Penrith Panthers v Melbourne Storm betting tips & winner prediction

Welcome to our preview and free betting tips for a crucial round-24 NRL clash between title favourites Melbourne Storm and the four-time defending champions Penrith Panthers.

This promises to be one of the match-ups of the season between the two teams who clashed in last season’s grand final, won 14-6 by the Panthers.

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Penrith’s title defence looked done and dusted a couple of months ago but they have strung together nine wins to rise into fourth spot. They will be desperate not to let that slip here but they are facing a huge challenge in the run home in which they face the three top teams on the ladder in the next three weeks: Melbourne, followed by the Canberra Raiders and the Bulldogs, with the improving Dragons waiting in the final round.

Melbourne have regrouped following the major injury blow of losing halfback Jahrome Hughes (shoulder) until the finals, and a win here would put them firmly in position to challenge for the minor premiership.

But all the wagering money so far has been for Ivan Cleary’s side to chalk up their 10th win on the bounce.

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Teams news for Panthers v Storm clash

The Panthers are getting close to their best side, though skipper Isaah Yeo is still out with a shoulder injury of his own.

Melbourne, aside from the obvious absence of Hughes, have lost star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen to the concussion protocols. Giant prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona is named in the reserves after serving a suspension and returning via the Queensland Cup.

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Panthers v Storm

Start:	7.50pm AEST, Thursday, August 14
Venue:	CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Head-to-head odds:	Penrith $1.53 v Melbourne ($2.45)
Line betting:	Penrith -4.5 ($1.90) v Melbourne +4.5 ($1.90)
Series odds:	Penrith $4; Melbourne $2.75

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Panthers v Storm

Our NRL betting expert has highlighted his free tips for Thursday night’s game.

Melbourne +4.5 points/match total under 40.5 points

The Storm have been so good for so long and they could be about to bring a finals-like intensity against another team that has built its recent success on outstanding defence. The forecast is for rain so tries could be hard to come by. This selection is at around $3.80 with online betting sites.

Harry Grant (Storm) to score a try

The Storm hooker is the ultimate big-game player and he has scored a try in three of the Storm’s past four matches at this venue. He will be right in the thick of the action. You can find at least $5.50 with most Aussie bookmakers.

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Panthers v Storm prediction 

This will be a brutal encounter between two outstanding packs, back up by back lines full of speed and class. We’re tipping Melbourne to get another small measure of revenge for their grand final defeat, after they won the round-three clash between the team 30-24. Whoever salutes this is one game not to miss. Our final Penrith-Melbourne prediction? The Storm by 2 points.