NRL Round 1 live stream, teams, start time, betting odds, predictions
The Penrith Panthers face a daunting task as they begin their quest for a fourth consecutive NRL title as they travel to Victoria to take on the Melbourne Storm.
The Panthers defeated the Storm in last year’s preliminary final but could face a tougher task this time around after coming back from defeat in England, which cost them the title at the World Club Challenge.
The best news for Penrith is the return of Jarome Luai, who missed this game, but suspended Mitch Kenny is also absent.
Meanwhile, Melbourne have not lost a first-round match since Craig Bellamy took charge of the club and will be desperate to maintain that record at home. Their forwards were devoured and spat out by Penrith in last year’s preliminary final, and one can assume this was the focus of their summer pre-season preparations.
Despite this, Melbourne went into the game without injured star player Cameron Munster, with either Tyrann Wishart or Jonah Pezzett scheduled to play number 58. How to watch Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers
The blockbuster will air this Friday night on Fox Sports and Channel 9 in Australia.
Fox Sports is available with an active sports subscription through Foxtel and coverage begins after the conclusion of the last New Zealand Warriors vs. Cronulla Sharks match on Fox League (channel 502).
If you’re watching Channel 9, the broadcast begins at 7:30pm (AEDT).
To live stream the game, you can use Kayo Sports on Foxtel or Channel 9’s free 9Now app. Watch Sky Sports in New Zealand and around the world using the Watch NRL app.
They go into their third Premier League clash as favorites to win, but this is shaping up to be the toughest match of the tour. Penrith will pay $1.45 and the Storm, who have not lost in the first round for most of this century, will pay $2.75.
This line is set at 6.5 points for him, and a low-scoring game is expected. If his point total is more than or less than 36.5 points, he can earn $1.90 in either case. There’s a good reason why the Panthers are in the Premier League three times, but it’s hard to imagine that a trip to England for the World Club Challenge at the start of the season wouldn’t have played a role.
Melbourne were no match for them in last year’s qualifying final, so they will need a big upset in this match to secure a place in the top half, but they have an impressive performance in the first round that cannot be ignored. They have also defeated Penrith seven of eight times at AAMI Park.
It’s impossible to chip again despite being at a disadvantage, but this game could actually go either way.
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