Storm Defeats The Panthers To Maintain The Title Race Alive

For the first time in seven years, the Panthers were held without a goal as the Storm defeated them 16-0 and maintained their chances of winning the minor premiership.

For the first time since the Storm blanked them 20-0 in 2015, Penrith failed to register a point despite having 55% of the possession and more than 50 tackles within 20 metres of Melbourne’s try line.

The Panthers have now lost 2 of their last 3 games, giving North Queensland hope of taking the JJ Giltinan Shield when the top two teams square off in the final round at QCB Stadium. It was Melbourne’s third straight victory.

Players Who Were Not Present

The Premiers entered the game without suspended players James Fisher-Harris and Nathan Cleary, the injured Jarome Luai, Dylan Edwards, Taylan May trio and Liam Martin due to an ankle injury.

On the other hand, the Storm has also been severely impacted by injuries; Jahrome Hughes, a prominent halfback, was out with a shoulder injury, and second-rower Felise Kaufusi was not present due to the passing away of his father.

The choice to switch Cameron Munster from five-eighth to fullback proved to be a stroke of genius as the outstanding playmaker carried the ball 194 metres on 17 runs, breaking eight tackles and contributing to three line breaks.

The win moves Melbourne into fourth place, and they will remain in the top four if South Sydney defeats Parramatta on Friday night.

However, the Storm was most impressive on defence, where hooker Harry Grant finished with 62 tackles, followed by second-rowers Tui Kamikamica (53) and Kenny Bromwich (43), lock Brandon Smith (39), interchange forward Josh King (38) and prop Jesse Bromwich.

What’s Next?

While the Storm travels to Brisbane to play the Broncos the following Friday before games against the Roosters and Eels, the Panthers play the Rabbitohs at Accor Stadium the next Thursday night before playing the Warriors and Cowboys.

Penrith fullback Dylan Edwards (shoulder and sternum) may be available as a late withdrawal from the Melbourne clash.

Still, the premiers also have a new injury issue as Liam Martin was helped off the field in the second half. Martin twisted his left ankle awkwardly and was forced to sit out the final 25 minutes of the game while on crutches.

The Panthers are still without suspended talents James Fisher-Harris and Nathan Cleary. At the same time, NSW Origin five-eighth Jarome Luai won’t be ready to play again until the finals because of a knee injury.