Melbourne Storm vs. Penrith Panthers in 2024 NRL Grand Final Clash

The highly anticipated 2024 National Rugby League (NRL) Grand Final sees the Melbourne Storm facing off against the Penrith Panthers. This decisive match-up takes place on October 6 at Accor Stadium, with a kick-off scheduled for 7:30 PM AEDT.

Melbourne Storm will be entering the field with their full squad as planned, while Panthers coach, Ivan Cleary, has made a last-minute adjustment to his lineup. The game promises to be a thrilling end to the NRL season, with live coverage available on Kayo without any ad-breaks during play.

In an interesting development, ARLC Chairman Peter V’Landys expressed his desire for Storm coach Craig Bellamy to potentially lead a future NRL expansion team. Speaking to Triple M, V’Landys commented, “If we have one of those expansion sides I’d love to have him for that,” while humorously noting, “if he loses tonight then we can talk to him.”

The match comes amidst concerns over the fitness of Storm captain Harry Grant, who may be battling a calf complaint. Sharks legend Paul Gallen mentioned the issue, stating, “The rumor is it’s not great,” and questioning Grant’s ability to maintain peak performance throughout the game.

In other rugby news, the Norths Devils celebrated a narrow 20-18 victory against the Newtown Jets in the State Championship Grand Final. This marks the end of a nine-year winless streak in the championship for the Devils. Oryn Keeley played a pivotal role, scoring a decisive try that may elevate his opportunities in future NRL games.

The Grand Final day schedule boasts an array of activities, beginning when gates open at 1:00 PM. Pre-game entertainment will be provided by international pop sensation and South Sydney fan, The Kid LAROI, ensuring a memorable event for attendees.

The teams for the Grand Final have been confirmed as follows:

Melbourne Storm: Ryan Papenhuyzen, William Warbrick, Jack Howarth, Nick Meaney, Xavier Coates, Cameron Munster, Jahrome Hughes, Tui Kamikamica, Harry Grant, Josh King, Shawn Blore, Eliesa Katoa, Trent Loiero, Tyran Wishart, Christian Welch, Lazarus Vaalepu, Alec MacDonald, Grant Anderson (Coach: Craig Bellamy)

Penrith Panthers: Dylan Edwards, Sunia Turuva, Izack Tago, Paul Alamoti, Brian To’o, Jarome Luai, Nathan Cleary, Moses Leota, Mitch Kenny, James Fisher-Harris, Liam Martin, Scott Sorensen, Isaah Yeo, Luke Garner, Brad Schneider, Lindsay Smith, Liam Henry, Matt Eisenhuth (Coach: Ivan Cleary)

Refereeing the match will be Ashley Klein, with Grant Atkins as the review official, supported by touch judges David Munro and Chris Sutton, along with standby officials Gerard Sutton and Phil Henderson.