Storm v Panthers preview

v BYE at

The Storm will look to make it 6 straight on Saturday night as the Panthers attempt to crawl out of the congested middle logjam of the ladder.

The Storm travel back to AAMI Park for the first time since their 42-0 drubbing of the Warriors looking to make it 10 from their past 11 against the Panthers. But, their biggest challenge being overcoming a resilient Penrith side could be made tougher if indeed their Origin stars are rested. In my personal opinion, Smith will play, but Cronk's ankle injury may hold him back. As previously stated, the Storm come into this one with a lot of momentum, looking for their sixth straight victory. Their win over Parramatta just under a fortnight ago was built upon their famous clinical and gritty defensive tactics and if the Panthers are any hope of emerging unlikely victors in Melbourne, they will need to win the battle up front. Jesse Bromwich has been damaging for the home side, averaging 143 running metres per game and 32 tackles in another stellar season. Cameron Munster has also starred deputising for Billy Slater with 3 tries and 3 try assists to his name, and his creativity will be key for the Storm if Smith and Cronk are left out. 

For the Panthers, their team list is also a bit of a mystery. With much of Wednesday night's game dominated by a slog in the middle, representatives Matt Moylan and Josh Mansour are more likely to play, but both have been a tad injury prone in the past couple of seasons and resting both would be tempting. If Moylan is rested, replacing him will be tough. Winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has indicated his desire to play fullback permanently and has the speed for it, whilst Will Smith has filled in there most recently. However, Holden Cup star turned NSW Cup fullback Dylan Edwards is a bolter for the No. 1 position if Moylan doesn't play. For the Panthers, matching Melbourne up front is key. Bryce Cartwright could very well break this match open, but powerful forwards such as Leilani Latu and Reagan Campbell-Gillard will need to lay the platform for Penrith's well publicised erratic attack. The inclusion of Sitaleki Akauola on the bench is an odd one, seeing he has been languishing in NSW Cup since Round 3. This further presents another selection mystery, with boom half Nathan Cleary a small chance of making his debut, bumping Peachey to the centres and Yeo to the backrow. 

Last meeting: Round 19 2015 - Storm 52 Panthers 10

Who to watch: For the home side, Cameron Munster, off the back of the platform laid by his forwards will play an important role. Munster starred in Melbourne's 52-10 and 20-0 victories last year over the Mountain Men and his ability to set up tries this weekend will be crucial if Cronk doesn't play. 

For the Panthers, Leilani Latu has been one of their best, and the unheralded forward has been named in the unfamiliar position of lock this week. Latu is a solid metre-eater but his 8 offloads, 2 try assists and try to his name indicate his possession of deft attacking flair.

The favourite: Storm are favourites here, but Penrith are getting a bit of money with Cronk and Smith possible emissions from Bellamy's team.

My tip: Tough one this. Much depends on who lines up for Melbourne. Penrith need this one more, but their record in Melbourne is terrible. If Smith and Cronk are not named this is Penrith's best chance to stop their embarrassing record at AAMI Park, but similarly Moylan and Mansour are just as important. All makes for a tight clash. Although my opinion is Smith plays, and Moylan and Mansour back up, I can only go off the teams named for now, and off that, it will go down to the wire. Soward's kicking will be vital if Penrith snatch the win. Penrith by 1.

1. Cameron Munster 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Cheyse Blair 4. Ryan Morgan 5. Marika Koroibete 6. Blake Green 23. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 20. Cameron Smith 10. Jordan McLean 11. Kevin Proctor 7. Tohu Harris 13. Dale Finucane
Interchange: 14. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 15. Felise Kaufusi 12. Tim Glasby 9. Kenneath Bromwich

1. Matt Moylan 2. Josh Mansour 3. Waqa Blake 6. Tyrone Peachey 5. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 19. Nathan Cleary 7. Jamie Soward 8. Sam McKendry 9. Peter Wallace 10. Regan Campbell-Gillard 11. Bryce Cartwright 12. Trent Merrin 4. Isaah Yeo
Interchange: 14. Suaia Matagi 15. Jeremy Latimore 16. Chris Grevsmuhl 13. Leilani Latu

Referees: Matt Cecchin, Chris Butler; Sideline Officials: Russell Turner, Tim Roby; Video Referees: Luke Patten, Bryan Norrie, Jared Maxwell