Preview edition

NRL
>GAME 1
Penrith Panthers v Melbourne Storm
7:50pm AEST on Fox, Kayo and Ch9
CommBank Stadium, Parramatta
1.49-2.64
>What a way to begin Round 24. A Grand Final rematch that could be an appetiser for a 2025 Finals clash. The Panthers are the competition's form side, riding a nine-game winning streak into this clash. Their last outing was a 48-12 demolition of the Knights in Round 23. The Storm have been a model of consistency, holding a top-four spot all season. They enter on a three-game winning streak, including a 22-2 victory over the Broncos last round. The Panthers have named an unchanged 17 that dismantled Newcastle last weekend. The Storm lose fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen to concussion, with Nick Meaney shifting to the No. 1 jersey and Marion Seve coming into the centres. Nelson Asofa-Solomona has been named in the reserves. The Storm lead the overall head-to-head 32-16 since 1998. However, the Panthers have won seven of the last 12 clashes, including the 2024 Grand Final. The Storm won their most recent meeting 30-24 in Round 3 this season. This match pits the league's best attack against one of its toughest defences. The loss of Papenhuyzen is a huge blow for the Storm, and Penrith's Nathan Cleary will look to exploit the reshuffled backline with his elite kicking game.
Panthers 1-12 2.60
Panthers 13+ 2.90
Storm 1-12 3.40
Storm 13+ 7.25
Panthers -5.5 1.88 Storm +5.5 1.91