Storm shorten in NRL outright betting after beating Panthers

The Melbourne Storm have firmed in outright betting markets after edging out the Penrith Panthers in an NRL classic at BlueBet Stadium on Thursday night.

Thanks to the 24-22-win, Craig Bellamy’s men are now four points ahead of their minor premiership rivals with three matches to go.

This means a win in any of their remaining matches should be enough for Melbourne to take home the JJ Giltinan Shield for the fifth time in the past nine seasons.

Cleary injury seals Storm victory

Nathan Cleary has got the Panthers out of jail on numerous occasions this season, and on Thursday night it seemed he would do so again.

That is, until the Panthers‘ star halfback left the field with 12 minutes to go.

The BlueBet Stadium crowd watched on in silence as Cleary left the pitch grabbing his shoulder in the 67th minute.

There would be no late comeback by Penrith this time, with Melbourne sealing the game after Panthers prop James Fisher-Harris was penalised for a late tackle on Storm playmaker Jahrome Hughes.

Overall, the match was a complete package of drama and quality footy as both teams scored four tries apiece.

It was a bruising affair as well, with the referee sending Storm forward Nelson Asofa-Solomona to the sin bin off the back of some heavy contact.

Storm favourites for premiership glory

NRL bookmakers now consider the Storm as $1.05 favourites to clinch the minor premiership.

Melbourne were previously priced at $2.10 to finish atop the standings, with these odds now slashed following their victory over Penrith.

The Panthers were at $1.65 heading into round 24, but their price has lengthened to as much as $10.

Top online bookies are also showing increased confidence in Melbourne winning the 2024 NRL title.

They are now at $3.25 to dethrone Panthers, who sit at $3.50 to retain their crown.

The Sydney Roosters, who are in third place, are at $3.75 to continue their fine run of form and win the title.

No other teams have single-digit odds to lift the trophy at the end of the season.

The Canterbury Bulldogs are next in the queue, paying $10 to win their first premiership since 2004.

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