The NRL action has been exhilarating to start the season, and another instalment is due this weekend. Round 3 of the season begins on Thursday with a rematch of the 2024 Grand Final with the Storm hosting the Panthers. Last year’s decider was a thrilling contest, and this match promises more of the same. We bring you our best bets for the clash below, and don’t forget to head to our NRL tips page for more previews, analysis and betting tips for every NRL match of every round!
Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers
Location: AAMI Park
Date: Thursday 20th March
Time: 8:00pm (AEDT)
Odds: Storm $1.33 vs Panthers $3.35
Line: Storm -8.5
Points: 45.5
Odds and lines provided with thanks to Neds. Note that odds and lines can fluctuate throughout the week, and are correct at the time of writing.
Match Preview
The Storm enjoyed a week off with the Bye in Round 2, a suitable reward for an opening round 56-18 masterclass against the Eels. The 10-try display was a warning sign to other teams in the competition that this team is ready to go one better in 2025. Despite an inferior completion rate (76%), they still managed to create 9 line breaks and average 10.2m per carry. Their defence was also strong, missing just 13 tackles.
The Panthers suffered an upset loss last week to the Roosters in surprising circumstances 38-32. Following a strong start in Round 1 over the Sharks in Vegas, the Panthers crashed back to reality, allowing more points than they have in recent years and playing with ill-discipline (71% completion rate). They also allowed 8 line breaks and missed 46 tackles. Such performances are rare, and it will be interesting to see how they bounce back here. News that they will be without Dylan Edwards for the next month or so adds to the challenges ahead for this team.
Player availability isn’t the only factor impacting the odds and potential outcome of this match. The Panthers have a poor record here (11%), winning just 3 of the past 11 in Melbourne. Despite this, you should never overlook the quality of this team. To judge them on last week’s performance heading into this game would be foolish; they are allowed to drop their standards and because it is so rare, it throws chaos into bookmakers’ judgement ahead of their next match. Expect them to bounce back and while it may not be enough to win this contest, they will push their opponents, bring the line into play. For context, as good as the Storm were in their opening week, it is still only one game against an opponent that has since proven to be poor. Even with players missing, the Panthers will be far more challenging over 80 minutes.
Panthers +8.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
Same Game Multi
Throughout the 2025 NRL season we’ll be putting together a fun same game multi for every match at BoomBet using their BetShare feature.
To follow our multi, just click on the BoomBet BetShare button below and our same game multi selections will be added straight into your bet slip on BoomBet. You can then enter how much you wish to wager, and with a single click, your bet has been placed!
Leg 1: Total Points Under 44.5 – the average total points margin in their past 5 meetings is 29.6 points, with 4 decided by 42 points or less.
Leg 2: Storm 1-12 – they have won their past 2 matches against the Panthers by 8 and 2 points. Given the ‘Suggested Bet’, it would be worth including this selection for added value.
Leg 3: Coates to score – He crossed for 2 tries in the opening week of the competition and looks a threat both on the ground and in the air. Expect a few ‘high kicks’ to make their way to his edge of the field.
SGM Odds: $8.50 at BoomBet
