2021 NRL – Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers taking place? Saturday 25th September, 2021 – 07:00 (UK)
Where is Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers taking place? Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Where can I get tickets for Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers? Click here for ticket information on 2021 NRL matches
What channel is Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers on? Sky Sports Arena will be televising selected NRL games in the UK and you can find their schedule here. For Australian broadcasters, you can find a list here
Where can I stream Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers? If televised on Sky Sports, then subscribers will be able to stream the match live via Sky Go. Alternatively, the match will be available to subscribers of Watch NRL
THE TEAM NEWS
MELBOURNE STORM
Starting 13: Papenhuyzen, Jennings, R. Smith, Olam, Addo-Carr, Munster, Hughes, J. Bromwich, B. Smith, Welch, Kaufusi, K. Bromwich, Finucane – Interchanges: H. Grant, Kamikamica, Asofa-Solomona, Hynes – Reserves: Pene, Eisenhuth, Lewis, Lumelume
Unavailable: Max King (Injured)
- Melbourne Storm were brilliant as they blew Manly Sea Eagles away in their opening match of the finals, earning the minor premiers the week off ahead of this preliminary final clash with Penrith Panthers.
- The Storm were excellent in that game, looking every inch a champion side with Ryan Papenhuyzen having a big influence and the week off has allowed Melbourne to return to full strength with rapid winger Josh Addo-Carr back in the side after overcoming a hamstring injury.
PENRITH PANTHERS
Starting 13: Edwards, Crichton, Momirovski, Burton, Naden, Luai, Cleary, Leota, Koroisau, Fisher-Harris, Kikau, Capewell, Yeo – Interchanges: Ty. May, Sorensen, Pangai Jnr., Martin – Reserves: Tago, Leniu, Hopgood, To’o
Unavailable: Mitch Kenny (Injured)
- Penrith Panthers bounced back from their loss to South Sydney Rabbitohs by edging a thriller with western Sydney rivals Parramatta Eels last week to set-up a repeat of last season’s Grand Final in this preliminary final.
- In what was a controversial affair, the Panthers came out on top by just two points in the 8-6 victory with their defensive efforts keeping the Eels at bay but it did come at a cost with Mitch Kenny picking up an ankle injury while Viliame Kikau is a doubt for this game with Brian To’o also needing to prove his fitness to return to the side.
THE PREDICTION
In a repeat of last season’s NRL Grand Final, reigning premiers
Melbourne Storm will take on Penrith Panthers with the winners advancing
to the final once again. The Panthers come into this on the back of an
energy-sapping win over rivals Parramatta Eels and it remains to be seen
how much that effort has taken out of them. A refreshed Melbourne will
relish this contest and look to play at a high intensity from the first
whistle. The Storm boast the best attack in the competition and while
the Panthers are strong defensively, they have had issues with the ball
in recent matches. To beat the Storm, they will have to be good on both
sides of the ball but it is hard to overlook the minor premiers on the
back of a week off and they can move a step closer to defending their
title.
