Josh Mercer previews the round 15 clash between the Penrith Panthers and the Sydney Roosters. This is what we have to look forward to.
Embed from Getty ImagesTEAM NEWS
Venue: BlueBet Stadium, Date: Friday, June 18th, Time: 7:55 pm
Penrith Panthers
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Charlie Staines
3. Stephen Crichton
4. Matt Burton
5. Brian To’o
6. Jarome Luai
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Moses Leota
9. Apisai Koroisau
10. James Fisher-Harris
11. Liam Martin
12. Kurt Capewell
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Mitch Kenny
15. Scott Sorensen
16. Matt Eisenhuth
17. Izack Tago
18. Spencer Leniu
19. J’maine Hopgood
20. Tyrone May
21. Brent Naden
Team Changes
IN: Brian To’o, Isaah Yeo, Jerome Luai, Kurt Capewell, Nathan Cleary, Spencer Leniu,
OUT: Paul Momirovski, Robert Jennings, Viliame Kikau.
Sydney Roosters
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Josh Morris
4. Joseph Manu
5. Matt Ikuvalu
6. Lachlan Lam
7. Sam Walker
8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
9. Adam Keighran
10. Siosiua Taukeiaho
11. Angus Crichton
12. Sitili Tupouniua
13. Isaac Liu
14. Sam Verrills
15. Egan Butcher
16. Daniel Suluka-Fifita
17. Fletcher Baker
18. Tuku Hau Tapuha
19. Ben Thomas
20. Billy Smith
21. Joseph Suaalii
Team Changes
IN: Billy Smith, James Tedesco, Sam Verrills, Siosiua Taukeiaho, Tuku Hau Tapuha,
OUT: Ben Marschke, Brad Abbey.
Referee: Ashley Klein
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Penrith Panthers
Embed from Getty ImagesOnce again missing most of their Origin stars, the Panthers suffered another loss this time to the Sharks. After finding themselves down 18 nil at half-time, the Panthers mounted a comeback in the second half, levelling the score at 18-all. However, Sharks halfback Shaun Johnson kick the winning field goal for victory.
Sydney Roosters
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter leading 24-4, the Roosters allowed the Titans to claw their way back into the game. The Titans took the lead with seven minutes to go in the game through a try to Kevin Proctor. The Roosters levelled the score when Matt Ikuvalu dived over in the corner. Sam Walker was able to secure the win for the Roosters, kicking a field goal inside the last two minutes.
PREVIEW
After back to back losses, the Panthers will be keen to get back in the winners column. The return of halves Nathan Cleary, Jerome Luai, Isaah Yeo, Kurt Capewell and Brian To’o is a big bonus for the Panthers, while the Roosters will be boosted by the return of James Tedesco.
It’s probably not the best time to play the Panthers, with all their troops coming back. The Roosters allowed the Titans back into the game and it almost cost them. They did have Ben Marschke sin binned after a late shot on Jamal Fogarty, and Sam Walker put a scare through the team by going off with a shoulder injury but after leading 24-4 they really should have gone on with the job.
We will get to see what the young Roosters halves are made of going up against the inform Cleary and Luai. It should be a good battle. The other battle to watch will be between the front-rowers, James Fisher-Harris and Moses Leota for the Panthers and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Siosiua Taukeiaho for the Roosters. Fisher-Harris and Leota are having a great season for the Panthers and have laid a strong platform for their halves this season. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has found some good form for the Roosters recently. Taukeiaho will make his return after injuring himself against the Raiders.
KEY STAT
Since 1998 these two sides have played 40 times and are currently locked at 20 all.
PREDICTION
Panthers by 18.
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