Penrith Panthers Director, Greg “Brandy” Alexander has praised the Melbourne Storm for their offensive abilities, labelling them as “an attacking juggernaut”.
The praise comes off the back of the Storm’s 42 to 16 point win against the New Zealand Warriors, where they showcased their ability to continuously dominate sides despite missing their stars.
Melbourne are now on a run of eleven straight wins in the NRL, capitalising on the Penrith Panthers’ back to back losses to the Bulldogs and the Sharks.
While the Panthers have been in the spotlight for their impressive performances so far this season, the Storm are now top of the table and praise is pouring in for their attacking prowess.
“It’s incredible, they’re an attacking juggernaut,” said Greg Alexander on SEN 1170 Mornings.
“And they’ve still got players to return.
“Papenhuyzen is still out, Asofa-Solomona was suspended, Kenny Bromwich wasn’t playing, Christian Welch who copped a head knock in Origin wasn’t there as well.
“They replaced them with players, the bench was very inexperienced
“Still they ran in 7 tries and beat the Warriors comfortably."
Brandy had high praise for Melbourne stars Harry Grant and Brandon Smith after their dominant display on the weekend.
“Whenever you've got players like Harry Grant and Brandon Smith, who were on the field a fair bit yesterday together, it’s a handful for defensive sides,” he said.
“Harry Grant would go for a run from dummy half and then Brandon Smith would back it up.
“They were both very good, they’re amongst the best players for the Storm, Hughes was outstanding as well.
Alexander believes that if Penrith and Melbourne can keep their players fit then this year’s grand final could be a rematch of the year before.
“If both the Storm and the Panthers can keep players on the field I just think it’s a repeat of last year's grand final,” stated Brandy.
“That was eleven straight now for the Melbourne Storm who did get past Penrith, they both sit on 24 points with 2 losses.
“It’s been quite a run from the Storm who over that period of eleven straight wins have averaged eight tries a game
“They look good, Melbourne, it’s a two horse race for me.
The two horse race will continue and the deciding games will follow in the coming weeks for the Panthers as they have struggled without their stars during the Origin period.
Listen to the full chat with Greg Alexander here: