What a way to open up NRL round 3! A Grand Final rematch awaits on Thursday night as the Storm and the Panthers reconvene to do battle once more.
Melbourne will be out for revenge after they were smothered 14-6 in last year’s decider, unable to prevent Penrith from winning their fourth straight premiership.
A lot has changed since then however, with Melbourne the current favourites for this year’s title and Penrith coming off a shock loss to the depleted Roosters.
Since Jarome Luai and James Fisher-Harris deprived the Panthers of their services, their aura has faded somewhat. Still, underestimate them at your own risk. This should still be an absolute cracker.
Let’s have a look at how both teams should line up, as well as some betting tips for the H2H, first try scorer and over/under markets. Here is our Storm vs Panthers prediction.
Storm vs Panthers Round 3 Teams
Melbourne Storm
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Will Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eli Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Penrith Panthers
1. Daine Laurie 2. Casey McLean 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Brian To'o 6. Jack Cole 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Brad Schneider 15. Isaiah Papali'i 16. Liam Henry 17. Luke Garner
Storm vs Panthers Prediction and Betting Tips
Head-to-Head Prediction
Penrith will no doubt be reeling from their shock loss to the depleted Roosters last week, after entering that game roughly 10/1 favourites.
The Storm on the hand will be fully rested and raring to go, after backing up their opening round 56-18 win with the bye. It doesn’t get much better than that when it comes to preparation.
To make matters worse for Penrith, their star fullback Dylan Edwards left the field in the second half against the Roosters with injury and did not return.
If Edwards fails to recover in time to run out for this one, it could be a long night for the boys from the foot of the mountains down in Melbourne.
Need another reason to back Melbourne? They’ve won 21 of their last 23 matches at AAMI Park.
Betting tip: Melbourne Storm.
First Try Scorer Prediction
Based on his performance in the opening round of the season, you wouldn’t know Melbourne fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen has overcome some of the worst injury setbacks in recent rugby league history.
Considered lucky by many to still be able to play, Papenhuyzen doesn’t just participate for the Storm, he dominates.
Somehow, he hasn’t lost an ounce of speed and no doubt his teammates will be looking to get him into open space ASAP in this one.
Betting tip: Ryan Papenhuyzen.
Over/Under Prediction
These two sides have traditionally been involved in low scoring scraps, such is their defensive capabilities.
The scorelines of their last three matches read: 14-6, 24-22 and 8-0. None of these totals have eclipsed the over/under line of 46.5 points that has been set for this match.
Betting tip: Under total match points.
Storm vs Panthers Match Details
Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025.
Kick-off: 8:00pm AEDT.
Location: AAMI Park, Melbourne.