Jem Nash previews this round 24 battle between the Panthers and Tigers in Redcliffe. This is what we have to look forward to.
Embed from Getty ImagesTEAM NEWS
Venue: Moreton Daily Stadium, Date: 29/8, Time: 4:05pm AEST
Panthers Team
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Stephen Crichton
3. Paul Momirovski
4. Matt Burton
5. Brian To’o
6. Jarome Luai
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Moses Leota
9. Apisai Koroisau
10. James Fisher-Harris
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Kurt Capewell
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Mitch Kenny
15. Scott Sorensen
16. Tevita Pangai Jr
17. Liam Martin
18. Izack Tago
19. Taylan May
20. Tyrone May
21. Charlie Staines
Team Changes
IN: Brian To’o, Charlie Staines, James Fisher-Harris, Taylan May, Tyrone May
OUT: Brent Naden, Matthew Eisenhuth
Tigers Team
1. Moses Mbye
2. David Nofoaluma
3. Tommy Talau
4. Michael Chee Kam
5. Ken Maumalo
6. Jock Madden
7. Luke Brooks
8. Thomas Mikaele
9. Jacob Liddle
10. Stefano Utoikamanu
11. Shawn Blore
12. Luciano Leilua
13. Alex Twal
14. Joe Ofahengaue
15. Jake Simpkin
16. Tom Amone
17. Alex Seyfarth
18. James Roberts
19. Billy Walters
20. Tukimihia Simpkins
21. Zac Cini
Team Changes
IN: Alex Seyfarth, Jacob Liddle, James Roberts, Jock Madden, Thomas Mikaele
OUT: Adam Doueihi, Kelma Tuilagi
Referee: Matt Cecchin
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Panthers
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Panthers are back to full strength with the massive inclusions of Brian To’o and James Fisher-Harris, with Brent Naden and Matt Eisenhuth making way. The Panthers are finding their stride again and are coming off a strong victory over the Rabbitohs last week. They were down 12-0 early but fought back with 25 unanswered points which should lock up a top two spot. They will be looking to continue their momentum as they head toward a likely rematch with the Rabbitohs in week one of finals.
Tigers
Embed from Getty ImagesAdam Doueihi is out in a big blow after suffering a knee injury in last week’s big loss to the Sharks, with Jock Madden taking his place in the halves. Their slim finals hopes were extinguished in that 50-20 defeat and it only gets worse without Doueihi for the final two games of the season. It’s unlikely the Tigers will put up much of a fight against the Panthers who are finding their best form again.
PREVIEW
It’s hard to see anything but a big Panthers win in this one. They have weapons all over the field and get two massive ins this week with To’o and Fisher-Harris. To’o’s kick returns and early carries have been key to his side’s success this season and Fisher-Harris will bolster an already impressive forward pack.
The Tigers should take plenty of confidence from their last match against the Panthers, which was a 26-6 win back in round 13. The Panthers were severely under strength in that clash but a win against a top two side is still a great feat for a struggling side.
One of the key battles for this one will be between the halfbacks. Cleary was exceptional against the Rabbitohs last week, his kicking game leading the way. Brooks has been solid this season but faces a very tough test against one of the best players in the competition. His running game has still been strong, averaging 101 metres per game, but the Tigers will need his kicking game to be on song.
KEY STAT
Despite the Tigers winning that round 13 match, the Panthers still dominate the recent history, with seven wins in their last 10 games between the two sides.
PREDICTION
The Tigers are right up against it in this one. They’re coming off a big loss to the Sharks and there’s a good chance this weekend’s result will be very similar.
Panthers by 20
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