The Panthers-Storm grand final rematch – four years after they last met in a NRL decider – has not failed to live up to expectations with an explosive first half.
Liam Martin scored for the Panthers minutes out from the break after a deft move from Nathan Cleary set him up for clear run at the line to give Penrith a 10-6 lead after both teams crossed in the opening 30 minutes.
Melbourne drew first blood after Harry Grant scored shortly after the Storm were awarded a controversial penalty at the Panthers end of the field after 20 minutes of end-to-end football.
Jarome Luai was penalised for stripping the ball from Ryan Papenhuyzen, but replays showed the Panthers may have been hard done by with no clear evidence Luai had used his hand to lodge the ball free.
Dally M Medallist Jahrome Hughes then put Melbourne in great attacking postion with a monster kick which Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards nearly managed to bat back infield.
The Storm moved the ball left and Grant pushed through several tacklers to open the scoring. Nick Meaney converted to make it 6-0.
Minutes later Cleary made his presence felt as he started a set play that led to Sunia Turuva scoring in the corner for Penrith.
Cleary failed kick the sideline conversion to see Penrith trail 6-4 just before the 30 minute-mark.
Papenhuyzen then handed Penrith a gift by kicking the kick-off out on the full.
The Panthers almost took full advantage when Turuva nearly scored off the next set if he had not dropped the ball as he charged towards the line.
Source Agencies
