Accor Stadium will play host to Friday's NRL game between Penrith Panthers and Melbourne Storm. The game kicks off at 7:50 pm with Penrith Panthers heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Penrith Panthers vs. Melbourne Storm game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Friday September 22, 2023 at 7:50 pm

Where: Accor Stadium

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm Odds

Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm Preview

It comes as no surprise that in the 2023 NRL season, the Penrith Panthers and the Melbourne Storm are set to clash in a highly anticipated preliminary final, as both teams were expected to be top-four contenders from the season’s outset.

Throughout the year, the Panthers have maintained their red-hot form, establishing themselves as the team to beat for the third consecutive year. Their aim is to secure a remarkable three-peat as NRL Premiers. On the other hand, the Storm have had to overcome the loss of key players in the previous offseason, but they found their peak performance just in time for the NRL Finals in 2023.

In their two encounters this season, the Panthers have convincingly outplayed the Storm, making it difficult to anticipate anything other than a repetition of the Panthers’ dominance in the preliminary final.

Much like their approach against the Warriors in the first week of the finals, the Panthers are expected to control the territory and patiently seize their attacking opportunities when they arise. Their solid defense is unlikely to be greatly troubled by Melbourne’s offensive efforts, and a comfortable victory with a margin of 13+ points is predicted, with Melbourne not expected to score more than 2 converted tries in the game.

Brian To’o has been a thorn in Melbourne’s side, scoring in both of their encounters in 2023, and he is expected to continue his impact this week.

Key Stats:

• Penrith has won both of their matches against Melbourne in 2023 by a margin of 13+ points.
• In their last six victories, five of them have been by a margin of 13+ points.
• Melbourne has scored only 6 points in 3 out of their last 5 matches against Penrith.
• Brian To’o has scored 3 (1+2) tries against Melbourne in 2023.

Head to Head:

Penrith has displayed dominance over Melbourne in their two encounters in 2023, defeating the Storm 34-16 in round 18 and 26-6 in round 23.

In both of these victories, Penrith has completely controlled the territorial battle, spending 57% and 60% of the matches in Melbourne’s half.

Furthermore, Penrith has accumulated over 20% more running meters than Melbourne in their matches, and in both games, they recorded over 15 more tackles in their opposition’s 20-meter area.

Penrith Panthers’ Recent Form:

The Panthers enjoyed a week off after a convincing 32-6 dismantling of the New Zealand Warriors in the first week of the finals at BlueBet Stadium. The star of the show was Nathan Cleary, who delivered a masterclass performance with a try, a try assist, two linebreaks, and two linebreak assists. Cleary also pinned the Warriors deep in their own territory with over 500 kick meters in the match.

The Panthers’ backline was equally impressive, with all players running for over 100 meters each. Collectively, they tallied up 743 meters, with both Dylan Edwards and Brian To’o racking up 185 meters each in the game.

Penrith Panthers’ Team News:

The Panthers will see the return of Jarome Luai (shoulder) and center Izack Tago (pectoral) for the preliminary final. Jack Cogger will move to the bench, while Tyrone Peachey has been relegated to the 18th man.

Penrith Panthers’ Starting Lineup:

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

Melbourne Storm’s Recent Form:

In the second week of the NRL Finals, the Storm secured a narrow victory against the Sydney Roosters, winning 18-13 in Melbourne. Harry Grant’s introduction off the bench proved pivotal before halftime, as he generated opportunities for his teammates with two linebreak assists and a try assist, sparking a shift in momentum that kept the Storm in the game.

Melbourne Storm’s Team News:

Jahrome Hughes returns as a key inclusion for the Storm at halfback, with Tyran Wishart moving to the bench after his impressive performance against the Roosters. Xavier Coastes remains unavailable due to an ankle injury, which means Reimis Smith will be on the wing and Justin Olam will play in the centers.

Melbourne Storm’s Starting Lineup:

1. Nick Meaney
2. Will 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. Eli Katoa
13. Josh King

It’s sure to be an electrifying contest as these two powerhouse teams battle for a place in the Grand Finals.