With the unblemished Parramatta Eels who top the NRL ladder facing a tough test Saturday morning against Sydney, there is a chance for both Penrith and Melbourne to move closer to top spot.
The two teams both come into Friday’s (5:55 a.m EDT) contest in the top five, but they had differing fortunes last weekend. Penrith was shut down in the second half by Parramatta in a 16-10 loss, after leading 10-0 at the break. The Melbourne Storm jumped out to an 18-2 lead over a very good Newcastle team that currently sits in second place, on the way to a 26-12 victory.
Both of these teams are capable of winning here, but I will take the Storm, based on last week.
All lines from Parx Online Casino — Check Fubo.tv for channel listings
AUSTRALIA NATIONAL RUGBY LEAGUE
Penrith Panthers (+155) vs. Melbourne Storm (-195), 5:55 a.m. EDT (FS1 and Fubo.tv)
THE PICKS:
Melbourne Storm -4.5 (-109)
Melbourne first to 15 points (-143)
GAME PARLAYS:
Melbourne Storm ML and under 34.5 (+188)
Melbourne Storm ML and over 34.5 (+175)
Melbourne Storm -5.5 and over 34.5 (+245)
Melbourne Storm -5.5 and under 34.5 (+300)