Why Storm could be heading towards 2024 premiership after Panthers win, Cleary injury

The Melbourne Storm made a huge premiership statement on Thursday night, defeating second-placed Penrith 24-22 at BlueBet Stadium.

The win was the Storm’s second win over the Panthers this year and they now appear destined to win a fifth minor premiership since 2016 as they sit two games clear with three games to go.

On top of the important victory, the game also could have put a huge dent in Penrith’s hopes of claiming a fourth-straight premiership with superstar halfback Nathan Cleary going down with a shoulder injury.

While Penrith says Cleary has escaped surgery and they plan to have their star back for finals, SEN 1170 host Andrew Voss thinks the Panthers need him at his absolute best if they’re to topple the Storm come finals as he doesn’t think that Penrith are as good as their 2023 selves – with or without Cleary.

“Last night I think I saw the Grand Final winner but I don't know who it is, it’s one or the other,” Voss said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“However, I’ve also got this takeaway and it’s a controversial statement – Penrith aren’t as good as last year, and I don't think that can be as good as last year.

“Now you've got the Cleary injury thrown in as well. That doesn't mean they don't win the comp and a fourth-straight premiership.

“But I don't think Penrith is quite as good as last year and Melbourne, no doubt are definitely better than last year and they look good when Cameron Munster puts on a show, he's absolute x-factor going into the finals with Ryan Papenhuyzen, Harry Grant and Jahrome Hughes - the big four.”

Voss also doesn’t think that Penrith can beat Melbourne at all if Cleary doesn’t return to form and fitness, but he does think they could still beat all other challengers if things go their way if the halfback doesn’t return for the important action in September and October.

“Yes, they do. Without Cleary, do they beat Melbourne? That’s the big shout and then the Roosters are in contention,” Voss said.

“Penrith maybe last year they could have, but this year I don’t know (against all the other finalists).

“They can't (beat Melbourne) without Cleary, they’re not quite as good as last year.

“But it doesn't mean they can't win the comp if he's back.”

Cleary looks set to miss at least Penrith’s next three games due to shoulder instability – the same injury he battled with earlier this season.