As the long weekend rounds up, we are surprised on a few fronts tonight with Monday Night Footy. Firstly punters, don't be fooled as the kick-off time for this game is 5:30pm! Secondly, with the weather that has pounded Sydney in the past few days, I would be much more confident if either team named Noah or James Magnussen in their squad for the game. They players will be playing in conditions that not many of them would have seen before and one is left to wonder how much of an effect this will have on the result. We saw yesterday in appalling conditions, 64 points scored in the Roosters-Broncos match. Will this one take the same path? I should hope not! In such poor conditions you like to play very direct and tough football, up through the middle of the park. It also must be mentioned that after the week of tipping I've had (1 from 4), you would be inclined to tell me to shut up and just watch the game. Well I will be watching, but having not invested any money in games since Friday night, I think that I will be tempted into having a dabble in this game. Oh and yes....this will be the last game before SOO 2 on Wednesday night so many league fans will be looking to this clash as a warm up for the game on Wednesday. But before we get to that point, we must watch Coach Ivan Cleary take on his old team. This should be interesting as many were left shocked when Cleary chose to depart at the end of last season and take up a favourable role under the watchful eye of Phil Gould. The Warriors sit higher than the Panthers on the ladder but it is still on early days.
Penrith Panthers
Penrith momentarily got their season back on track with a last start win over Manly at home. It was a great victory for them and they really did work hard through the middle and really wanted the victory more than Manly. Obviously they have three players out to SOO duty, but really it should only be recognised as two, as Michael Jennings has not played for the club since being dropped to play for Windsor Wolves before SOO 1. But the forwards they lose will certainly cause a weakness to occur in the middle of the field. Workhorse Luke Lewis is replaced by Ryan Simpkins and mammoth prop Tim Grant's sport is taken by Dane Weston. The Panthers will definitely hope that halfback Luke Walsh can again steer the team around the park and hooker Kevin Kingston is as dynamic as ever out of acting half. They will certainly have their work cut out for them in this one as their opposition take the field with a monster pack of forwards and some excitement machines out wide.
NZ Warriors
The Warriors have been the typical Warriors team that we have seen in recent years. Although they were getting rid of the inconsistent tag which followed them under Ivan Cleary's guidance, but it has crept back in of late. They lead the Storm last week at home 12-0 but eventually let in 22 unanswered points to go down 22-12. They did take the game to the Storm early (like they did the Tigers a few weeks back), but have failed to finish teams off at crucial points. They also have the habit of making a few mistakes at crucial points of the game which is where they can often give possession away in key areas of the field. They are lucky to have no players away on SOO duty but they do still have a few players out due to injury. It is good to see exciting fullback Kevin Locke back into the lineup and they also have a 5 man bench with one to be omitted.
Recent History
Overall = Panthers 14 - Draw 1 - Warriors 13
Last 5 games = Panthers 1 - Draw 1 - Warriors 3
At Centrebet Stadium = Panthers 7 - Draw 1 - Warriors 6
Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Panthers $2.85 Warriors $1.45
Centrebet = Panthers $2.80 Warriors $1.46
Sportsbet = Panthers $2.92 Warriors $1.43
Verdict
Before you have a bet, maybe weigh up the possibilities here. SOO 2 is on Wednesday night...is it worth waiting and holding your money to invest on that much? Well that is up to you. If you want to know what I'll be doing, I'll be having a first try scorer from either team and then maybe a few "pick-the-scores" but then saving my money until Wednesday. As far as this game goes, I find it very hard to go past the Warriors on their form line. They have played well in recent weeks and have gone down to some quality teams. This is the chance and time for the real NZ Warriors to stand up and claim a dominating victory against an opponent who is still aiming to find some momentum this season.
Suggested Bet
Save your money for Origin!
Panthers first try scorer = Kevin Kingston @ $26 - He will be looking to get over the line from dummy half and did so a few weeks ago against the Dragons on MNF (I do believe it was the second try of the game).
Warriors first try scorer = Feleti Mateo @ $21 - No surprise that I have gone a forward for either team. Thats where I believe the game will be played, so why not go one for the Warriors as well. Mateo does carry the ball in one hand and can be prone to make a mistake but will be taking the ball to score a try close to the Panthers line.
Good luck!
Scooby
@scoobystips
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