In a tense grand final rematch, Melbourne secured a victory over Penrith but encountered significant injury setbacks. The match began with a substantial disadvantage for the Panthers when Nathan Cleary was sidelined due to a head injury, allowing the Storm to swiftly score two tries. Despite this, Penrith showcased their resilience, managing to close the gap before half-time at AAMI Park.
The second half saw the Storm’s Tyran Wishart extend their lead in the 58th minute. Although Brian To’o’s late double brought the Panthers closer, a crucial error by Tom Jenkins proved detrimental, sealing their fate.
The Storm maintained their perfect season start but faced their own injury challenges. Nick Meaney suffered a suspected fractured jaw after a collision with teammate Nelson Asofa-Solomona, casting doubt on his immediate return to play. Meanwhile, Grant Anderson also struggled with a knee issue, although he managed to finish the match despite being visibly hampered. Notably, Cameron Munster was put on report for a hip-drop tackle on Liam Martin, a highlight of their intense physical confrontation during the game.
Reflecting on the performance, Munster described it as erratic and acknowledged the need for improvement in future matches. Looking ahead, the Storm will face the struggling Dragons next week, while Penrith must regroup as they prepare to battle South Sydney amidst their injury woes.