Cooper Cronk v Jamie Soward
Many eyes will be drawn to the contest between two of the best halfbacks in the game as they face off on Monday night when Storm take on the Panthers.
The last time the two clubs met, in Round 2 earlier this season it was a Cooper Cronk field goal that provided the difference in an arm wrestle as Storm recorded the one-point victory.
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Since returning from an arm injury sustained in Origin 1, the Melbourne number seven has been in stellar form – controlling Melbourne’s attack with his clinical passing game. Despite missing a period of football throughout the year Cronk sits second in the league for try assists, with 22 for the season.
Penrith managed to secure the prized signature of Jamie Soward during the off-season and his form throughout the 2014 campaign has been an integral part of the Panthers’ success this year to date. The halfback was electric in last weekend’s last gasp victory over the Cowboys and continues to instil belief in the squad around him as they chase a top four finish.
One of the best kicks in the game, Soward has totalled 50 goals kicking for Penrith this season, also stepping in with six tries of his own.
With both sides coming off wins and looking to build momentum running into the business end of the season, the game could again come down to the wire as it did in Round 2 and will be decided by the very smallest of margins.
The views expressed in this article are solely of the author and do not reflect the views of Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club.
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