A Panthers four-peat would eclipse an already scarcely believable feat while a Melbourne win would warrant a recalibration of recent history

Penrith wear the title of modern rugby league’s greatest, a crown fitted by the past three premierships and forged in the defeat to the Storm in the 2020 decider. But in Melbourne’s return to the first weekend in October, Penrith’s dynasty faces its one true challenger. Melbourne started it, and so it is apt that Melbourne can end it.

Four years ago the Storm won the only grand final between the pair, watched by half a stadium due to Covid, but only narrowly. The Panthers’ roaring 20-point comeback left them just short, and they departed Homebush with all the momentum but without a trophy. They would sustain the excellence of that second half for three years, their run of premierships securing them the loftiest status in the sport.