Check out the match preview and prediction for the round 23 clash between the Eels and Panthers.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Parramatta Eels Vs Penrith Panthers
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Parramatta
Date: Friday August 9, 8:00pm
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Eels: 1. Clinton Gutherson, 2. Jake Tago, 3. Viliami Penisini, 4. Blaize Talagi, 5. Sean Russell, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Daejarn Asi, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Brendan Hands, 10. Wiremu Greig, 11. Shaun Lane, 12. Bryce Cartwright, 13. Ryan Matterson, 14. Joey Lussick, 15. Joe Ofahengaue, 16. Matt Doorey, 17. Dan Keir, 18. Ethan Sanders, 19. Kelma Tuilagi, 20. Isaac Lumelume, 21. Morgan Harper, 22. Makahesi Makatoa
Panthers: 1. Daine Laurie, 2. Sunia Turuva, 3. Izack Tago, 4. Casey McLean, 5. Brian To’o, 6. Jarome Luai, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Moses Leota, 9. Mitch Kenny, 10. Lindsay Smith, 11. Scott Sorensen, 12. Liam Martin, 13. Isaah Yeo, 14. Trent Toelau, 15. Matt Eisenhuth, 16. Liam Henry, 17. Mavrik Geyer, 18. Luron Patea, 19. Jack Cole, 20. Isaiah Iongi, 21. Asu Kepaoa, 22. Luke Sommerton
Referee: Peter Gough
Embed from Getty ImagesMATCHDAY PREVIEW
The two local rivals, the Eels and Panthers, never make it easy on each other. When they last met, back in Round 2, the Panthers just got past in a tight encounter. Since then, both sides’ fortunes have contrasted, yet one gets the sense the Eels won’t be overawed, and the Panthers won’t be underestimating them.
Eels’ fans breathed a sigh of relief after their side’s impressive 30-20 win over the Warriors. It was a performance that built on that against the Storm, with tough work in the middle and defensive grit when required. The difference, this time, was the ability to score points on the back of their hard work.
Trent Barrett has opted to stick with the same side from last week. Blaize Talagi is named, despite reports he may be defecting to their opposition in 2025. Jake Tago, who is improving every week, will face off against his brother Izack in what should be an emotional night for the family.
The Panthers fended off a resilient Knights outfit to chalk up a 22-14 win, which has them close to solidified as a top two side by the season’s end. Though it wasn’t their clinical best, with Nathan Cleary only a couple of weeks back and Dylan Edwards to come, their ceiling for improvement is immense.
Ivan Cleary has only made one change, that being the inclusion of Daine Laurie who returns after receiving a head knock against the Dragons.
The Eels’ inability to replace the kicking game of Mitchell Moses has been pronounced, however last week Daejarn Asi put on his finest performance of the year. He will need to repeat that effort and ensure that every time the Panthers receive the ball, it’s within centimetres of their line.
He won’t have it easy. Opposite him is the undisputed best halfback in the game, Nathan Cleary, who is warming into his return after a lengthy lay-off. He will see this game as another opportunity to find his best form going into September.
There’s an interesting battle in the middle to be had. Last week, the Eels were pulverised by the Warriors’ forwards early on. If they let that happen this week, they will concede plenty. In particular, Wiremu Greig will need to play the game of his life to set the foundation for the Eels, because opposite him is the behemoth, Moses Leota.
For the Eels to be any chance, they need Clint Gutherson to deliver. Last week was a true captain’s knock, with a try, five conversions, a try assist and more. He was the difference. That needs to be repeated if they want to come close.
Ultimately, the Panthers have too much class for the injury-riddled Eels to compete with. It may not be a blow-out as many anticipate, and could be tight for a period of time, but the Panthers should find a comfortable lead by the game’s end.
Head-to-head stats can be found at Number Crunch Stats.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Check out all the NRL Predictions here.
Panthers by 14 points.
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