Overview
- Penrith have rallied from a midseason slump to win nine straight games and now sit fourth on the NRL ladder.
- Their first-choice spine of Dylan Edwards, Blaize Talagi, Nathan Cleary and Mitch Kenny has been unbeaten in eight starts this season.
- Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy has shifted Cameron Munster to fullback, moved Nick Meaney into the centres and promoted Jonah Pezet to the halves after injuries sidelined Jahrome Hughes and Ryan Papenhuyzen.
- Captain Isaah Yeo will miss tonight’s match pending scans on a right shoulder injury, putting his finals availability in doubt.
- Thursday’s Round 24 clash at CommBank Stadium is unfolding as a finals-style preview for a possible fifth straight Panthers premiership while offering Melbourne a chance to solidify its top-two finish.