The most incredible streak in rugby league faces its toughest test, with the Storm putting 23 years of history on the line when they host the Panthers in round 1.
So much has changed over the past two decades, but the one constant has been Melbourne’s perfect record in week one games, with the Storm unbeaten since Craig Bellamy took the reins in 2003.
You have to go all the way back to 2001 for their most recent round 1 loss, with the Eels almost snapping the streak this season only for Harry Grant to break their hearts with a try in golden point.
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People try their hardest to write off the Storm every year, but 2024 could be the season they finally lose their first game given their recent record against Penrith.
The Panthers have won five of the past six meetings and beat them three times in 2023, including a 38-4 beat down in the preliminary final.
The three-time defending champions will most likely start as favourites for this one, but there is some hope for the Storm given Penrith lost their first game in 2023 and could be a bit rusty after a long trip back from the World Club Challenge in England.
While the Storm will want to keep the streak alive, they’ll have to get used to some changes later in the year, with Melbourne’s annual Anzac Day clash with the Warriors scrapped for just the third time since 2009.
Both teams will be in action, with the Warriors finally getting to host the marquee event against the Titans, with the Storm to face the Rabbitohs later that night after the Dragons and Roosters play at Allianz Stadium.
It’s not a bad result for the Storm given Souths are winless from their 11 matches at AAMI Park.
Souths have bigger things on the horizon, with the Bunnies set to open the season at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, with the NRL set to play plenty of games at non-traditional venues.
The Warriors host a game in Christchurch in round 3, the Tigers will look to upset the Panthers for the second year in a row in Bathurst, Tamworth will host the game between the Tigers and Knights, while Perth, Coffs Harbour and Bundaberg will also host games.
Magic Round returns in round 11, with the Dragons the unlucky team to miss out. The Broncos will again be the away team when they face the Sea Eagles on the Friday night.
