Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm Preview
Penrith are flying but they have had a problem with Melbourne Storm in regular season matches. They have won four in a row, finals aside, and are backed in the handicap market with a +8.5 start.
- Penrith are not only the number 1 ranked scoring defence, they lead the league in opposition Linebreaks, Run Metres and Completion Rate.
- The Storm have covered in 4 straight games against Penrith when they are underdogs.
- Melbourne have conceded 4 tries to opposition 2nd Rowers in their last 2 games and conceded 2 tries to forwards in their last matchup vs Penrith.
- Isaiah Papali’i scored in his most recent game vs Melbourne and also scored in last week’s win vs Parramatta.
- Thomas Jenkins has scored the last try for Penrith in 3 of 4 games this season.
Head to Head
These two teams have met 16 times since the start of the 2019 season. Four of those games have been finals matches including two Grand Finals.
Penrith hold a 3-1 advantage in Finals but Melbourne hold a 7-5 lead in the regular season head to head which includes four straight games, the most recent a 22-18 win last year in Golden Point.
The last three straight regular season games have gone Over the Game Total but the win margin has been six points or less.
Penrith Panthers Flying Through Opening Rounds
Penrith remain the only undefeated team through the first four rounds with their defence anchoring the team just like through their dynasty era.
They have allowed a combined 30 points through four games, 18 pts less than the next team in the Bulldogs who have only played three games. Not only has their defence been the best we have seen, their attack is the best in the league, amassing 140 pts to start the year.
The game last week against Parramatta was almost over before it started with the Panthers scoring three times in the first 12 minutes. They led 30-4 at the half and controlled the tempo in the 2nd, not allowing their opponent to get back into the game.
Melbourne Storm Now 2-2 After Defeat
Melbourne were on the wrong end of the upset of the round last weekend, going down to the North QLD Cowboys 28-24 in Townsville. The loss takes them to 2-2 on the season but they remain in the top 8 thanks to a superior points differential.
The Storm led 16-10 at half time but a poor completion rate coupled with portions of low possession meant they struggled to put any significant points on the board to put their opposition away. The Cowboys scored 3 tries in the final 12 minutes of play to comeback and take the victory.
Sua Fa’alongo scored a try while also making two Linebreaks and having 203 Run Metres in the game. He has now scored seven tries in four games this season and has contributed with two Try Assists and 27 Tackle Breaks.