Modern day masters Melbourne and Penrith clash for the 48th time in their history on Thursday night at AAMI Park when another chapter will be written in a storied rivalry.
The Storm hold a 31-16 advantage in their head-to-head clashes, including the 2020 grand final triumph, but the Panthers got the spoils in their most recent meeting in the 2024 decider to make it four premierships on the trot.
Sunday afternoon.
Amos Roberts crossed for a double as the Panthers skipped to an 18-6 lead before the Storm fought back with Matt King getting over the line twice.
Melbourne set up a grandstand finish but the reigning premiers held on to make a small statement with a 30-26 win.
Round 12, 2006 – Cronk’s golden touch
A field goal to Cooper Cronk with 47 seconds left in extra-time proved the difference in a thrilling contest at Olympic Park in 2006.
It was the third time in the opening 12 rounds that Penrith had featured in golden point after a late try to Greg Inglis tied the game up late.
Luke Lewis was enormous for the Panthers at five-eighth but threw an intercept pass for Matt Geyer to run the length of the field.
Cronk sent Jake Webster over before half-time before Michael Gordon put Penrith back in front in the 63rd minute.
Field goal attempts from Cronk, Cameron Smith and Steve Turner had no success before the Storm halfback booted them home in the final minute.
Round 5, 2009 – Maloney’s Storm debut one to remember
Melbourne were looking to avoid back-to-back defeats at Olympic Park for the first time since 2005 after the Titans stunned them at home a week earlier.
Storm coach Craig Bellamy handed an NRL debut to James Maloney with the late bloomer immediately adding some impact for the side.
Penrith started their campaign with Luke Lewis in the halves alongside Jarrod Sammut for a 2-2 record and were searching for their first win against Melbourne in four years.
Nothing split the teams at half-time before a late penalty goal from Cameron Smith put the Storm in front and they defended their line for the final quarter of the game.
