Defending champions are booed by supporters following their first-round defeat.
The Penrith Panthers, the three-time reigning champions, lost to the Melbourne Storm 8–0 in the season’s opening match, but fans of the NRL made the most of it.
Due to the Panthers’ recent dominance in rugby league, the tall poppy syndrome—which is something that Australians like to do—has quickly taken hold.
In the absence of their standout five-eighth Cameron Munster, the unwavering Storm risked everything to defeat the defending champions.
Even though there were moments when the game was sloppy, the low score meant that the outcome was uncertain until well before halftime.
The Storm’s reputation for having a flawless defense was called into doubt last season, and it was brought under close scrutiny throughout the summer after conceding 38 points to the Panthers in the previous year’s preliminary final.
However, Craig Bellamy’s team has provided answers to all of the queries, as evidenced by his undefeated 22-year round one record.
The Panthers repeatedly tested the Storm, especially in the second half when they hammered their defense, but the home team miraculously produced one of their best defensive performances in recent memory by putting up a wall and keeping the visitors scoreless.
Due to the outcome, the Panthers have been held scoreless against the Storm the last three times: in Round 13 of 2015, Round 22 of 2022, and Round 1 of 2024.
Reimis Smith’s try in the second half provided the Storm the breathing room they needed to pull off an unexpected victory.
Fans’ prolonged suffering at the hands of the Panthers provided them the opportunity to kick the side when they were down, even though the Panthers defense only allowed one attempt.
Immediately, a number of supporters said, “Panthers are done for 2024!”
“Panthers to miss the 8 this year, I think,” a second fan commented. losing so many important players annually to keep up with them.
“Panthers are either just off it tonight or they are just stinky,” another commenter said.
“Fact: The Penrith Panthers have scored the same amount of points in NRL 2024 as the Wests Tigers… who had a bye,” jokingly stated another person.
“Well done, Storm,” said another comment. Who doesn’t adore a dejected Panther?
However, past performance indicates that it won’t take long for the Panthers to start playing again, so supporters hoping to get a kick in might have to act fast.
The Panthers had lost two of their opening three games in the World Club Challenge the previous year, but they went on to win the grand final in one of the most incredible comebacks in history, having only lost four more games overall.
Michael Ennis stated on Fox League that the Panthers should not be concerned.
“With eight points to zero, it’s evident that their defense is holding up once more,” Ennis remarked.