Round 1 vs Panthers @ AAMI Park
Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2024 2:39 pm
Thought I would get the discussion under way for round 1
Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers
Friday 8th March 2024
AAMI Park, Melbourne
8:05pm kick off
Predicted round 1 line ups -
Melbourne Storm
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen
2. Will Warbrick
3. Reimis Smith
4. Nick Meaney
5. Xavier Coates
6. Cameron Munster
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. Josh King
9. Harry Grant (c)
10. Tui Kamikamika
11. Eli Katoa
12. Shawn Blore
13. Trent Loiero
14. Sua Fa’alogo
15. Joe Chan
16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
17. Christian Welch
Team News: Newscorp have reported that Shawn Blore will join Katoa in the back row for round 1. Joe Chan has also impressed in the trials and has jumped the queue for a bench spot. They have also reported that Fa’alogo will be in the 17 somewhere and also confirmed Loiero being used as a middle forward.
Penrith Panthers
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Izack Tago
4. Taylan May
5. Brian To’o
6. Jarome Luai
7. Nathan Cleary (c)
8. Moses Leota
9. Soni Luke
10. James Fisher-Harris
11. Scott Sorensen
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Matt Eisenhuth
15. Lindsay Smith
16. Tyrone Peachey
17. Liam Henry
Team News : Newscorp have reported that Luai and Sorensen will be fit to start the season, but Penrith will be without Mitch Kenny for round 1 due to suspension for an off season indiscretion. The Panthers have a few niggles from the WCC loss to Wigan but are expected to be close to full strength to kick off the season.
Match Preview:
Another battle with the NRL powerhouse that is Penrith, the 3 time premiers are licking their wounds after a tough WCC loss and will be looking to hit back against an old foe. The 2020 premiership is still the only blemish on a dominant Panthers dynasty and there are always fireworks when these teams clash.
Penrith sent the Storm packing in last years Preliminary Final in embarrassing fashion and the boys will be keen to make amends. The team has never lost a round 1 game under Craig Bellamy and put that record on the line in the hardest possible start to the season.
Will Penrith be jet lagged and vulnerable after their trip to England or will they be fired up and take out their frustrations on us? After a decent pre season the boys look primed for a big 2024, I like us in a tight one.
Tip: Storm 18 Penrith 14
Betting odds
Storm - $2.15
Panthers - $1.70
Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers
Friday 8th March 2024
AAMI Park, Melbourne
8:05pm kick off
Predicted round 1 line ups -
Melbourne Storm
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen
2. Will Warbrick
3. Reimis Smith
4. Nick Meaney
5. Xavier Coates
6. Cameron Munster
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. Josh King
9. Harry Grant (c)
10. Tui Kamikamika
11. Eli Katoa
12. Shawn Blore
13. Trent Loiero
14. Sua Fa’alogo
15. Joe Chan
16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
17. Christian Welch
Team News: Newscorp have reported that Shawn Blore will join Katoa in the back row for round 1. Joe Chan has also impressed in the trials and has jumped the queue for a bench spot. They have also reported that Fa’alogo will be in the 17 somewhere and also confirmed Loiero being used as a middle forward.
Penrith Panthers
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Izack Tago
4. Taylan May
5. Brian To’o
6. Jarome Luai
7. Nathan Cleary (c)
8. Moses Leota
9. Soni Luke
10. James Fisher-Harris
11. Scott Sorensen
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Matt Eisenhuth
15. Lindsay Smith
16. Tyrone Peachey
17. Liam Henry
Team News : Newscorp have reported that Luai and Sorensen will be fit to start the season, but Penrith will be without Mitch Kenny for round 1 due to suspension for an off season indiscretion. The Panthers have a few niggles from the WCC loss to Wigan but are expected to be close to full strength to kick off the season.
Match Preview:
Another battle with the NRL powerhouse that is Penrith, the 3 time premiers are licking their wounds after a tough WCC loss and will be looking to hit back against an old foe. The 2020 premiership is still the only blemish on a dominant Panthers dynasty and there are always fireworks when these teams clash.
Penrith sent the Storm packing in last years Preliminary Final in embarrassing fashion and the boys will be keen to make amends. The team has never lost a round 1 game under Craig Bellamy and put that record on the line in the hardest possible start to the season.
Will Penrith be jet lagged and vulnerable after their trip to England or will they be fired up and take out their frustrations on us? After a decent pre season the boys look primed for a big 2024, I like us in a tight one.
Tip: Storm 18 Penrith 14
Betting odds
Storm - $2.15
Panthers - $1.70