Ten months on from their epic showdown in the 2024 grand final the Panthers and Storm square off in what many predict will be a preview of this year's decider.
On the back of nine straight wins, the Panthers have risen from last on the ladder to fourth to make it abundantly clear that a fifth consecutive title is still very much on the cards.
With matches against the Storm, Raiders and Bulldogs in the next three weeks the premiers will get a stern test of their credentials as they head into another finals series.
The Storm have gone about their business in typically professional fashion, sitting inside the top four the entire season and looking every inch a contender to the Panthers' crown.
After the shock of losing star half Jahrome Hughes to a shoulder injury in Round 21 they have regrouped to win their next two matches and continue building momentum towards September.
Team News
Panthers: The Panthers are 1-17 with no late changes. Isaah Yeo's return from a shoulder injury remains on hold for another week, with Isaiah Papali'i to wear the No.13 jersey. The Panthers roll out the same 17 that defeated the Knights last week. Penrith have won their past six games at CommBank Stadium.
Storm: Big positional changes on game day with Cameron Munster going to fullback, Nick Meaney to centre, Joe Chan to the bench and Jonah Pezet comes in at five-eighth. Munster takes over at the back from Ryan Papenhuyzen, who has been ruled out with a concussion. Marion Seve will play his first NRL game since Round 4 in the centres. Bronson Garlick is 18th man. Nelson Asofa-Solomona was listed among the reserves after playing Queensland Cup last week but dropped out on Wednesday when the squad was trimmed to 19.
Match: Panthers v Storm
Round 24 -
Panthers
Storm
Team Lists
Backs
- Dylan EdwardsCameron Munster
- Thomas JenkinsGrant Anderson
- Izack TagoNick Meaney
- Casey McLeanMarion Seve
- Brian To'oXavier Coates
- Blaize TalagiJonah Pezet
- Nathan ClearyTyran Wishart
Forwards
- Moses LeotaStefano Utoikamanu
- Mitch KennyHarry Grant
- Lindsay SmithJosh King
- Luke GarnerShawn Blore
- Liam MartinEliesa Katoa
- Isaiah Papali'iTrent Loiero
Interchange
- Brad SchneiderJoe Chan
- Liam HenryAlec MacDonald
- Matthew EisenhuthTui Kamikamica
- Scott SorensenAtivalu Lisati
Reserves
- Paul AlamotiBronson Garlick
Match Officials
- Referee: Ashley Klein
- Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Panthers have scored 30 points or more in their last five games.
- The Storm have won 14 of their last 15 Thursday night games.
- The Panthers have won their last six games at CommBank Stadium.
- The Storm have won three of their past four games against the Panthers.
- Panthers winger Brian To’o has scored eight tries in his last seven games against the Storm.