NRL Finals: Penrith Panthers v Melbourne Storm betting picks

The penultimate week of the 2023 NRL finals series kicks off with an electrifying showdown as the Melbourne Storm travel to Sydney to take on the formidable Penrith Panthers.

The Panthers secured a well-deserved week off after a dominant 32-6 victory over the New Zealand Warriors in the opening week of finals. With a lead established in the fourth minute, they never relinquished control. Maestro Nathan Cleary orchestrated proceedings, contributing a try and a try assist to the commanding performance.

Refreshed and resolute, the Panthers are on a mission to clinch their fourth consecutive NRL Grand Final appearance with a victory this weekend.

In a heart-stopping clash at AAMI Park last weekend, the Melbourne Storm faced off against the Sydney Roosters, emerging victorious with an 18-13 triumph. Early dominance saw the Storm surge ahead 10-0 at the 25-minute mark, but the Roosters rallied to level the score at 12-12 by the 70th minute. A clutch field goal gave the Roosters a one-point lead, but a dramatic 78th-minute play, orchestrated by Cameron Munster, found Will Warbrick in the corner, sealing the Storm’s breathtaking win.

Having rebounded impressively from a disheartening 26-0 loss to the Broncos in the first week of finals, the Storm now harbor aspirations of a major upset.

The Panthers encountered a moment of trepidation in training this week when Nathan Cleary was briefly hospitalized for a finger injury. However, he swiftly received the green light to play. In a significant boost for Ivan Cleary’s side, five-eighth Jarome Luai and centre Izack Tago make their return from injuries, seamlessly slotting into the starting lineup.

The Storm welcome back halfback Jahrome Hughes, a pivotal inclusion after his absence last weekend, with Tyran Wishart making way to the bench.

Penrith Panthers v Melbourne Storm best bets

The Penrith Panthers stride into this clash with an impressive record, boasting 10 wins from their last 11 encounters, including two convincing triumphs over the Storm. As seasoned finalists, they approach this match at full strength and are favored to secure a comfortable victory. While their head-to-head odds of $1.21 offer less enticing value, consider backing the Panthers at the line of -12.5 points for a more compelling wager.

Panthers winger Sunia Turuva has showcased exceptional form with back-to-back doubles in recent matches. A tenacious force, Turuva excels at breaking tackles and finishing in the corner. In a match where the Panthers are anticipated to dominate, consider placing a wager on Turuva as an anytime tryscorer at favorable odds of +110 with leading online bookmakers.

Given the anticipated defensive prowess of the Panthers, expect limited attacking opportunities. All three previous encounters between these sides have fallen below the total points line. Embrace the trend of preliminary finals often being low-scoring affairs and consider a wager on this match to yield under 39.5 total points, priced at -111.11 with top NRL betting sites.

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