THE FACTS
When is Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm taking place? Saturday 30th March, 08:35
Where is Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm taking place? Carrington Park
What channel is Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm on?
UK – This match will not be televised live in the UK
Australia – Fox Sports
Where can I stream Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm?
UK – N/A
Australia – https://www.telstra.com.au/tv-movies-music/sports-offer
Where can I get tickets for Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm?
Penrith Panthers – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500014
Melbourne Storm – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500021
THE TEAM NEWS
PENRITH PANTHERS
Head Coach: Ivan Cleary
Starting 13: Edwards, Mansour, Whare, Blake, D. Watene-Zelezniak, Maloney, Cleary, Tamou, Katoa, Campbell-Gillard, Fisher-Harris, Winterstein, Sele – Interchanges: Egan, Fuimaono, Leota, Hetherington – Reserves: Luai, Grant, M. Watene-Zelezniak, Martin
Unavailable: Viliame Kikau, Tyrone May, Sam McKendry
- Penrith produced a solid display with James Maloney coming up with some big defensive plays as the Panthers beat the Knights but now they face a tough test against Melbourne who have won both of their games so far this season.
- Panthers' Isaah Yeo will see a specialist after he inexplicably came back on against the Knights after a second head knock in as many weeks and will be sidelined until he has been cleared.
- Yeo is replaced in the back-row by Frank Winterstein with Tyrell Fuimaono coming onto the bench whilst Josh Mansour has overcome a shoulder issue to replace Malakai Watene-Zelezniak.
MELBOURNE STORM
Head Coach: Craig Bellamy
Starting 13: Hughes, Vunivalu, Chambers, Scott, Addo-Carr, Munster, Croft, J. Bromwich, C. Smith, Asofa-Solomona, F. Kaufusi, K. Bromwich, Finucane – Interchanges: B. Smith, Welch, Kamikamica, Seve – Reserves: Papenhuyzen, P. Kaufusi, Vete, Walters
Unavailable: Scott Drinkwater, Joe Stimson, Tom Eisenhuth
- Melbourne were too classy for Canberra as they claimed a comfortable win in the capital with Suliasi Vunivalu claiming a hat-trick and will be looking for a third-straight victory to start the season.
- The Storm avoided injury last week and have named the same 17 this week although one of the spots on the bench could be up for grabs if Craig Bellamy opts to make a late change to his side.
- Melbourne have started the season in impressive fashion, controlling both of their games from start to finish and they will be looking to do the same against Penrith although will face a sterner test from a pack that has a lot of size.
THE PREDICTION
Penrith put in a more complete performance against Newcastle last week but still have a lot of improvements to make as they host Melbourne. The Storm have looked very impressive thanks to their big pack dominating in their opening two matches and should make it three wins in a row here. They could face their toughest contest so far with Penrith’s pack set to go toe-to-toe but the Storm have looked very dominant at the start of the season and it will take a special effort to turn them over.
