The Stats Zone
September 21 2023, 10:37 · Ash Wheldon

Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm Preview & Prediction | NRL 2023 | Preliminary Final

Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm Preview & Prediction | NRL 2023 | Preliminary Final
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THE FACTS

When is Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm on and what time does it start? Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm will take place on Friday 22nd September, 2023 – 10:50 (UK)

Where is Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm taking place? Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm will take place at Accor Stadium in Sydney, Australia

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

What channel is Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm 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 Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm? 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

PENRITH PANTHERS

  • Penrith Panthers were comfortable victors in their qualifying final against New Zealand Warriors as the reigning premiers moved a step closer to recording a third successive NRL title.
  • The Panthers now come up against a Melbourne Storm side that they have better in four of their past five matchups and are boosted by the return of five-eighth Jarome Luai and centre Izack Tago.

Starting 13: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To'o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo Bench: 14. Jack Cogger 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Luke Garner Reserves: 18. Tyrone Peachey 19. Matt Eisenhuth 20. Zac Hosking 21. Luke Sommerton 22. Thomas Jenkins

MELBOURNE STORM

  • Melbourne Storm edged a tense affair with Sydney Roosters as Will Warbrick’s last-gasp try saw Craig Bellamy’s side keep their season alive.
  • The Storm will need to be much better if they are to compete with an impressive Panthers outfit but they have been given a helping hand with halfback Jahrome Hughes coming back into the side after overcoming a calf injury.

Starting 13: 1. Nick Meaney 2. William Warbrick 3. Marion Seve 4. Justin Olam 5. Reimis Smith 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch 11. Trent Loiero 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Josh King Bench: 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Tom Eisenhuth 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 17. Tariq Sims Reserves:18. Grant Anderson 19. Bronson Garlick 20. Sualauvi Faalogo 21. Tepai Moeroa 22. Chris Lewis

THE PREDICTION

Penrith Panthers come into this preliminary final on the back of a week off and there is a danger that this game with Melbourne Storm could be a blowout. The Panthers have been able to name a very strong side and they will take some beating here. The Storm were relatively poor in their win over Sydney Roosters last week and while they have plenty of room for improvement, it is tough to see them living with the Panthers with the Melbourne outfit looking like they are only here to make up the numbers so back the reigning premiers to win by 13+ points.