There are just 3 regular season rounds remaining and this ensures the intensity in NRL matches is going to be at an all-time high for season 2026. Round 25 begins in Melbourne this week as the Storm host the Panthers. Most would’ve anticipated this to be an early Finals preview, but the fortunes of the host team have abandoned that thought. Still, with quality remaining, a blockbuster contest waits for two capable teams to do battle.
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Storm vs Panthers Predictions & Tips: NRL Round 25 2026
Spirited Storm at their peak
This season has seen a decline in the performance of the Storm but there were positive signs in Round 23 as they dismantled the Sea Eagles in their 42-20 victory as the ‘home’ team in Perth. Going behind early in the first half but fighting back to trail 14-12 at HT, the Storm kicked into another gear in the second half and their opponents were powerless to stop them. In the end, they had 52% possession, a 77% completion rate, ran for 8.2m per carry, and made 446 PCM’s. Their defence was improved too, missing just 23 tackles and resembling teams that have gone before them in previous years.
Knocked off top spot
The Panthers were defeated 12-6 on the road last week by the Roosters, a loss which has also seen them drop to 2nd on the competition ladder. It a tight game which mirrored a Finals intensity, the Panthers were lacking an edge. Expected to struggle with key players absent and other underdone, they must be better should they aim to be at their best. In the end, they had 52% possession but completed at just 73%, made just 7.6m per carry, and created only 3 line breaks. The biggest concern surrounds their defence and the fact that they missed 44 tackles. This area must be improved heading into the Finals.
Stats that matter
- These two sides met in Round 5 where the Panthers prevailed 50-10. They hate traveling south though, winning just 10% (once) of games at this ground (Storm 76%). The Storm have also won 4 of the past 6 games between these two sides.
- In the past 5 games between them, the average margin of victory is 12 points, with 4 games decided by 8 points or less. The total points is low also, averaging just 46ppg.
- It is no surprise that the Panthers are the superior team on both sides of the ball this season. They average 28ppg in attack and concede just 14ppg defensively. The Storm average 24ppg for both attack and defence in 2026.
More to play for
Each side has key inclusions ahead of this game with Grant (Storm) and McLean (Panthers) back from injury; each player has a positive impact on their team’s performance each week. With the Finals approaching, this is a game which could be tricky for the visitors as the Storm are a dangerous team at home; the Panthers also have a horrendous record here. Yet, with more to play for, one would think that the visitors will be too strong. The loss last week might have come at a good time as it refocuses them ahead of the next few weeks. It also shows that they have areas of improvement within their game which must be addressed. Still down on kay players, they will do well to overcome the Storm convincingly.
Nothing would please the home side more than disrupting the momentum of a Finals bound opponent. That being said, a lot would still have to go right for them over 80 minutes to cause an upset. With the Panthers defence remaining strong, they should have what it takes to cover the line in this match and grab a vital victory.
Panthers -7.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Storm vs Panthers Same Game Multi
Leg 1 = Total points over 42.5 – see above for justification.
Leg 2 = McLean to score – returning from injury, he would’ve had this game circled in the calendar as he has scored in 3 of his past 4 games against the Storm. It’s time he returned to his best just ahead of the Finals also.
Leg 3 = Cleary to score – there has been a resurgence of Cleary scoring recently and when the game is on the line, he wants the ball in his hands. With 2 tries from his two most recent games against the Storm and another try only 2 weeks ago, expect to see Cleary dominate this game throughout.
Storm vs Panthers Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Thursday 20th August
Location: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Time: 7:50pm (AEST)
Odds: Storm $3 vs Panthers $1.40
Line: +7.5
Points: 42.5
Where to Watch Storm vs Panthers
Watch the Storm vs Panthers match live and ad free on Kayo Sports.
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