How on earth did this game reach "Match of the Day" status? Rugby League fans can fill robbed by this decision to show this game on free-to-air TV whilst other "more exciting" and more important games to the make up of the Top 8 go unwatched by many without access to Pay-TV. But there is still a chance to make some money off the match so lets try to make the most of a bad situation. This clash features 15th on the NRL table hosting 14th. Both sides lost in Round 19 but were not without a spirited performance. The Panthers took on the Wests Tigers and made them work for their win. They pushed them right up until the end and despite the allegations of unrest at the club, this would have actually given their fans some hope for next season and beyond. The Roosters on the other hand had 12 point scored against them in two minutes to go down in amazing circumstances to their bitter rivals, the Rabbitohs. It will be a game that many people will speak about as time goes on, but for the Roosters fans and players, they will want to quickly erase the memory with a win here. If there is anything to play for in this game, it would be to distance themselves from the dreaded wooden spoon. Penrith are now only 15th on points difference after an Eels win and whilst the Roosters are still 5 points away, they will not want to leave anything to chance. So maybe this game could actually produce a decent performance after all. But I wouldn't bet on it.
Penrith Panthers
The good thing for the Panthers running into this clash is that they have a relatively unchanged lineup, except for one forced change to the starting lineup through a return from injury. The Panthers welcome back Clint Newton to their starting team and Nigel Plum drops back to an extended bench. The same players there were named on the extended bench last week were again named here. There are no clues as to who will drop off the bench but final team selections will be posted on my twitter feed when they come to hand. Surely the Panthers will be filled with confidence after their performance against the Tigers and with Luke Lewis' future now settled, they can focus even more on what happens on the field.
Sydney Roosters
As mentioned above, the Roosters will erase their nightmare finish to MNF with a good win here. But nothing will be made easy for them. Whilst he was named to face the Rabbitohs, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves was rubbed out with a one game suspension. He was definitely missed in a very physical encounter against the Bunnies. The player that filled his place in that game was Lama Tasi and he moves back to the bench. That is the only change to the starting team for the Roosters but they have named an extended bench. This week that includes Nafe Seluini and Brad Takairangi, two players who were late inclusions last week. They played very well when they took the field, but it did appear as though the Roosters lost a little bit of spark when Jake Friend was taken off the field. He controls the ruck very well and makes a mountain of tackles in defence. But then again, coach Brian Smith may opt to leave him out there and shift him to lock like we have seen a few times this season.
Recent History
Overall = Pathers 29 - Draw 1 - Roosters 48
Last 5 games = Panthers 3 - Roosters 2
At Centrebet Stadium = Panthers 16 - Roosters 23
Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Panthers $1.88 Roosters $1.95
Centrebet = Panthers $1.88 Roosters $1.95
Sportsbet = Panthers $1.91 Roosters $1.93
Betfair = Panthers $1.93 Roosters $2.00
Verdict
Going by the bookies (see above), this game is going to be a very tough call. You think that would deter a regular punter away but I do see some value in the Roosters. They are away from home and suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Rabbitohs in Round 19. But they have a young side that is capable of producing anything on their day. In saying that though, now sitting in equal last will surely drive the Panthers to a win here. This game is going to be won and lost in the forwards with both teams possessing monster forward packs. The fact that the Roosters did fight back to post a "good" lead on Monday shows that they are capable of winning this one.
Suggested Bet
Roosters 1-12 @ $3.25
Still not sure = Tri Bet Either team under 6.5 points @ $2.65 - If you cannot make up your mind on this game then perhaps this is the betting option for you. There is a bit of value offered and if it is going to be a close game, then why not consider this for a multi.
First Try Hookers = Jake Friend ($26) or Kevin Kingston ($26) - The game is going to be won and lost in the forwards and these two players control the ruck very well. If their side gets close to the line early that will be making sure that they try to cross the white line first.
Good luck!
Scooby
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