LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In a recent development that has stirred up fresh animosity between longtime foes, the Penrith Panthers have ignited tensions with the Melbourne Storm by calling off a pre-season trial match against the North Sydney Bears - the Storm's affiliated team.
According to a report from zerotackle.com, the decision was made after Melbourne withdrew key players from the Bears' lineup, leaving Penrith dissatisfied with the level of competition just weeks before the NRL season opener in Las Vegas.
Originally slated to square off against the Bears for a final prep session before their high-stakes showdown in Vegas, the Panthers found themselves reconsidering when the Storm swooped in to recall Morgan Harper, Ben Talty, Tui Katoa, and Nathaniel Roache to bolster their own trial team in New Zealand.
This move didn't sit well with Penrith's coaching staff, who believed the match no longer met their standards.
"We were hoping for a solid team to go up against, and Norths seemed like the best fit," explained Panthers coach Ivan Cleary.
"But unfortunately, we didn't quite get the competition we were anticipating."
This abrupt cancellation has only added fuel to the fiery rivalry between these two powerhouse clubs, setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested battle when they meet on the field.
Stay tuned for the showdown of the season as the Panthers and Storm gear up for an epic clash of titans in their quest for rugby league supremacy.