Panthers v Storm: Edwards, JFH on track; Katoa good to go
The Panthers host the Storm in a highly anticipated Round 24 showdown that could well be a preview of the NRL grand final on October 6.
The defending champs are coming off a miracle win over the Eels in which they scored three tries in three minutes to overhaul a 14-point deficit and stay within two points of the Storm, who had beaten Souths the previous night.
The winner of Thursday night's clash will be in the box seat to claim the minor premiership - the Panthers having had that honour in 2020, 2022 and 2023, while the Storm finished the regular season on top in 2019 and 2021.
The Panthers will be sweating on the fitness of back-rower Scott Sorensen, who suffered a hamstring injury against the Eels, while star fullback Dylan Edwards is a chance to return from a knee injury.
They will be without star back-rower Liam Martin who has copped a one-match ban for Dangerous Contact.
Storm back-rower Eli Katoa missed the Souths game with a knee injury and will be monitored ahead of the monster clash.
When the two sides clashed in Round 1 it was the Storm producing a defensive masterclass to shut out the Panthers 8-0, keeping their incredible opening round streak intact.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Panthers v Storm
Team News
Panthers: Blues fullback Dylan Edwards (knee) and Kiwi prop James Fisher-Harris (groin) are both listed among the reserves with coach Ivan Cleary confirming they will return. Edwards hasn't played since Origin Three while Fisher-Harris' last match was against the Dragons in Round 21. Forwards Liam Martin (suspended) and Scott Sorensen (hamstring) will miss the top of the table clash so Mavrik Geyer and Liam Henry join the starting side. Jack Cole has been added to the bench.
Storm: Back-rower Eli Katoa's return from a knee injury sees Trent Loiero move back to lock, Nelson Asofa-Solomona to prop and Tui Kamikamica to the bench. One day out from the game, Dean Ieremia, Tepai Moeroa and Kane Bradley drop away from the squad named on Tuesday, with Chris Lewis and Sua Fa'alogo remaining in the extended squad.
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Panthers is number 1 Daine LaurieFullback for Storm is number 1 Ryan Papenhuyzen
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Winger for Panthers is number 2 Sunia TuruvaWinger for Storm is number 2 Will Warbrick
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Centre for Panthers is number 3 Izack TagoCentre for Storm is number 3 Jack Howarth
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Centre for Panthers is number 4 Casey McLeanCentre for Storm is number 4 Nick Meaney
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Winger for Panthers is number 5 Brian To'oWinger for Storm is number 5 Grant Anderson
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Five-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Jarome LuaiFive-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Cameron Munster
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Halfback for Panthers is number 7 Nathan ClearyHalfback for Storm is number 7 Jahrome Hughes
Forwards
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Prop for Panthers is number 8 Moses LeotaProp for Storm is number 8 Nelson Asofa-Solomona
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Hooker for Panthers is number 9 Mitch KennyHooker for Storm is number 9 Harry Grant
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Prop for Panthers is number 10 Lindsay SmithProp for Storm is number 10 Josh King
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2nd Row for Panthers is number 11 Mavrik Geyer2nd Row for Storm is number 11 Shawn Blore
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2nd Row for Panthers is number 12 Liam Henry2nd Row for Storm is number 12 Eliesa Katoa
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Lock for Panthers is number 13 Isaah YeoLock for Storm is number 13 Trent Loiero
Interchange
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Interchange for Panthers is number 14 Trent ToelauInterchange for Storm is number 14 Tyran Wishart
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Interchange for Panthers is number 15 Matthew EisenhuthInterchange for Storm is number 15 Lazarus Vaalepu
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Interchange for Panthers is number 16 Luron PateaInterchange for Storm is number 16 Tui Kamikamica
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Interchange for Panthers is number 17 Jack ColeInterchange for Storm is number 17 Alec MacDonald
Reserves
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Replacement for Panthers is number 20 Dylan EdwardsReplacement for Storm is number 19 Sualauvi Faalogo
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Reserve for Panthers is number 19 James Fisher-HarrisReserve for Storm is number 22 Chris Lewis
Panthers Ins
- Dylan Edwards
- Jack Cole
- James Fisher-Harris
- Liam Henry
Storm Ins
- Eliesa Katoa
- Sualauvi Faalogo
Panthers Outs
- Asu Kepaoa
- Liam Martin
- Scott Sorensen
Storm Ins
- Kane Bradley
Match Officials
- Referee: Ashley Klein
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy
- Senior Review Official: Gerard Sutton
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Panthers have won five of their past seven games against the Storm.
- The Storm have won seven of their past eight away games.
- Panthers winger Brian To’o has scored six tries in his past four games against the Storm.
- Storm prop Josh King will make his 150th NRL appearance.
- Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary has scored 64 points in his past four games.
Match: Panthers v Storm
Round 24 -
home Team
Panthers
2nd Position
away Team
Storm
1st Position
Venue: BlueBet Stadium, Penrith
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
