NRL PRELIMINERY FINAL GAME 2 : PENRITH PANTHERS v CRONULLA SHARKS

Rugby League

7: 50 pm SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28th, 2024 Accor Stadium, SYDNEY.

Panthers Eye Fifth Consecutive Grand Final Appearance

The reigning Penrith Panthers will aim to secure their fifth consecutive grand final appearance as they face the Cronulla Sharks at Accor Stadium.

Penrith enters the clash well-rested after a dominant 30-10 victory over the Sydney Roosters in the opening week.

Dominant Display Against Roosters Sets the Tone

Four tries in the first 22 minutes sealed yet another Preliminary Final for the Panthers, as the men from the foot of the mountain showcased why their are the defending champions three years running.

 Luke Garner Steps Up in Sorensen’s Absence

The late withdrawal of Scott Sorensen proved no issue, as Luke Garner wreaked havoc on the Roosters’ defensive line. The addition of Sorensen will just be yet another threat for the Sharks this week, with Garner’s ability to play across multiple positions from the bench a proven problem in 2024 for opposition teams.

The Penrith Spine: The Key to Success

As the competition knows, the major threat comes from the Penrith spine that involves three international representatives and a very underrated hooker in Mitch Kenny, While the attention will undoubtedly be on the halves of Cleary and Luai, the threat from Dylan Edwards and Kenny can and will cause headaches across the board for Cronulla. 

Penrith

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. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Brad Schneider 15. Lindsay Smith , 16. Liam Henry 17. Matt Eisenhuth 18. Casey McLean 19. Trent Toelau 20. Scott Sorensen,  21. Daine Laurie 22. Luke Sommerton

Sharks Seek Consistency Amid Defensive Concerns

The Sharks are coming off an unpredictable performance against the Cowboys, securing a week-three spot with a 26-18 win. Despite leading 24-0 at half-time, they nearly fell victim to a Cowboys comeback, largely due to lapses in defense. While that effort sufficed last week, it won’t be enough against the reigning champions.

A Difficult Record Against the Panthers

The Sharks’ track record against the Panthers isn’t great, with losses in seven of their last ten meetings. However, one of their three wins was a memorable 21-20 victory in the 2018 finals, sealed by a Chad Townsend field goal.

Sharks Team News

Only one Shark from that 2018 team remains with the club—Jesse Ramien. Scott Sorensen was on the bench for Cronulla in that victory, while Penrith still has four players from the 2018 squad: Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Moses Leota, and James Fisher-Harris.

Panthers Unchanged, Sorensen Set to Return

The Panthers have named an unchanged lineup from their week one match, with Scott Sorensen expected to return from a hamstring injury. If Sorensen plays on Saturday, he will likely replace Brad Schneider.

The Sharks have also stuck with the same 17 that secured last week’s win against North Queensland. Dan Atkinson is 18th man, while impact man Braden Hamlin-Uele looks to break into the side from the reserves. 

Cronulla

1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro , 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey , 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes , 14. Siosifa Talakai 15. Jack Williams 16. Royce Hunt 17. Thomas Hazelton , 18. Daniel Atkinson 19. Braden Hamlin-Uele 20. Mawene Hiroti 21. Jayden Berrell,  22. Samuel Stonestreet

Referee. Ashley Klein, Touch Judges. Matt Noyen, Chris Sutton, Bunker, Chris Butler.

Key Stats and Milestones to Watch

The Panthers have claimed victory in seven of their last eight encounters with the Sharks.

In their past two meetings, the Sharks have been outscored 70-0 by the Panthers.

The Panthers are chasing a premiership record with their 11th consecutive finals win.

Sharks halfback Nicho Hynes is set to make his 100th NRL appearance.

Panthers captain Isaah Yeo will break the club’s all-time appearance record, surpassing 243 games.

Prediction

You can not go past the Panthers in this one. Too much depth in the whole squad, well coached, and clever.

I picked a Storm -Panthers final back in Round 1 and that’s still what I think will happen.

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