FRIDAY, AUGUST 10th,2024 COMMBANK STADIUM,SYDNEY
A Fierce Rivalry Continues
The Eels and Panthers, fierce local rivals, never have an easy match against each other. Their last meeting in Round 2 saw the Panthers narrowly edge out a win in a closely contested game. Since then, their paths have diverged, but it’s clear the Eels won’t be intimidated, and the Panthers won’t be taking them lightly.
Eels’ Resurgence: A Glimmer of Hope
Eels’ fans breathed a sigh of relief after their side’s impressive 30-20 win over the Warriors. It was a performance that built on that against the Storm, with tough work in the middle and defensive grit when required. This time, the key difference was their ability to convert hard work into points.
Team News: Barrett Sticks with Winning Formula
Trent Barrett has decided to stick with the same lineup from last week. BlaizeTalagi is named, despite reports he may be defecting to their opposition in 2025. Jake Tago, who continues to improve each week, will go head-to-head with his brother Izack in what promises to be an emotional night for their family.
Eels
1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Jake Tago 3. Will Penisini 4. Blaize Talagi 5. Sean Russell 6. Dylan Brown 7. Daejarn Asi 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Brendan Hands 10. Wiremu Greig 11. Shaun Lane , 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Ryan Matterson , 14. Joey Lussick 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Matt Doorey, 17. Dan Keir , 18. Ethan Sanders 19. Kelma Tuilagi 20. Isaac Lumelume 21. Morgan Harper , 22. Makahesi Makatoa
Diverging Paths Since 2022
Since clashing in the 2022 grand final, these two western Sydney powerhouses have taken markedly different paths.
Panthers’ Dominance Continues
The Panthers took the spoils that night and then made it three straight premierships in 2023 and now sit second on the table with a fourth title in a row a very real possibility.
Eels’ Struggles and Motivation for a Strong Finish
The Eels dropped to 10th place last year and are currently languishing in 16th with a 5-14 record in 2024, though they’ll be encouraged by a stunning victory over the Warriors in Round 22.
With new coach Jason Ryles set to join the club, there’s plenty of motivation for the Eels to finish the season on a high and build momentum heading into the off-season.
Panthers Eye Top-Two Finish
The Panthers held off a determined Knights side to secure a 22-14 victory, putting them on the brink of cementing a top-two finish by season’s end. Though it wasn’t their clinical best, with Nathan Cleary only a couple of weeks back and Dylan Edwards to come, their ceiling for improvement is immense.
The Panthers are within grasp of another minor premiership and will be keen to use this clash as a springboard into a monster Round 24 clash with the Storm which could well decide who takes home the JJ Giltinan Shield.
Panthers
1. Daine Laurie 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Scott Sorensen, 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo, 14. Trent Toelau 15. Matt Eisenhuth 16. Liam Henry 17. Mavrik Geyer , 18. Luron Patea 19. Jack Cole 20. Isaiah Iongi 21. Asu Kepaoa 22. Luke Sommerton
Referee. Peter Gough, Touch Judges, Damian Brady, Matt Noyen, Bunker, Liam Kennedy.
Key Stats and Facts
The Eels have lost four of their last five home games.
The Panthers haven’t beaten the Eels at CommBank Stadium since 2019.
The Eels have yet to win back-to-back games in 2024.
Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary has racked up 52 points in his last three games.
Eels fullback Clint Gutherson has scored five tries in his last seven games against the Panthers.
Prediction.
The Eels surprised everyone but their most loyal fans with an upset win over the struggling Warriors last week, while the Panthers edged out a resilient Knights team. This matchup is typically one of the highlights of the season, and the Eels will be eager to rise to the occasion at home against their fierce rivals. However, it’s difficult to see them toppling the Panthers.
In the end, the Panthers’ superior quality is likely to be too much for the injury-hit Eels to handle. While it might not be the blowout many expect, and the game could stay close for a while, the Panthers should pull ahead comfortably by the final whistle.
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