NRL FRIDAY: PENRITH PANTHERS v SYDNEY ROOSTERS

SEMI FINAL WK 1 FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 13th, 2024 BLUEBET STADIUM PENRITH SYDNEY

BlueBet Stadium Hosts Panthers vs. Roosters in Final Game Before Redevelopment

The reigning champions, the Panthers, will face a crucial test on Friday night as they host a formidable Roosters side in what will be the final game at BlueBet Stadium before its redevelopment begins.

Panthers on Historic Premiership Quest

Having secured a top-two finish for a guaranteed home final and double chance, Ivan Cleary’s squad now intensifies their pursuit to become the first team since the legendary Dragons of the 1950s and 60s to claim four consecutive premierships.

Panthers vs. Roosters: A Finals Clash to Kick Off 2024 Series

The 2024 NRL Finals have finally arrived, and the three-time defending premiers, the Panthers, kick off the series on Friday with an enticing showdown against a dangerous yet injury-hit Roosters team, who lead the competition in points scored.

Panthers Enter Finals with a Few Concerns

For the Panthers, there’s just one significant change — the return of Nathan Cleary at halfback. This sees Jarome Luai shift back to five-eighth, while Brad Schneider moves to the reserves.

For the first time in several years, the Panthers enter the finals with a bit of uncertainty. Their form over the past month has been shaky, and although they’ve managed to grind out a few wins, they’ve had to contend with key players either sidelined or playing through injuries. All eyes will be on Nathan Cleary and how he performs under the pressure of finals football after being out for the last three weeks.

Roosters to Test Cleary as Panthers Seek Defensive Dominance

The Roosters will undoubtedly target Cleary, with Angus Crichton set to challenge the strength of his shoulder throughout the night. However, the Panthers have the home-ground advantage and, boasting one of the best defensive records this season, will aim to keep the Roosters’ flashy attack in check and make scoring opportunities scarce.

Panthers

1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 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. Trent Toelau 15. Lindsay Smith,  16. Liam Henry 17. Luke Garner 18. Matt Eisenhuth 19. Brad Schneider 20. Casey McLean , 21. Daine Laurie 22. Luke Sommerton

Roosters Welcome Back Key Players for Finals Clash

For the Roosters, star wingers Dom Young and Daniel Tupou make their return after missing last week’s game. Lindsay Collins and Nat Butcher are also back in the forward pack, while Terrell May and Naufahu Whyte shift to the bench.

De La Salle Va’a, Blake Steep, Mark Nawaqanitawase, and Fetalaiga Pauga have been omitted from the 17.

Roosters Face Uphill Battle Against Panthers at BlueBet Stadium

The Roosters face an even bigger challenge as they head to BlueBet Stadium, having secured just three wins against top-eight teams this season. Adding to the difficulty is the fact that the Panthers haven’t lost a finals game in four years. However, Trent Robinson’s men won’t be easily discouraged. Two weeks ago, disaster struck when they lost two key spine players in Brandon Smith and Sam Walker. For most teams, such setbacks would shatter their premiership hopes, but the Roosters still have plenty of class across the field to compete with the defensive juggernaut that is the Panthers. If anything, they now have extra motivation to pull off a shock upset in Penrith and shake up the finals series.

Roosters

1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 4. Joseph Manu , 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sandon Smith 8. Spencer Leniu 9. Connor Watson,  10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Nat Butcher,  14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Siua Wong 17. Terrell May,  18. Michael Jennings 19. Blake Steep 20. Mark Nawaqanitawase 21. Jake Elliott 22. Salesi Foketi

Referee, Ashley Klein, Touch Judges, Liam Kennedy, Chris Sutton, Bunker, Official Grant Atkins

Panthers Hold Dominant Record Against Roosters

The Panthers have dominated recent encounters, winning their last nine matches against the Roosters.

The Roosters haven’t secured a victory at BlueBet Stadium since 2018.

The Panthers are also on the verge of equaling the premiership record with 10 consecutive finals wins.

Roosters captain James Tedesco has yet to taste victory at BlueBet Stadium in his career.

Panthers lock Isaah Yeo will reach a major milestone, equaling Steve Carter’s club record of 243 appearances.

Prediction

I will go with the Panthers ,at home, with Cleary back, and with the final game at this stadium.

It may be tight and I will go with Panthers by 6.

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