THURSDAY MARCH 28th 2024 ALLIANZ STADIUM SYDNEY
Round 4 commences with a showdown of titans as the Roosters and Panthers, fresh off remarkable victories, aim to assert dominance in a Thursday night spectacle.
Just 24 hours following the defending premiers Penrith rolling over the Broncos in the grand final rematch, the Roosters showcased a dominant performance at Allianz Stadium, putting an end to their old rivals Souths.
Roosters vs. Panthers: A Clash of Titans in NRL Round 4
The Roosters are likely to exploit Penrith’s defense through aerial attacks in the red zone, providing Dom Young with opportunities to outmaneuver the smaller pairing of Taylan May and Brian To’o, potentially securing his third try in as many matches for the tri-colours.
Key Matchup: Dom Young vs. Panthers’ Defense in the Red Zone
Sam Walker has received clearance to play following assessments by two independent doctors designated by the NRL Chief Medical Officer. They determined that his Category 1 HIA against the Rabbitohs should have been classified as a Category 2. Joining him in the halves is Luke Keary, who has successfully completed the 11-day concussion protocols after his injury in Round 2. Lindsay Collins will be absent due to a hamstring injury, with Terrell May stepping in at prop, and Egan Butcher making his first NRL appearance of the season from the bench.
In 2023, the Panthers dominated Trent Robinson’s team, securing two significant victories with a combined score of 70-10. The second of these victories occurred at Allianz Stadium in Round 15, coinciding with Nathan Cleary’s absence due to a hamstring injury.
Panthers’ Hopeful Return: James Fisher-Harris Eyes Comeback Against Roosters
Both teams are now standing at 2-1 for the season and are beginning to hit their stride, although the Roosters might face another game without Luke Keary due to a head knock. Additionally, Sandon Smith (elbow) and Lindsay Collins (hamstring) sustained injuries during the match against the Rabbitohs.
The Panthers are hopeful of having their enforcer James Fisher-Harris (shoulder) back in action as they prepare to go head-to-head with 300-gamer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Terrell May, and their teammates in the engine room.
Injury Woes for Panthers: Cleary Sidelined, Schneider to Step Up
A huge blow with Nathan Cleary set to miss four weeks with a hamstring injury, while Scott Sorensen (knee) is also out. Brad Schneider makes his return to the NRL as the new No. 7 after his time in England, while Luke Garner earns a starting position in the back row. Additionally, Mavrik Geyer, son of 1991 grand final hero Mark, is set to make his NRL debut from the bench.
Team Line-Ups
Roosters
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 4. Joseph Manu 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Terrell May 11. Nat Butcher 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Victor Radley 14. Connor Watson 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Egan Butcher 17. Angus Crichton 18. Michael Jennings 19. Siua Wong 20. Fetalaiga Pauga 21. Zach Dockar-Clay 22. Dylan Napa
Panthers
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Taylan May 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Brad Schneider 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Daine Laurie 15. Matt Eisenhuth 16. Liam Henry 17. Mavrik Geyer 18. Soni Luke 19. Jack Cole 20. Ativalu Lisati 21. Paul Alamoti 22. Tyrone Peachey
The Roosters have scored 110 points in their past three games at Allianz Stadium.
The Panthers have won their past eight games against the Roosters.
The Roosters have won seven of their past nine games at Allianz Stadium.
Panthers winger Sunia Turuva has scored eight tries in his past seven NRL games.
The Roosters have conceded 20 points or more in their past eight games against the Panthers.
Daniel Tupou scored three tries in four games at the start of the season before injury – backing him to bounce back on his return
Referee Adam Gee, Touch Judges, David Munro, Chris Sutton , Bunker, Chris Butler
PREDICTION
This season keeps delivering exciting matchups, and this game is expected to be no exception. The Roosters dominated the Rabbitohs last week, while the Panthers showcased their progress with a significant victory against the Broncos. Although the Panthers will miss the outstanding Nathan Cleary, they have prepared extensively with his replacement. While the Roosters have shown glimpses of being genuine premiership contenders this year, this game will serve as the ultimate test. If they play with the same ruthless nature they did last week in their demolition of the Rabbitohs, the Tricolours can pick up their third win of the season.
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