Panthers Panthers NRL fans have kicked at the three-time defending champions’ 8-0 loss to the Melbourne Storm in the opening round of the season.
The Panthers have been the dominant force in rugby league in recent times, and a tireless Storm defended for their lives to take down the reigning champions without star five-eighth Cameron Munster.
While the match was sloppy at times the low scoring nature left the final result in doubt until just before full-time.
The Storm’s historically impeccable defensive reputation came into question last season and it was in sharp focus over the summer after giving up 38 points to the Panthers in last year’s preliminary final.
But any questions have been answered by Craig Bellamy’s men as his perfect 22-year round one record remains intact. Time after time, the Panthers pressed on the Storm, particularly in the second half when they pounded their defence, but the home side put up a brick wall.
Their actions produced one of their great defensive displays in recent times, incredibly holding the visitors scoreless.
The result means the last three times the Panthers have been kept scoreless, it was against the Storm — Round 13 2015, Round 22 2022 and Round 1 2024.
Several fans were quick to declare: “Panthers are done for 2024!”
A second fan wrote: “Panthers to miss the 8 this year I think. Losing so many key players year on year to catch up with them.”
Eight points to nil, clearly their defensive standards are holding up again, what a loss.
