Brendan Wood previews the qualifying final between the Penrith Panthers and the New Zealand Warriors.
Related: NRL Finals Stats Panthers Vs Warriors
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
Penrith Panthers Vs New Zealand Warriors
Venue: BlueBet Stadium, Sydney
Date: Saturday September 9, 4:05pm (6:05pm Auckland time)
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jack Cogger 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Zac Hosking 18. Jaeman Salmon 19. Matt Eisenhuth 20. Luke Sommerton 21. Luke Garner 22. Thomas Jenkins
Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Jackson Ford 12. Marata Niukore 13. Tohu Harris 14. Dylan Walker 15. Jazz Tevaga 16. Bayley Sironen 17. Josh Curran 18. Freddy Lussick 20. Taine Tuaupiki 21. Bunty Afoa 22. Tom Ale 23. Edward Kosi
Referee: Adam Gee
Embed from Getty ImagesMATCHDAY PREVIEW
At the start of the season, only a brave few would’ve tipped the New Zealand Warriors to finish in the top four. But that’s exactly where they find themselves, after a stellar first season with Andrew Webster at the helm. Now they’ve arrived, the toughest test in rugby league awaits: the Penrith Panthers at BlueBet Stadium in a qualifying final. The defending premiers, fresh off securing their third minor premiership in four years, are ready for the challenge. Make no mistake, this will be a blockbuster.
Following their shock loss to Parramatta in Round 26, the Panthers rebounded in style last week when they hammered the Cowboys 44-12 in a game the Cowboys were desperate to win. They were simply clinical, and returning stars Dylan Edwards and Brian To’o proved how valuable they are.
This week they welcome back Mitch Kenny and Scott Sorensen, further strengthening their already strong pack. They’ve lost Jerome Luai, but they didn’t miss a beat with Jack Cogger in the 6 jersey last week.
On the flipside, if the Eels can beat the Panthers in Penrith, a Warriors team with their stars rested have a chance to make history and pull off an upset. Shaun Johnson’s revival has been the toast of the NRL this season, and deservedly so. He has wound back the clock, which has completely rejuvenated the Warriors’ attack.
In doing so, he’s brought the best out of Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Addin Fonua-Blake, Tohu Harris, and Wade Egan, all of whom return after being rested last week in their loss to The Dolphins.
However, the Panthers and their iron defence present a daunting task for this resilient Warriors team in search of finals glory. In 11 games played this year against the current top eight, the Panthers are 10-1, with their only loss coming in Round 1 against the Broncos (13-12).
LAST TEN MATCHES
Panthers 8, Warriors 2
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Panthers by seven points.
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