically their lowest is 2nd.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
The disallowed try to Drinkwater in the first half was a big turning point. If that's the benchmark for obstruction then they're going to be calling up plays all game. It won't be the benchmark but just one of these rulings that are plucked out of nowhere now and again. A critical knock back ruling earlier in the season although correct was just a one off as well.
Joe
Roar Rookie
I don't know if anyone wants the Sharks in the first week of finals. I'll be cheering for the Roosters tomorrow to rack up the required score so Storm get the Bunnies.
JVGO
Guest
Roosters only have the Eels standing between them and the minor premiership....should rattle up a big score....then it will be the Sharks in the first week of finals.
Brendon Waldron
Roar Pro
I know that's how it stands now, 3 games into the round, but how can you use the word 'likely' when 4 of those teams haven't played yet and all 4 of them are favourites to win those games?
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
That concludes The Roar’s coverage of Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers. The JJ Giltinan Shield is on hold for now after the Panthers produced a six-point upset victory over a depleted Storm outfit. There is plenty more sporting action across The Roar this weekend with NRL Round 25, the US Open, Premier League and Italian GP. I'll be back tomorrow night from 7:45pm (AEST) for live coverage of Parramatta Eels vs Sydney Roosters. Thanks for following along.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
LIKELY FINALS WEEK ONE FIXTURES Friday, 8pm (2 vs 3) - Roosters* versus Rabbitohs Saturday, 6pm (1 vs 4) - Storm versus Sharks Saturday, 8pm (5 vs 8) - Panthers versus Broncos Sunday, 4pm (6 vs 7) - Warriors versus Dragons *Roosters must beat the Eels by at least 26 points to secure the minor premiership.
Wascally Wabbit
Guest
If Dragons and Broncos win (and it's a very good chance) that will leave the top 8 only 2 competition points apart. Never seen anything like that before.
Brendon Waldron
Roar Pro
Very rarely do I want the Melbourne Storm to win a game, but on the rare occasion I do, they always pick that week to lose...
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
EVERY TEAM'S BEST (AND WORST) POSSIBLE FINISH Melbourne Storm - High: First, Low: Fourth South Sydney Rabbitohs - High: Second, Low: Fourth Sydney Roosters - High: First, Low: Fourth Cronulla Sharks - High: Second, Low: Eighth Penrith Panthers - High: Fourth, Low: Seventh St George Illawarra Dragons - High: Fourth, Low: Eighth Brisbane Broncos - High: Fourth, Low: Eighth N.B. Assuming there is no more than a 65-point gap in any games across the weekend.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Brilliant - what a great second half after such an ordinary first half. Great game. Happy for the Panthers as they were murdered by the refs in the first half. Jeez what happened to Cleary's goal kicking? All he had to do was convert couple and the game was all over.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
THE FINALS PICTURE 1. Melbourne Storm - 34 (16 W, 7 L; +173) 2. South Sydney Rabbitohs - 34 (16 W, 8 L; +145) 3. Sydney Roosters* - 32 (15 W, 8 L; +147) 4. Cronulla Sharks* - 32 (15 W, 8 L; +84) 5. Penrith Panthers - 32 (15 W, 9 L; +56) 6. Warriors - 32 (15 W, 9 L; +25) 7. St George Illawarra Dragons - 30 (14 W, 9 L; +37) 8. Brisbane Broncos - 30 (14 W, 9 L; +24)
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
FULL-TIME The Panthers have pulled off a massive upset with a six-point victory over the Storm. Roarers, what are your thoughts from a thrilling game of rugby league? Melbourne Storm 16 Penrith Panthers 22
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
80' Storm's defence pressing Penrith, they are kept inside their own 30 metres. Cleary with a big boot down the ground, Drinkwater takes it at the 20 metre line and he is tackled 35 metres out. Hughes from acting half, passes to Scott, Olam tackled 40 metres out by Kikau. Kenneath Bromwich to Hoffman, on to Addo-Carr, chips and Blake runs it dead. Melbourne Storm 16 Penrith Panthers 22
JOHNY BULLDOG
Roar Rookie
Easy there Joe all may be well yet mate uve got such a good side and coach there just foxing mate
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
79' Olam bursts through at the 30 metre line, dragged down by Cleary at the 40 metre line. Addo-Carr from acting half, Drinkwater runs it, tackled by Maloney and Cleary 15 metres out. Jacks short ball to Finucane, tackled ten metres out. Cameron Smith to Jacks, offloads to Smith and Crichton comes up with the ball. Melbourne Storm 16 Penrith Panthers 22