Melbourne Storm v Penrith Panthers: NRL Thursday preview

Melbourne Storm and Penrith Panthers clash in a repeat of the 2024 NRL grand final at AAMI Park on Thursday evening.

The Panthers came out on top on that occasion and the Storm will be keen to gain some revenge and show they mean business in 2025.

The Storm have been billed as the team to finally break Penrith’s recent dominance and can strike an early blow on home soil.

Penrith will not give up their crown easily though. Having won the last four premierships, they still have the thirst for more and will be the team to beat once again.

It is very early days in the new season, but it is still a massive game and one that neither side will want to lose.

Melbourne Storm v Penrith Panthers betting preview

Storm looking to strike early blow

Melbourne Storm opened their campaign in the perfect way with an impressive 56-18 win over the Parramatta Eels.

They are sure to have bigger tests in the weeks and months to come as the Eels are not in a great place, but a win is a win.

Craig Bellamy’s side showed true professionalism as they brushed aside the Eels, and look set to have a big year.

Xavier Coates and Ryan Papenhuyzen both grabbed two tries each in that win and will be key to the Storm’s chances of beating Penrith.

Nick Meaney was also a machine with the boot, kicking eight out of 10 conversions.

With Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes impressing in the halves, the Storm will be ready to take it to the Panthers, who have a new-look pairing of Nathan Cleary and Jack Cole.

The previous meetings have been tight. There was just eight points between the two sides in the grand final, while the Storm won the game before that by two points.

In Round 1 in 2024, the Storm won this fixture 8-0, and another intense, close battle looks to be on the cards once again.

Storm can be backed at 3.25 to win by 1-12 points.

Edwards a concern for Panthers

The Panthers will have concerns over the fitness of gun fullback Dylan Edwards heading into this clash.

Edwards appeared to suffer a groin injury in the surprise defeat against the Sydney Roosters at the weekend, and he could be touch and go.

The loss of Edwards would be a huge blow for the Panthers, who will be desperate to bounce back from the Roosters shock.

After starting the season in style with a win over the Cronulla Sharks, the Panthers suffered a Las Vegas hangover on home soil.

No one gave the Roosters a hope after they were thrashed by the Broncos the week before, but they managed to turn the Panthers over, 38-32 at CommBank Stadium.

Penrith are a champion side, however, and champion sides have a habit of bouncing back, particularly when they are wounded.

Brian To’o was back in the side and chipped in with a try against the Roosters and Penrith will need more of the same in what is sure to be a close game.

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Melbourne Storm v Penrith Panthers odds

Melbourne Storm - 1.33
Penrith Panthers - 3.35

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.