Thursday night footy: Storm v Panthers
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The 2026 season certainly has not gone to plan for the Melbourne Storm but they remain an outside chance of making the eight if they can win their last three games - starting with old foes Penrith on Thursday night.
The Panthers have gone off the boil in recent weeks and could be vulnerable to a Craig Bellamy ambush at AAMI Park to open Round 25.
Losses to the Roosters and Warriors in the past fortnight have exposed some chinks in the Panthers' armour and Storm guns Cameron Munster and Harry Grant could be just the right men to exploit that.
Follow all the action of Round 25 of the NRL Telstra Premiership on NRL.com's live blog.
Storm v Panthers at AAMI Park
Match: Storm v Panthers
Round 25 -
home Team
Storm
11th Position
away Team
Panthers
2nd Position
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
13 min: The Storm are saved by a Liam Martin knock on close to the line.
12 min: The Panthers are gifted a golden opportunity after Melbourne concede back-to-back penalties in their own end.
8 min: Shawn Blore leaves the filed for a HIA.
5 min: A Trent Loiero penalty allows the Panthers to march straight back into their attacking zone but Melbourne's defence holds firm.
Brian To'o Try
3 min: The perfect start for Penrith as Nathan Cleary kicks to the posts and Lindsay Smith soars high to gather ball and send a long pass out to Brian To'o for his 100th career try. Panthers 6-0.
Late Mail
Storm: A late switch with Tyran Wishart starting at halfback and Trent Toelau going to the bench. Captain Harry Grant came through Wednesday's final training session and makes his return from a hamstring injury. Joe Chan goes to the bench to accommodate the return of centre Jack Howarth (shoulder).
Panthers: Back-rower Luke Garner has been added to the bench 90 minutes before kick-off. Garner made his return to action through NSW Cup last weekend and is line for his first NRL action since Round 17. Young gun Casey McLean lines up for his first game since Round 22 having overcome a hand injury.
Numbers Game
- The Storm have won nine from 10 against the Panthers at AAMI Park.
- Panthers winger Brian To’o has scored nine tries in his last nine games against the Storm.
- The Storm have won their last nine games immediately following a bye.
- Ivan Cleary will reach the milestone of 500 games as NRL coach.
- Storm winger Moses Leo has scored five tries in his last four games at AAMI Park.
