Grand final rematches revealed as the Storm prepare to welcome back some familiar faces early in 2023

Melbourne Storm is being forced off AAMI Park by the FIFA World Cup next season and a surprise venue could host a blockbuster clash.

Panthers fans will celebrate the 20-year premiership anniversary in round 11. Picture: Glenn Campbell. Rugby League A/CT.

The “Foxx” will head back to town for Melbourne’s first home game of the 2023 NRL season when they face the resurgent Bulldogs in round 2.

The official draw will be released on Thursday morning and will confirm that the Storm will host Canterbury and their former premiership winner Josh Addo-Carr on March 11.

It follows another showdown with a western Sydney team when the Storm travel to Parramatta to open the new season where they’ll look to extend their incredible round 1 record.

The Storm has a lot to prove after an early exit from the finals. Picture; Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

The Storm hasn’t lost a round 1 fixture since way back in 2001 – against the Bulldogs – and they’ll be keen to start the new season with a bang after a disappointing early exit from the finals against Canberra.

It’ll be a new look Melbourne outfit in 2023, with veteran forwards Jesse Bromwich, Kenny Bromwich and Felise Kaufusi all joining the Dolphins, while cult hero Brandon Smith is now at the Roosters.

The “Cheese” will take on his former teammates on the Thursday before Good Friday ahead of a couple of blockbuster home matches against this year’s grand finalists.

The Storm will play Penrith in round 18 and then Parramatta in round 22, with the match against the Panthers set to be moved from AAMI Park because of the women’s FIFA World Cup.

Brandon Smith will take on the Storm for the first time as a Rooster. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

The MCG is one option for that game, but a club spokesperson said “our preference is Marvel Stadium, but it’s a work in progress”.

The Eels won’t have to wait long for their shot at grand final redemption, with Parramatta set to take on Penrith in a blockbuster western Sydney derby on Thursday night in round 4.

A huge crowd is expected for the game at CommBank Stadium where Nathan Cleary was infamously sent off for a spear tackle on Dylan Brown and suspended for five matches.

Nathan Cleary was sent off the last time Penrith played Parramatta at CommBank Stadium. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

That tackle was supposed to make the Panthers vulnerable in the finals, but Cleary returned an even better player and led his side to a crucial week off after they beat Parramatta in the qualifying final.

That win at BlueBet Stadium was sweet revenge for the two-time defending premiers who had their 21-game winning streak at home snapped by their rivals earlier in the season.

The teams will face each other again to open round 26 at BlueBet Stadium, while Penrith locals will be in party mode in round 11 for a very special anniversary.

The Panthers are set to host the Roosters that week and will wear a commemorative jersey to celebrate 20 years since their famous premiership win when Luke Priddis led them to the title as rank outsiders.

Penrith will also continue their tradition of taking games to Bathurst when they host the Wests Tigers in the Royce Simmons Cup.

That match will reportedly be played in round 9 on a Saturday night that should mean chilly conditions for two clubs with a frosty relationship.

Originally published as Grand final rematches revealed as the Storm prepare to welcome back some familiar faces early in 2023