The Penrith Panthers, the three-time reigning champions, lost to the Melbourne Storm 8–0 in the season’s opening match, but supporters of the NRL made the most of it.
Due to the Panthers’ recent dominance in rugby league, the tall poppy syndrome—which is something that Australians like to do—has quickly taken hold.
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In the absence of their standout five-eighth Cameron Munster, the unwavering Storm risked everything to defeat the defending champions.
Even though there were moments when the game was sloppy, the low score meant that the outcome was uncertain until well before halftime.
The Storm’s reputation for having a flawless defense was called into doubt last season, and it was brought under close scrutiny throughout the summer after conceding 38 points to the Panthers in the previous year’s preliminary final.
However, Craig Bellamy’s team has provided answers to all of the queries, as evidenced by his undefeated 22-year round one record.
The Panthers repeatedly tested the Storm, especially in the second half when they hammered their defense, but the home team miraculously produced one of their best defensive performances in recent memory by putting up a wall and keeping the visitors scoreless.
Due to the outcome, the Panthers have been held scoreless the previous three times they have played: in Round 13 of 2015, Round 22 of 2022, and Round 1 of 2024.
Reimis Smith’s try in the second half provided the Storm the breathing room they needed to pull off an unexpected victory.
Fans’ prolonged suffering at the hands of the Panthers provided them the opportunity to kick the side when they were down, even though the Panthers defense only allowed one attempt.
Immediately, a number of supporters said, “Panthers are done for 2024!”
“Panthers to miss the 8 this year, I think,” a second fan commented. losing so many important players annually to keep up with them.
“Panthers are either just off it tonight or they are just stinky,” another commenter said.
“Fact: The Penrith Panthers have scored the same amount of points in NRL 2024 as the Wests Tigers… who had a bye,” jokingly said another person.
After losing last year’s World Club Challenge, the Panthers lost two of their first three matches but lost just four more all season, eventually winning the grand final in one of the greatest comebacks ever seen.
Speaking on Fox League, Michael Ennis said there were no worries for the Panthers.
“Eight points to nil, clearly their defensive standards are holding up again,” Ennis said.
“Well done, Storm,” said another comment. Who doesn’t adore a dejected Panther?
However, past performance indicates that it won’t take long for the Panthers to start playing again, so supporters hoping to get a kick in would have to act fast.
“And they build their season on those standards.
“They were slow to start last year as well. They’ve had some big changes to their side. Like last year, they lost the World Club Challenge over here at home, then I think they won one of their first three games. No Koroisau, no Kikau and you’re starting to go okay, maybe they’re starting to come back to the pack.
“And they just put their building blocks in place, build their confidence through their defensive systems, through their patterns. Their attack find its flow as the months start to go on.
“I’ve got no concerns about Penrith and where they’re going to get to at the end of the year.”
James Graham agreed that the Panthers “will get their rhythm back”.
With matches against the Eels, Roosters, Broncos and Sea Eagles before their first bye, Graham said it was “a really tough first month of football”.
“But they’re well equipped to handle it,” Graham added.
So rejoicing fans better enjoy getting their licks in while it lasts — the Panthers are far from done in 2024.
