Round 24 NRL action begins in Penrith on Thursday with a blockbuster showdown between the Panthers and Storm. With most tipping that these two sides will feature in the Grand Final at the end of the season, NRL fans will be delighted by the exiting action which this match promises to deliver. The fixture will also go a long way to deciding the Minor Premiership, with each team unlikely to admit that it’s something which they will value winning. Before You Bet is here to take a detailed look at the action ahead, guiding you through the betting options and hopefully, finding a winner or two to add to your viewing enjoyment.
NRL Round 24 Preview & Betting Tips
Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm
BlueBet Stadium – Thursday 15th August – 7:50pm (AEST)
Match Preview
The Panthers produced a spirited comeback last week against the Eels, scoring 3 tries in as many minutes to prevail 36-34. While they will be disappointed that they allowed their opponents to score so many points, the manner of their victory highlights their class. They were off their best in that match; perhaps a harder week of training was experienced to prepare them for this game and the run towards the Finals. With just 49%, they completed at only 75% and averaged just 8.8m per carry. The Panthers are a far better team than that performance suggests.
The Storm were also victorious last week, defeating the Rabbitohs 28-16. Always in control of the result, the Storm jumped to a 22-4 HT lead and dropped the intensity in the second half. Had they kept the pressure on and intensity high, a blowout could’ve been experienced. They were clearly the better team; with 54% possession, they completed at 79%, averaged 10.1m per carry and had 5 line breaks. Like the Panthers, they will want to improve defensively; they missed 35 tackles, with better teams in the competition capable of punishing them for such mistakes.
Match Prediction
It is expected that Edwards and Fisher-Harris will return for the Panthers in this game; with a decision made closer to KO, their inclusion will give them a large boost. That, combined with recent form, has seen the Panthers listed as favourites ($1.53 vs $2.50); this is the situation the Storm thrive in.
With most expecting the Panthers to be too strong, the Storm are bound to have something in reserve. There is no doubt that their poor second half last week was the result of a heavy training week. The extra effort required by the Panthers could also be attributed to the same thing, but their finish would’ve taken its toll.
Despite the average margin of the past 5 matches between these two sides being 19.2 points, this game will be close. The Round 1 meeting saw an 8-nil win to the Storm in Melbourne; the intensity which each plays with should make for a tight contest. Defence is a cornerstone to the play of both sides and the Panthers have a slight edge, averaging just 16ppg compared with the Storms 18ppg.
Expect this game to go down to the final stages. Use this to your advantage when investing. Even with returning players, it will take some time for them to adjust to the intensity of this contest and the Storm are a capable team. If forced to make a H2H selection, there would be a slight lean towards the visitors, as their price is too high. Nevertheless, the preferred option is to play it safe and enjoy everything this blockbuster match has to offer.
Either Team by 10 Points or Less
$1.90 (2 Units)
Same Game Multi
The average total points in the past 5 matches between these two sides is 29.6. With a tight, defensive match expected, a similar total is expected. To’o has a great record against the Storm, scoring in 3 out of the past 4 matches against the Storm. Warbrick is second on tries scored for the Storm this year with 10. Expect him to be another attacking threat both in the air and on the ground, using his power to his advantage.
Total Points Under 43.5
To’o and Warbrick to Score
SGM Odds: $12 at Ladbrokes (0.5 Units)
