Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers Preview & Prediction | NRL 2024 | Regular Season

Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!

THE FACTS

When is Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers on and what time does it start? Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers will take place on Friday 8th March, 2024 – 09:05 (UK)

Where can I get tickets for Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers? Click here for ticket information on 2023 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

• Melbourne Storm crashed out at the preliminary final stage of last season, going down to eventual Premiership winners Penrith Panthers in a one-sided contest.
• The Storm’s injuries caught up with them in that game but they look a lot stronger here and they have received a huge boost for the start of this campaign with fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen named to return.

Starting 13: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Reimis Smith 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Joe Chan 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero Bench: 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Christian Welch 16. Chris Lewis 17. Alec MacDonald Reserves: 18. Shawn Blore 19. Kane Bradley 20. Jonah Pezet 21. Marion Seve 22. Sualauvi Faalogo

PENRITH PANTHERS

• Penrith Panthers secured a third Premiership in succession as they produced an unbelievable comeback to defeat Brisbane Broncos in a thrilling Grand Final.
• They went down to Wigan Warriors in the recent World Club Challenge and while they will not be too deterred by that defeat, the off-season loss of Stephen Crichton looks significant.

Starting 13: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Taylan May 5. Brian To'o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Luke Sommerton 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo Bench: 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry 17. Matt Eisenhuth Reserves: 18. Daine Laurie 19. Soni Luke 20. Brad Schneider 21. Preston Riki 22. Mavrik Geyer

THE PREDICTION

Melbourne Storm will hope to avenge their preliminary final loss as they take on Penrith Panthers. The visitors come into this as defending premiers having won a third consecutive title last time around but their roster does not look as strong in 2024. For the Storm, they will be eager to put in a big performance in this opening matchup and if Cameron Munster is able to prove his fitness, the hosts are worth taking with the aid of a start on the handicap.

TIP: MELBOURNE STORM +8.5