THE FACTS
When is Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers taking place? Saturday 25th September, 2021 – 07:00 (UK)
Where is Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers taking place? Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Where can I get tickets for Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers? Click here for ticket information on 2021 NRL matches
What channel is Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers on? Sky Sports Arena will be televising selected NRL games in the UK and you can find their schedule here. For Australian broadcasters, you can find a list here
Where can I stream Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers? If televised on Sky Sports, then subscribers will be able to stream the match live via Sky Go. Alternatively, the match will be available to subscribers of Watch NRL
THE TEAM NEWS
MELBOURNE STORM
Starting 13: Papenhuyzen, Jennings, R. Smith, Olam, Addo-Carr, Munster, Hughes, J. Bromwich, B. Smith, Welch, Kaufusi, K. Bromwich, Finucane – Interchanges: H. Grant, Kamikamica, Asofa-Solomona, Hynes – Reserves: Pene, Eisenhuth, Lewis, Lumelume
Unavailable: Max King (Injured)
PENRITH PANTHERS
Starting 13: Edwards, Crichton, Momirovski, Burton, Naden, Luai, Cleary, Leota, Koroisau, Fisher-Harris, Kikau, Capewell, Yeo – Interchanges: Ty. May, Sorensen, Pangai Jnr., Martin – Reserves: Tago, Leniu, Hopgood, To’o
Unavailable: Mitch Kenny (Injured)
THE PREDICTION
In a repeat of last season’s NRL Grand Final, reigning premiers Melbourne Storm will take on Penrith Panthers with the winners advancing to the final once again. The Panthers come into this on the back of an energy-sapping win over rivals Parramatta Eels and it remains to be seen how much that effort has taken out of them. A refreshed Melbourne will relish this contest and look to play at a high intensity from the first whistle. The Storm boast the best attack in the competition and while the Panthers are strong defensively, they have had issues with the ball in recent matches. To beat the Storm, they will have to be good on both sides of the ball but it is hard to overlook the minor premiers on the back of a week off and they can move a step closer to defending their title.