NRL Round 5 Preview and Prediction - Melbourne Storm v Penrith Panthers @ AAMI Park

Melbourne Storm v Penrith Panthers @ AAMI Park
 
Preview - We get a Round 5 blockbuster here as the unbeaten Storm host a surging Panthers’ outfit. The Storm put together close to their worst 40 minutes in several seasons last week in the first half at Leichhardt Oval, before rallying to win 22-14. The Storm made 14 errors and missed 42 tackles in a very uncharacteristic performance, however still managed to grind out a victory, showing the winning mentality and cult that exists within this Club. Penrith swatted away Newcastle in breathtaking style last week, running riot in a 40-0 victory at Pepper Stadium. The Panthers have been building momentum in the last three weeks and showing people why many had them as Premiership favourites heading into the season. In between 30-point wins over the Tigers and Knights, the Panthers were desperately unlucky to go down 14-12 to the unbeaten Roosters in a high quality game of football. 
 
History - Penrith have a diabolical record against the Storm having won just one game from their past 17. The Panthers have also lost their last 6 games at AAMI Park in another extremely barren run. Last season when the sides clashed in Round 13, the Storm ran out convincing 24-6 victors. 
 
Melbourne Storm Preview - The Storm get some more size back in their team with front rower Jordan McLean back from injury taking his place in the starting side. Christian Welch drops back to the bench whilst Vincent Leuluai drops back to the State Cup side. I think Cooper Cronk has been off his game the past couple of weeks, missing a few passes and making some uncharacteristic errors. Being off contract at the end of the season I wonder if that is starting to play a role, although Cronk is the ultimate professional.
 
Penrith Panthers’ Scouting Report - Bryce Cartwright misses out for a third straight week with an ongoing ankle complaint. Last week, youngster Corey Harawira-Naera did well in his debut and he holds his place in the Panthers’ starting pack. James Fisher-Harris could yet return as he has been named on an extended bunch. Matt Moylan, for me, is playing better than any other fullback in the competition right now, and is making a serious case to regain his place as NSW Number 1. He is so heavily involved in the Panthers’ attack that he is like having a fullback and a five eight at the same time, and he will be putting pressure on the likes of Tedesco and Dugan if he continues in this vein. 
 
Verdict - Storm by 6-12

I'm going for the Storm at home where they are so hard to beat. I just think despite the Panthers’ great form, they have had two really soft wins against the Tigers and Knights and I'm not sure that’s the best preparation for taking on a side like  Melbourne. I think Craig Bellamy and Melbourne's Big 3 will be treating last week’s game against the Tigers as a loss, given how poorly they played for long periods. With Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater not quite at their best, it’s only a matter of time before they start playing back at their Representative level, and this might be the sort of big occasion game that springs them to life. There is no doubt Penrith are going to cause Melbourne some problems with their attack,  however I think Melbourne are capable of frustrating them into some errors and capitalising on any cheap turnovers.