Check out the match preview and prediction for the round 25 clash between the Canberra Raiders and the Penrith Panthers.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Canberra Raiders Vs Penrith Panthers
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Date: Saturday, August 24, 3pm
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Raiders: 1. Jordan Rapana 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Kaeo Weekes 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Danny Levi 15. Emre Guler 16. Ata Mariota 17. Simi Sasagi 18. Adam Cook 19. Zac Woolford 20. Trey Mooney 21. Jed Stuart 22. Corey Horsburgh
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Daine Laurie 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Brad Schneider 7. Jarome Luai 8. Moses Leota 9. Luke Sommerton 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Mavrik Geyer 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Trent Toelau 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry 17. Jack Cole 18. Matt Eisenhuth 19. Paul Alamoti 20. Luke Garner 21. Luron Patea 22. Sunia Turuva
Referee: Grant Atkins
Embed from Getty ImagesMATCHDAY PREVIEW
There is a number of changes for both sides, with Jordan Rapana returning from concussion at fullback for the Raiders, which sees Kaeo Weekes shift to five-eighth. Albert Hopoate comes in on the wing, Sebastian Kris has been named in the centres, while Ethan Strange has been ruled out with a calf injury.
The Panthers will have to navigate at least the rest of the regular season without Nathan Cleary after he aggravated a shoulder injury last week. Jarome Luai will start at halfback, where he found terrific form earlier in the season. Brad Schneider beats out Jack Cole to partner Luai in the halves – in Schneider’s first game back at Canberra since joining the Panthers – but Cole has kept his place on the bench. With Mitch Kenny suspended, Luke Sommerton will start in his place at hooker, while Liam Martin is back in the second row. Lindsay Smith drops back to the bench and Matt Eisenhuth back to the reserves.
The Panthers’ chances of another minor premiership are most likely gone after last week’s 24-22 loss to the Storm. Even without Cleary, it would appear unlikely they drop out of second spot with a soft run home, but the Roosters and Sharks sit just one win behind the reigning premiers.
For the Raiders, they come into this clash on the back of three straight losses, none more disappointing than last week’s 42-4 demolition at the hands of the Cowboys. Ricky Stuart’s men have conceded 88 points in their last two matches, an issue that will need to be fixed against a Penrith side boasting attacking weapons across the park.
This game is also the last home game for Canberra captain Elliott Whitehead. The English international debuted in 2016 and helped the Raiders become a consistent finals side, playing in three preliminary finals and one grand final.
Along with Josh Hodgson, Whitehead was one of the club’s biggest English recruits. Even when his body was failing, he still gave his all and his experience as captain was vital after Jack Wighton and Jarrod Croker left the club last season, bringing up game 200 a few weeks ago.
The Panthers have won their last five matches against the Raiders, and even without Cleary, they should prove too strong as they prepare for their tilt at a remarkable four straight premierships.
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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