Let’s start with the statistics.
Storm have won 46 games to Panthers 31 in rostered games between the two clubs;
Grand Final wins as opponents – Storm 1, Panthers 0. (2020: Storm 26-Panthers 20);
2024 rostered games – Storm 2, Panthers 0. Scores 8-0 and 24–22;
Premierships – Storm 6 (my version), Panthers 5;
Nathan Cleary (Panthers) – 5th Grand Final in a row;
Finals played – Panthers 13 players/39 finals, Storm 5/12;
Panthers going for 4 in a row. Only 3 other teams have performed this feat.
Looking at that lot it looks pretty even-stevens.
Under the greatest coach in the history of the game Craig Bellamy, in my humble opinion (and that’s all team sports), the Melbourne team has taken all before them this season and there is no reason why it should not continue.
Asofa-Solomona’s appeal that was dismissed on Monday night will play a vital part for the Storm. His ‘take no prisoners’ approach as a battering ram will be sorely (pardon the pun) missed.
Whilst Storm will be plotting how to stop the injured Cleary, according to skipper Harry Grant “they will do everything possible to limit his influence”. Not that he is the only star in the Penrith line-up.
The Melbourne team are at the peak of their fitness with a superb display against the Roosters last week. Their halves are in great form and they are all champion players in their own right. Jahrome Hughes (Dally M winner this week) and Cameron Munster are in superb touch, and never discount skipper Harry Grant. As Bellamy says, “the spine has played together a long time and things come naturally if the going gets tough”. Never, never ever forget the ability of our great full back Ryan Papenhuyzen. He has come back from a long list of injuries in recent times and his scintillating speed against the Chooks showed that he is back to his best.
As always the spectacular players get the accolades but don’t forget the hard-working forward pack led by Josh King and Trent Loeiso.
Nik Meaney and Jack Howarth are the perceived weakness, according to Sydney scribes, but the coach says they deserve more wraps than they receive. Xavier Coates and Will Warwick work well at both ends of the field as well.
Bellamy’s mantra of hard work, discipline and being team orientated first as well, as not stifling the creative flair of talented players Grant, Munster and Hughes. will be hard to stop. Ivan Cleary’s team has always been tradesman-like in their approach and he will have plans galore to stop the Melbourne machine.
Penrith will not place too much emphasis on trying to emulate the other clubs that have won four premierships in a row, but if they don’t, and they won’t, it will be a great feat by the team from the west of Sydney.
It will be tough on the weekend but that is what we like about the second best football code in Australia. As usual the Storm Boys will be the outsiders. One can easily understand why the Sydney-siders in particular dislike the Storm.
Why? THEY ARE SUCCESSFUL!
Melbourne Storm to win 18 to 6.
‘Citrus’ Bob Utber had a long career as a sports administrator and worked at the Melbourne Storm as their Welfare and Education Officer in the early noughties.
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About Bob Utber
At 84 years of age Citrus Bob is doing what he has always done since growing up on a small farm at Lang Lang. Talking, watching and writing sport and in recent years writing books. He lives in Mildura with his very considerate wife (Jenny) and a groodle named 'Chloe on Flinders' and can be found at Deakin 27 every day.
great preview, Bob.
i have enjoyed watching the progress of (perceived) weakness Jack Howarth recently. Jack was a student at Brisbane Boys’ College during my wonderfully blessed time there … Jack certainly dominated GPS rugby in that era!
very athletic, strong, and humble
enjoy Sunday
Statistics mean little with our great team Bob. Cleary just need to be stopped!! Go Storm!
The guy definitely knows what he’s talking / writing about 10/10
ET – As Bert newton once infamously said about (Cassius Clay) “I like the boy!”
IW – Interestingly in both NRL and AFL Nathan Cleary is one mentioned most “to be stopped”. Such a dominant force for the Panthers. Perhaps we should have Mary Fowler on the side lines as a distraction?
RH – isn’t it great Russell to watch someone make it to the top and become a fine player after a lot of hard work.
Fingers crossed for The Storm Bob.
NAS’ ‘s suspension ( don’t start me on Tribunals/Judiciaries this year!)
is a blow, but they have the pace and creativity to run the Penrith defence ragged.
Having said that, Penrith always seem to find something extra when it matters.
I couldn’t stand another 2024 GF loss for my favoured team !