Sunday footy begins in Sydney's west as the Penrith Panthers host the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles. Penrith have under performed this season so far and after they beat the Dragons in golden point, they seemed to be getting their season back on track. Then they headed north to take on a weak Cowboys team and were unable to get the win, narrowly going down by 2 points. Nonetheless, they definitely did play like a more convicted team who was determined to perform in attack and defence. Michael Jennings avoids speculation over which team he would play for this week (Panther or their reserves, Windsor Wolves) as he is suspended for one game follow a brain snap in SOO. Manly also have their share of distress coming into this clash. Tony Williams, who was suspended for 7 weeks and then played SOO, is out for around another 5-7 weeks with what appears to be a back injury. It is devastating for the Eagles that this happened because even after an enforced lay off, he looked as damaging as ever on Wednesday night. But the competition rolls on and Manly will be looking to get through this one relatively easily but the Panther won't be giving up without a fight.
Penrith Panthers
Coach Ivan Cleary has stuck with the same team that narrowly lost to the Cowboys. The only change to the starting lineup is that SOO star and captain Luke Lewis, returns to the starting side at lock. His presence definitely will lift those around him as his play is inspirational at the least of times. The Panthers will have to hope that their forwards take control early and assert their dominance in this one. Hooker Kevin Kingston is playing very well at the moment and needs to work over the Manly forwards over close to the ruck. It is very hard to see Penrith getting the money in this game, but then again, stranger things have happened.
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
The Eagles have named all of their SOO players to back up in this one but obviously Williams will have to be replaced in the side. There has not been a player named yet so standby for that one. I doubt it will have any great bearing on the result but it will be handy to know. Although he went off early last week, 5/8 Kieran Foran is named to play. It was said that he could have returned to the field last week but the coaching staff thought it would be better to give him a rest anyway. It would not surprise me if they left him out of this one and started his brother Liam.
Recent History
Overall = Panthers 26 - Draw 1 - Manly 46
Last 5 games = Panthers 1 - Manly 4
At Centrebet Stadium = Panthers 16 - Draw 1 - Manly 21
Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Panthers $3.35 Manly $1.35
Centrebet = Panthers $3.05 Manly $1.40
Sportsbet = Panthers $3.05 Manly $1.40
Verdict
Penrith will struggle to get out of this one with a win. Manly are a far superior team and should be too strong for them in the forwards and the outside back. For Manly, it's a matter of by "how many". Don't think that I am suggesting that this game will be a walk over for Manly, but they should get the points without any trouble. Much like last game against the Roosters where they won the game by 8 points in the end, you always felt that they were going to get the win and could always have lifted to another level if they needed to. I cannot definitively say by what margin so I won't tip that in this one, just going to go Manly for the win.
Suggested Bet
Manly @ $1.40
Value bet = Manly/Manly @ $1.80 - Although it isn't much value, it could prop up a sports multi of some sort.
Another thought... = Total points Over 40.5 @ $1.85 - Daytime footy brings out the best in the NRL teams and this one should be no different.
Good luck!
Scooby
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