Penrith is back in the wooden spoon race after a disastrous trip to Melbourne that has resulted in a 46-6 spanking at the hands of the Storm.
With the Roosters beating St George-Illawarra last night and the Eels in rare good form, the possibility of a last placed finish has suddenly re-emerged.
The Panthers were completely out-classed today, never in the hunt against a Melbourne side that was back to their best form.
The damage was done in the first half and it started after just 40 seconds when Sisa Waqa crossed for a try in the first set of the game.
Melbourne’s attacking power was simply too good for a Penrith side that looked pedestrian in defence and easy to read in attack.
Leading 34-0 at the break, the Storm didn’t quite go on with the job in the second half but did enough to extend their lead by another 12 points and win 46-6.
Penrith’s only joy came in the 70th minute when Matt Robinson crossed for a try out wide, Luke Walsh landing a superb conversion.
It’s Penrith’s 11th straight loss to Melbourne.
Earlier, the Storm beat the Panthers 20-14 in the Toyota Cup.
