The anticipation is palpable as NRL Round 3 rolls in, featuring a rematch that promises to reignite old rivalries. On Thursday, March 20, 2025, the Melbourne Storm will host the Penrith Panthers at AAMI Park, marking a significant clash following their nail-biting showdown in last year's Grand Final.
For the Storm, this is more than just a game; it’s an opportunity for redemption. Head coach Craig Bellamy has confirmed the return of Nelson Asofa-Solomona, who missed the Grand Final due to a five-game suspension. "He deserves to be there, he's done a lot of hard work in the pre-season and he's still burning from missing out on last year's GF (grand final) so he's really hungry to get back on the team," expressed halfback Jahrome Hughes as he gears up for his 150th appearance with the club. Asofa-Solomona’s presence is expected to add muscle and experience to a squad that is already at full strength, having enjoyed a bye after their initial round victory against the Eels.
Contrastingly, the Panthers arrive with a cloud over their heads following a surprising loss to the Sydney Roosters in their season opener. The absence of star fullback Dylan Edwards, who is sidelined due to a groin injury, adds further complications. Thomas Jenkins will step into the fullback role, hoping to establish his presence while managing the expectations that come in such a high-stakes match. Coach Ivan Cleary acknowledges the intensity of the rivalry, stating, "We always totally respect the Storm, always have. Always look forward to this opportunity to play them."
Aside from the main event between the Storm and Panthers, Round 3 features several exhilarating matchups that fans are eager to witness. On Friday, March 21, the Broncos will clash with fierce rivals the Cowboys in the Queensland Derby at Suncorp Stadium. This annual rivalry, steeped in history, always promises drama and excitement. The Broncos, led by a determined Ben Hunt returning in a pivotal season, aim to show strength against a Cowboys team looking to rebound.
Just a day after, the Bulldogs will face off against the Eels, a grudge match indicative of the long-standing rivalries that define Australian rugby league. The Bulldogs, with a strong start and solid defense led by state representative Stephen Crichton, are seeking to capitalize on the underperformance of the Eels, who have faced heavy defeats in their opening games. The tension is palpable as both sides prepare for what is sure to be a fierce battle on Sunday, March 23.
As the week progresses, the excitement builds not only for these matches but also for the exclusive commentary provided by Nine’s expert team. Hosting the coverage will be James Bracey and Danika Mason, with insights from rugby league luminaries including Andrew Johns, Billy Slater, and Cameron Smith, aggregating 52 Grand Final appearances as players and coaches.
As fans tune in for the Grand Final rematch, the stakes are high. Asofa-Solomona's return is expected to invigorate the Storm, while the Panthers will hope to reaffirm their standing as champions despite early setbacks. Melbourne holds a notable home advantage, having won eight out of their last nine encounters against Penrith at AAMI Park. However, the Panthers’ capacity for surprise is not to be underestimated, especially given their history of rising to the occasion during grudge matches, as noted by Cleary.
“Going down to Melbourne is arguably the toughest road trip in the game. It’s a great challenge,” he remarked, emphasizing the significance of this highly anticipated fixture.
The Round 3 matchups not only highlight traditional rivalries but also showcase individual player journeys and milestones. With every game, narratives are written and rewritten, making the NRL a thrilling spectacle.
Ultimately, the championship aspirations of both teams are on the line this week and every match carries weight as the season unfolds. As Hughes aptly put, the Storm are hungry to set a precedent after last year’s Grand Final heartbreak and nothing less than a victory at home will suffice.
Tune in live on Channel 9 and stream for free on 9Now to catch every moment of this exhilarating round of rugby league.
