Panthers Dominate Storm in Historic Rout as Rabbitohs Topple Bulldogs

The Penrith Panthers and South Sydney Rabbitohs secured significant victories during a Good Friday double-header on April 3, 2026, with the Panthers delivering a record-breaking performance against the Melbourne Storm and the Rabbitohs overcoming the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.

The Penrith Panthers defeated the Melbourne Storm 50-10 at Western Sydney Stadium, marking the first time in NRL history that a team has won its opening five games of a season by more than 20 points. The result represents the highest score the Panthers have ever recorded against Melbourne.

Panthers Set Historical Benchmark

Penrith’s clinical performance was characterized by a dominant offensive display and a suffocating defense. The Panthers scored nine tries to the Storm’s two, featuring eight different try scorers throughout the match.

The scoring opened with Liam Martin, who found the line in his 150th NRL game. Replacement hooker Freddy Lussick then increased the lead by scoring from dummy half, followed by a try from Manaia Waitere.

Tom Jenkins continued a prolific start to the 2026 season, scoring his fifth double of the first five rounds. Jenkins has now recorded 12 tries in just five matches.

Nathan Cleary was credited with controlling the tempo of the game, leading a Penrith side that significantly outplayed Melbourne in territory and momentum.

Storm’s Statistical Collapse

The 50-10 loss is the Melbourne Storm’s biggest defeat since the 2008 grand final. It also marks the first time since 2003 that the Storm have conceded 50 points in a single match.

Despite a high completion rate of 94 percent, completing 34 of 36 sets, the Storm were unable to penetrate the Penrith defense. Melbourne was limited to 1,122 run metres, while the Panthers amassed 1,892 run metres.

The loss was compounded by a season-altering injury to Harry Grant, which sent shockwaves through the competition.

Definitely shocked at the score line. We played well, I guess that’s fairly obvious.

Ivan Cleary

Rabbitohs Overcome Bulldogs

In the second match of the double-header, the South Sydney Rabbitohs defeated the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 32-24. The Rabbitohs secured the win via a gritty second-half comeback.

Latrell Mitchell spearheaded the South Sydney surge, delivering a dominant individual performance in the second half to overturn the deficit.

The Bulldogs’ loss was marred by a significant injury to captain Stephen Crichton, who is expected to face a lengthy spell on the sideline.

Current Competition Landscape

The results from April 3, 2026, have redefined the early premiership landscape. The Penrith Panthers remain undefeated and have established themselves as favorites to regain the premiership in October.

The combination of Penrith’s historic scoring form and the loss of key stars like Stephen Crichton and Harry Grant to injury has significantly shifted the momentum of the league’s elite teams heading into the subsequent rounds of the 2026 season.