MARCH 15th, 2024 BLUEBET STADIUM PENRITH SYDNEY
Panthers Aim to Avoid 0-2 Start
The Panthers are trying to avoid going 0-2 to start the season for the first time since 2016 when they play host to the Eels on Friday night at BlueBet Stadium.
Offensive Struggles: Panthers vs. Storm
Incredibly, the Panthers failed to score a single point in their 8-0 defeat to the Storm last week. The three-time reigning premiers made a whopping 12 errors and couldn’t find their mojo inside the Melbourne red-zone, despite plenty of opportunities.
Challenges Ahead: Facing a Bogey Team
While it’s not yet cause for panic, the Panthers encountered difficulties in their offensive strategy during their loss against Wigan in the World Cup Challenge. Now, they confront a team that has historically proven to be a challenge for them in Round 2.
Historical Faceoff: Panthers vs. Eels
While the Panthers were far too classy for the Eels in both games during the 2022 finals series, including the Grand Final, it’s been Parramatta who have won the last four regular season meetings between the teams.
Eels on a High: Perfect Start
The Eels got their season off to the perfect start last week, easing past the Bulldogs 26-8 in front of a packed CommBank Stadium.
Mitch Moses was carrying a groin injury throughout that contest, but the Eels still managed to win at a canter. Moses has been declared fit and ready to go for this contest.
Boost for Panthers: Kenny and Sorensen Return
Mitch Kenny and Scott Sorensen make their return to the Panthers team in a big boost to their forward pack ahead of this clash.
Eels have won the last four regular season meetings between the teams
Panthers have lost their last two games, including World Club Challenge
Panthers failed to score a single point in 8-0 loss vs Storm last week
Eels have covered a +7.5 line in five of their last seven games vs Panthers
Sunia Turuva has scored four tries in his last two games at BlueBet Stadium
Clint Gutherson has scored a try in four of his last six games vs Eels
Brian To’o has scored a try in nine of his last 10 games at BlueBet Stadium
Team Line-ups
Panthers
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Taylan May 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Soni Luke 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry 17. Luke Garner 18. Daine Laurie 19. Matt Eisenhuth 20. Mavrik Geyer 21. Paul Alamoti 22. Brad Schneider
Eels
1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Morgan Harper 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Joey Lussick 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Brendan Hands 15. Ryan Matterson 16. Joe Ofahengaue 17. Kelma Tuilagi 18. Ofahiki Ogden 19. Wiremu Greig 20. Luca Moretti 21. Makahesi Makatoa 22. Blaize Talagi
Prediction
The Panthers rarely lose at home and I expect that to continue, but the Eels will not be a walk over especially if Moses can stay on the paddock. He injured his groin last week and the bench looks thin if he goes off. Cleary is the key for the Panthers. If betting, look for a healthy points start for the Eels.
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