Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm prediction and odds: NRL 2023 preliminary final

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What began with 17 teams the better part of six months ago, has now been narrowed down to just four sides. After this weekend, the NRL 2023 will have just two teams remaining. Will the Penrith Panthers or Melbourne Storm book their spot in the NRL Grand Final? Read on for our Panthers vs Storm predictions.

Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm – match predictions

Contents

1 Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm – match predictions
- 1.1 Penrith Panthers to win 1-12 @ 3.00 (2/1)
- 1.2 Penrith Panthers 1-8 half time/1-12 full time @ 6.50 (11/2)
2 Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm preview
3 Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm match details

This is finals footy at its best, with two top-shelf sides going head to head this Friday night for a spot in the Grand Final. Here are our top predictions ahead of the Panthers vs Storm this weekend:

Penrith Panthers to win 1-12 @ 3.00 (2/1)

Few are giving the Melbourne Storm a chance of winning this match, considering their lousy performance against the Brisbane Broncos a fortnight ago, and the indomitable form of the Penrith Panthers. However, it’s worth noting that the Storm are regulars at this end of the season, and are unlikely to go down without a fight. Getting annihilated in a qualifying final is one thing, losing a knockout match is another–just ask the Warriors.

We say that while Penrith will have too much class for Melbourne, it will be no blowout. Back the Panthers to edge this one 1-12.

Penrith Panthers 1-8 half time/1-12 full time @ 6.50 (11/2)

Last time these two sides met in a post-season match, the Panthers won 10-6 in the 2021 preliminary finals. That match saw just one try scored in the first half, and we say it will be a similar result here, with an Origin-esque start seeing little for the scoreboard man to do. It’s a slightly higher risk bet than simply taking Penrith 1-12 overall, but for a result of more than double, feels well worth it.

Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm preview

Heading into this match, here’s a look at how both teams’ campaigns have gone so far in the NRL 2023:

Penrith Panthers

It’s been yet another near-flawless season by the Penrith Panthers as they look to win their third title in a row this year. Finishing Minor Premiers by edging Brisbane in the final round, Penrith ensured themselves a week off with a convincing 32-6 win over the New Zealand Warriors in the qualifying finals. Now, they’re looking to make yet another Grand Final, and solidify their legacy.

Melbourne Storm

For the Melbourne Storm, it’s been a mercurial last few months. Initially it seemed as though the Storm were rounding into excellent form when they thumped the Canberra Raiders, then added victories over the Dragons, Titans and Broncos to boot. However, this momentum came to a sharp end at the hands of a 26-0 defeat by the Broncos to open their finals campaign. Last week, amends were made with a tough 18-13 win over the Roosters, leaving many unsure what Storm team will front up on Friday night.

Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm head to head

As they do with many sides, Melbourne lead the overall head to head against Penrith. Of the 43 matches played, the Storm have come away victorious 29 times. However, the Panthers have won four of the past five meetings between these two teams, including twice this year. Most recently, Penrith won 26-6 in early August.