Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm
19th June 1055hrs
Rugby League – Australia – NRL
Pick Melbourne Storm
Bookmaker Bet365
Odds: 1/2 odds taken 04:45 GMT Wednesday 16th June
The Panthers took a hit last weekend in a big clash with the Eels. That was a clash between two of the unbeaten sides in the division and it was as tight as expected, Penrith just coming up short.
As for the Storm, they took a great victory over the Newcastle Knights, surviving a second half fightback from them to secure an excellent two points which moved the Storm up into the top three.
Table of Contents
Can the Panthers avoid back to back defaults?
So there is a bit of pressure on the Penrith Panthers for this one after going down against the Eels last weekend. It was a narrow 16-10 defeat which left them at W3 D1 L1 this season.
The Panthers are one of five teams in the ladder to have made it over 100 points scored in matches this season. So they do have that advantage of the Melbourne Storm in that contest.
But they have conceded more than Melbourne have done. So we can only assume a tight battle is going to go down in this one. It’s going to be another serious stern test for them.
The Panthers did have a 10-point lead going at one stage over the unbeaten Eels last weekend. What will the ultimate defeat in that contest have done for their confidence?
They will have preferred full back Dylan Edwards in from the start for this contest and Liam Martin comes into the back row because of injury to Kurt Capewell.
The head to head form doesn’t make for great reading for Panther’s fans. Penrith have managed to claim just the two wins in their last 20 fixtures against the Storm.
Melbourne gaining momentum
There has been a bit of improved momentum from Melbourne. They have won their last two fixtures after claiming an excellent win over the Newcastle Knights last weekend.
That was a convincing 26-12 win at the Central Coast Stadium that the Storm took, following up on their equally convincing win over the Rabbitohs.
So they are settling down and perhaps starting to gain traction. This will be a big test of that, but they are a bogey side of Penrtih.
Melbourne are now W4 L1 this season and are up in third place. Their average winning margin this season is 11 points, while Penrith’s average losing margin is 6 points.
So starting to put something together in the handicap, a Melbourne Storm -8 line is sat at 6/5* (betting odds taken from Bet365 at 23:30 GMT on Wednesday 17th June 2020).
Don’t miss out on other Betting Tips & Predictions
Click here for more Betting Tips
They do also have form at the Campbelltown Stadium, Sydney do the Storm. They have won all four previous visits there. So that is more favouritism slung towards them and they are outright favourites for this Friday match up.
Melbourne have done well to keep the score down against them in matches this season. Will they have enough to frustrate the Panthers? Each of their last five wins over Penrith have been by a margin of at least 18 points.
Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm Betting Advice
We are going to roll with the Melbourne Storm in this big heavyweight clash. They are just getting things together with the new rules and have been tighter in defence than Penrtih have.
There is a feeling that Penrith took a big mental hit last week. They had the Eels on the ropes at one point with a healthy lead over them, but they still slipped to defeat.
Key Facts – Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm Betting Tip
- Penrith Panthers had their first defeat of the season last weekend
- Penrith Panthers have taken 2 wins in their last 20 against Melbourne
- Melbourne Storm have won their last two games
Melbourne have the head to head advantage, a bit of renewed confidence running through them. They have also enjoyed all previous visits to Campbelltown. It’s the away win and with their recent wins over the Panthers having been by big margins, it could be worth pushing the handicap line.
The best betting odds for Penrith Panthers vs Melbourne Storm
Penrith Panthers to win: 8/5 at Bet365
Draw: 20/1 at Bet365
Melbourne Storm: 1/2 at Bet365
