The Melbourne Storm defeated the Penrith Panthers 30-24 in a grand final rematch held on March 20, 2025, in front of a lively crowd at AAMI Park. This thrilling contest unfolded 165 days after the Panthers claimed their fourth consecutive premiership and marked a significant return to form for the Storm.
In a match filled with drama, the Storm faced a formidable opponent in the Panthers, who entered the game without their star fullback Dylan Edwards due to a groin injury. The Panthers, however, lost their playmaking captain Nathan Cleary just seven minutes into the match. A heavy collision with Storm No. 7 Jahrome Hughes resulted in a category-one concussion for Cleary, forcing him off the field.
Despite these setbacks, the Panthers demonstrated resilience, particularly with young Jack Cole stepping into the spotlight after Cleary's departure. In his 13th NRL match, Cole was instrumental in guiding his team through a challenging situation. Meanwhile, the Storm also encountered injury woes, with centre Nick Meaney sustaining a suspected fractured jaw in a collision with teammate Nelson Asofa-Solomona, as well as winger Grant Anderson limping off with a knee injury.
Melbourne initially asserted their dominance, racing to a 14-0 lead within the first 20 minutes. Winger Grant Anderson opened the scoring with a try after a brilliant sequence involving Harry Grant and Jahrome Hughes, followed by a second try from Eliesa Katoa after a clever chip kick from Cameron Munster. Nick Meaney converted both tries, setting the stage for a commanding start.
However, the Panthers clawed their way back into contention with their trademark grit. Centre Paul Alamoti scored not one, but two tries, showcasing his ability to capitalize on opportunities, with Cole assisting both efforts. The Panthers hit the front 16-14 just four minutes after halftime when Casey McLean burrowed over from a 20-metre scrum.
But the lead was short-lived. Xavier Coates responded swiftly for the Storm, reclaiming the advantage with a spectacular take from a Munster bomb. Shortly thereafter, Tyran Wishart extended Melbourne's lead to 24-16, as the game became increasingly frenetic.
Brian To'o, embodying the Panthers' tenacity, kept his team in the hunt, scoring two tries, including a crucial late effort that drew the score to 30-24 with just a few minutes left.
In a high-stakes finish, Ryan Papenhuyzen crossed the line in the 72nd minute, solidifying Melbourne's advantage. His try came after exploiting a defensive misstep by the Panthers, capitalizing on a botched play from Thomas Jenkins that allowed the Storm to seal the deal.
Throughout the match, several players showcased their abilities. Penrith captain Isaah Yeo was remarkable in defense, racking up 43 tackles and amassing 134 run metres, while Brian To'o dominated the field with 214 metres from 17 runs, a performance that highlighted his significant impact on the game.
The game also witnessed some critical match statistics that underlined the contest's intensity. Props Stefano Utoikamanu and Josh King combined for an impressive total of 270 metres, demonstrating their effectiveness upfront, while Melbourne's quick completion rate (80 percent) contrasted with Penrith's impressive 91 percent. Despite the losing effort, the Panthers demonstrated they could compete effectively, especially given their depleted lineup.
In summary, the Storm's victory over the Panthers not only showcases their competitive spirit but also highlights the roles and contributions of both teams, marking a significant chapter in the ongoing narrative of the NRL season.
Looking ahead, the Panthers face a tough Round 4 clash against Souths as they strategize to move forward without Cleary, who will enter concussion protocols. The Storm, meanwhile, faces a trip to Sydney to take on the Dragons, likely without Meaney and Anderson. These injury setbacks add another layer of complexity as both teams aim for a successful season ahead.
