Check out the match preview and prediction for the final round clash between the Penrith Panthers and Gold Coast Titans.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Penrith Panthers Vs Gold Coast Titans
Venue: BlueBet Stadium, Penrith
Date: Saturday, September 7, 19:35
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Sunia Turuva, 3. Izack Tago, 4. Paul Alamoti, 5. Brian To’o, 6. Brad Schneider, 7. Jarome Luai, 8. Moses Leota, 9. Mitch Kenny, 10. James Fisher-Harris, 11. Scott Sorensen, 12. Liam Martin, 13. Isaah Yeo, 14. Trent Toelau, 15. Lindsay Smith, 16. Liam Henry, 17. Luke Garner, 18. Matt Eisenhuth, 19. Mavrik Geyer, 20. Casey McLean, 21. Daine Laurie, 22. Luke Sommerton
Titans: 1. Keano Kini, 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira, 3. Brian Kelly, 4. Beau Fermor, 5. Jojo Fifita, 6. Jayden Campbell, 7. Kieran Foran, 8. Moeaki Fotuaika, 9. Sam Verrills, 10. Jaimin Jolliffe, 11. Chris Randall, 12. Klese Haas, 13. Isaac Liu, 14. Jacob Alick-Wiencke, 15. Erin Clark, 16. Keenan Palasia, 17. Arama Hau, 18. Josiah Pahulu, 19. Tanah Boyd, 20. Joe Stimson, 21. Tony Francis, 22. Jaylan De Groot
Referee: Chris Butler
Embed from Getty ImagesMATCHDAY PREVIEW
There is just the one change for the Panthers, with Scott Sorensen returning from injury. Luke Garner shifts to the bench while Matt Eisenhuth has been named 18th Man. Don’t be surprised if Ivan Cleary chooses to rest some players in preparation for finals, however.
For the Titans, Keano Kini returns at fullback in a boost for the side, but David Fifita will miss this clash with an ankle injury. Klese Haas comes into the starting side in his place, with Arama Hau set to make his NRL debut off the bench. Jacob Alick-Wiencke is also back in the team.
The Titans are just playing for pride in the final round of the regular season, but face one of the toughest tests in the competition. They showed glimpses against the Knights last week, but ultimately fell short again in a 36-14 loss. It has been another disappointing season for the Gold Coast. There have been some bright spots, but their defence has once again let them down, conceding almost 28 points per game. Kini has been a revelation at fullback and Jayden Campbell has found some form in the halves, which should give them some more clarity across their spine heading into 2025.
This will likely be the Panthers’ final game at the current BlueBet Stadium before it gets redeveloped. A win against the Titans would lock in second spot on the ladder and two home games in the finals. After a starring performance last week in a 34-12 win over the Rabbitohs, Jarome Luai will once again be key in the halfback position.
James Fisher-Harris also plays his 200th NRL game this week. An absolute workhorse in the front row for many years, he has been an integral part of the Panthers dynasty, and his side will no doubt be hoping to send him off a winner once again before he heads home to New Zealand next year.
Penrith has won nine of their past 10 games against the Titans, and this week should be no different.
Head-to-head stats can be found at Number Crunch Stats.
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Check out all the NRL Predictions here.
Panthers by 32 points.
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