LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The upcoming match between the Penrith Panthers and Melbourne Storm is highly anticipated, with both teams looking to make a statement early in the season.
The Storm, coming off a bye, are determined to show their strength against the defending champions.
They will have enforcer Nelson Asofa-Solomona back in the lineup after his suspension last year.
The Panthers, on the other hand, suffered a surprising loss to the Roosters in their last game and are also dealing with a potential injury to star fullback Dylan Edwards.
If Edwards is unable to play, Daine Laurie is expected to step in as fullback, with Blaize Talagi being another option.
The Panthers will be looking to bounce back from their loss and prove themselves against the Storm, who defeated them twice in the regular season last year.
However, when it mattered most, the Panthers emerged victorious in the grand final, with players like Liam Martin, Isaah Yeo, and Nathan Cleary making significant contributions.
Both teams will be looking to put their best foot forward in this match, with the Storm aiming to continue their winning streak and the Panthers seeking redemption for their previous loss.
The stage is set for an exciting and intense showdown between two powerhouse teams in the NRL.
Fans can expect a competitive and thrilling game as the Panthers and Storm face off once again on the field.
As the anticipation builds for this exciting clash, it remains to be seen which team will come out on top in this highly anticipated rematch between last year's grand finalists.