Marvel Stadium will play host to Friday's Round 18 NRL game between Melbourne Storm and Penrith Panthers. The game kicks off at 8:00 pm with Melbourne Storm heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Melbourne Storm vs. Penrith Panthers game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Friday June 30, 2023 at 8:00 pm

Where: Marvel Stadium

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Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers Odds

Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers Preview

Two of the competition’s co-leaders lock horns in their first heavyweight showdown of 2023, though the absence of Nathan Cleary takes the hype out of this one somewhat – and sees Melbourne installed as $1.80 favourites to overcome defending premier Penrith.

Both sides are navigating the Origin period very impressively. The Storm have won five of their last six, bouncing back from their Round 14 aberration against the Cowboys with three authoritative wins over Cronulla (54-10), Wests Tigers (28-6) and Manly (24-6).

Cameron Munster returns for excellent five-eighth fill-in Jonah Pezet this week, while Tui Kamikamica comes back into the side for Aaron Pene.

The Panthers have won six of their last seven, with the only loss in that period also coming against the Cowboys in golden point with their Origin contingent missing. Resting all five of their NSW reps (on top of Cleary’s ongoing injury absence), the champs produced a gritty 20-12 win over Newcastle last week.

Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton, Jarome Luai, Liam Martin and Isaah Yeo all return for this road trip.

The teams’ last 10 clashes were split five apiece. Last season the Panthers carved out a 32-6 win in Magic Round, while the Storm prevailed 16-0 at Penrith against a side missing Cleary, Luai, Edwards and Fisher-Harris.

Remarkably, this is the archrivals’ first clash at AAMI Park since 2018. The Storm have won 10 of their last 11 against the Panthers in Melbourne.

Penrith’s ability to bring second-stringers into their ultra-effective system and produce the goods is remarkable, while Jack Cogger is making a fine fist of his extended No.7 deputy stint.

Melbourne should have the edge at home, but backing the trend of low-scorers between these elite defensive outfits – with 13 of their last 16 producing 38 points or less – shapes as a better bet.

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