Forbes Ferrari Charlie Staines Penrith Panthers were humbled by title rivals and defending premiers Melbourne Storm last Sunday in a COVID rescheduled and contentious game in Brisbane.
With Penrith missing five Origin reps (Cleary, Yeo, To’o and Koraisau) as well as new short-term signing Tevati Pangai Jr, Kiwi prop James Fisher-Harris and Tyrone May – it was always going to be a tall order for the NRL’s youngest side to beat a full strength inform Storm team.
As gallant as the Panthers were, the Storm were far too classy (and lucky) winning 37-10 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. The Craig Bellamy lead side ran in six tries to two flexing their premiership muscle over the Panthers yet mindful that titles aren’t won in August but they can be lost. Penrith will now welcome back some troops for this Saturday against the Roosters while sweating on the outcome of numerous incidents from the weekend’s loss.
With both sides having won once each against each other this season, it sets up a potentially exciting third game which may yet be in the 2021 decider and a 2020 GF rematch. Should that happen, the Forbes Ferrari may just return with a premiership ring.