NRL Round 25 Preview - Storm v Panthers @ AAMI Park

Melbourne Storm v Penrith Panthers @ AAMI Park
 
Preview - The Storm will be looking to wrap up another Minor Premiership with a victory over the slumping Panthers on Friday night at AAMI Park. The Storm were scrappy again last week, but hung tough for a 10-8 victory over the Titans to stay in first place on the table, one game clear of the Roosters. The Panthers’ decision to sack Anthony Griffin is looking dumbfounding right now after three straight dreadful performances, culminating in a 36-16 shellacking to the Warriors. The Panthers are now 5th and need to win, and have results go their way, to have any hope of making the Top 4. 
 
Melbourne Storm Scouting Report - A massive loss for the Storm with fullback Billy Slater who is out for family reasons. named the reliable Tim Glasby at prop, with Christian Welch moving back to the bench. Cameron Munster is in some doubt, but has been named, whilst Ryan Hoffman is an outside chance to return having been named in the reserves.
 
Penrith Panthers’ Scouting Report - The Panthers welcome back one of their big guns with James Maloney back from a two-week layoff to partner Nathan Cleary in the halves. Tyrone Peachy shifts to the centres, with Dean Whare out for the season with a broken arm. 
 
Verdict - Storm by 1-6 in a low scoring game

I think Melbourne will win but, like most their games lately, I don’t think they will have it all their own way. They really looked tired at times against the Titans and, with injury issues, the Panthers have the ability to cause them problems if they can turn things around in the space of a week. Penrith have not slid as far as the Dragons, however they really have not produced anywhere near their best football since the Origin period, and are looking like a side lacking confidence and cohesion. Storm to win in a close one.