Penrith Panthers v Melbourne Storm: Prediction, Tips and Odds

The two best teams in the NRL will meet at the BlueBet Stadium on Thursday as the Penrith Panthers host the Melbourne Storm.

Melbourne have a two-point cushion at the top of the table, and it looks like either of these sides will go on to win the minor Premiership crown.

The Panthers won the league title in 2020, 2022 and 2023, while Melbourne finished top of the regular season in 2019 and 2021, so both teams have set the standard in recent years.

Thursday's match promises to be a classic and could be the game of the season if both teams play to their potential.

Penrith Panthers v Melbourne Storm betting tips and predictions

Winning margin - Penrith Panthers - 1-10 points - 5/2

Penrith, like they always do, continue to find a way to win at this stage of the season.

Ivan Cleary's side have won five games in a row and they came back from behind at the death to beat the Parramatta Eels 36-34 last week.

Penrith scored three tries in three minutes to overturn a 14-point deficit, and they are masters at coming up with the goods when it matters.

Penrith have won five of their last seven games against the Storm, and they are just performing at a slightly better level at the moment.

Melbourne should not be outclassed, though, as they have won seven in eight on the road.

Under 43.5 points - 91/100

The only blemish on Thursday's fixture is the team news, as both teams are missing key personnel.

Penrith back-rower Scott Sorensen is out with a hamstring problem, while Dylan Edwards is still a doubt due to a knee issue.

Liam Martin is suspended after being handed a one-match ban, while Melbourne forward Eli Katoa is a doubt due to a knee injury.

While the neutrals will be desperate for a high-scoring game, the previous games suggest the over 43.5 line is too big.

Melbourne won the last meeting 8-0, while none of the previous three games have contained more than 43 points.

Nathan Cleary - Player Performance - Over 70.5 - 87/100

Both Melbourne and Penrith have done well to win without two of their marquee players for most of the season.

Storm half-back Cameron Munster spent plenty of time in the treatment room and many expected them to push on once he returned. That has yet to happen, but the Australia international is still trying to find his best level.

Penrith have stepped things up since Cleary returned, though, and he should be able to lead them to victory once again.

Melbourne have been sloppy on occasions defensively and, if they leave any gaps, expect Cleary to come up with something to punish them.

Cleary is known for his killer instinct and his ability to win games on his own, while he also brings the best out of people.

Whether it is scoring tries, setting up his team-mates or kicking penalties, Cleary will relish Thursday's battle at home.

He has scored 64 points in his last four games and can once again lead by example for the reigning champions.

Penrith Panthers v Melbourne Storm odds

Penrith Panthers - 29/50
Melbourne Storm - 7/5

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.