Panthers vs Storm Betting Analysis and Prediction

A crucial weekend in the NRL lies ahead. The Penrith Panthers remain at the top of the standings at this late stage, but they will face a huge challenge this Friday as they come up against an in-form Melbourne Storm.

Both sides look safe in their hunt for a playoff spot in the NRL, but which team will come out on top when they collide in Sydney? You can find the latest rugby odds and our Rugby prediction here.

Penrith Panthers vs. Melbourne Storm

Location of the Game: BlueBet Stadium, Sydney, Australia.

Date and Time: Friday, August 4. 6:00 AM ET.

How to Watch: NRL Player

The Panthers and Storm have clashed on 42 previous occasions since 1998. The Storm have dominated the previous encounters between the sides, as they have won 29 times.

Meanwhile, Penrith has recorded 13 victories. However, the Panthers landed a 34-16 win in the previous match between the sides in June 2023.

There is little denying that the Panthers have been one of the standout teams in the NRL this season. The team based in Sydney has been one of the prominent rugby league predictions throughout the season, and they remain top of the standings after winning each of their last four matches. If anything, the Panthers are looking stronger as the season progresses.

There was further evidence of that last weekend, as they landed a huge 28-0 win over the Sharks at BlueBet Stadium. The win means that they have now scored 72 points in their previous two home matches, and they have allowed just 18 points. However, they will need a victory this weekend to remain top of the rugby standings, as they are currently level on points with the Broncos.

There will be pressure on the Storm this weekend, as there will be a desperate need to rediscover their consistency if they are to stand a chance of an unlikely playoff success.

The initial signs were positive last weekend, as they were comprehensive 48-16 winners over the Eels. But that performance was needed following their disappointing 26-18 defeat against the Knights on July 22.

Consistency has been a huge issue throughout this season, evident from the fact that they have won twice and lost twice over their last four matches. But, before making a Panthers vs Storm prediction, it is worth considering Melbourne’s record at BlueBet Stadium.

The Storm have won seven of their last nine away matches against the Panthers, while Penrith hasn’t recorded back-to-back wins over the Storm in the regular season since 2005.

Zac Hosking will replace the suspended Tyrone Peachey for the Panthers this weekend. Meanwhile, the Storm will welcome back Nelson Aosfa-Solomona. Ryan Papenhuyzen is also nearing his comeback for Melbourne.

Moneyline: The Panthers are firm favorites in the betting at -278. Meanwhile, the Storm victory is currently available at +220.

Spread: Panthers are at -110 to cover the (-9.5) spread this weekend. The Storm are at -110 to cover the (+9.5) spread.

The Panthers have been in electric form over recent months, and they are looking seriously challenging to oppose this term. However, the Storm record at BlueBet Stadium is an interesting trend, and the fact that they haven’t lost back-to-back regular-season games against the Panthers since 2005 is also hard to dismiss.

Therefore, for our Panthers vs Storm prediction, we will be taking a chance on the visitors on the spread.

• Pick: Melbourne Storm (+9.5) (-110)

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