SUNDAY, JUNE 30th, 2024 BLUEBET STADIUM, PENRITH
Exciting NRL Showdown at BlueBet Stadium
The Penrith Panthers and North Queensland Cowboys are set to clash this Sunday at 4 pm at BlueBet Stadium.
Panthers Look to Maintain Strong Form
Both teams are coming off a bye, with the Cowboys experiencing their first break of the season after waiting 16 rounds. The Panthers, currently in second place with a 10-4 record, look to maintain their strong form, while the Cowboys, clinging to eighth place with an 8-7 record, aim to solidify their position in the top eight.
Panthers’ Resilience Against Knights
Before their bye, the Panthers showcased their resilience by traveling to Newcastle and securing a 26-18 victory against the Knights. Jarome Luai excelled as the chief playmaker, scoring a try and setting up two others. Despite conceding the first try, Penrith responded swiftly, with Scott Sorensen and Brian To’o crossing the line within five minutes of each other. The first half ended in a tough contest, but Luai’s individual brilliance gave the Panthers a 14-6 lead at the break.
Despite Newcastle mounting a comeback with two quick tries in the second half, Penrith’s unwavering resilience enabled them to hold on for the win. With several key players named for the State of Origin, the Panthers’ “next man up” mentality will be crucial in ensuring they are well-prepared despite any absentees due to Origin duties.
Panthers. 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Brian To’o 6. Jack Cole 7. Jarome Luai 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Daine Laurie 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry 17. Matt Eisenhuth 18. Brad Schneider 19. Mavrik Geyer 20. Luron Patea 21. Casey McLean 22. Luke Sommerton 23. Trent Toelau 24. Tyrone Peachey
Cowboys’ Dominance Against Raiders
The Cowboys, on the other hand, showcased their dominance in their Round 15 match against the Canberra Raiders, leading 24-0 at halftime thanks to tries from Reuben Cotter, Griffin Neame, Tom Dearden, and Chad Townsend. Their goal-line defence was formidable, preventing the Raiders from scoring on three occasions. Despite Canberra staging a second-half fightback, the Cowboys sealed the win with two additional tries scored by Valentine Holmes and Reece Robson.
With six players named in the Queensland State of Origin squad, the Cowboys may face challenges, but the team remains hopeful, particularly with experienced players like Scott Drinkwater, who had an outstanding game against the Raiders, in their ranks.
Key Players Rested for Panthers Clash
LATE MAIL. Todd Payten has opted to rest all six of his Origin stars for this weekend’s clash with the Penrith Panthers,
Cowboys
1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Braidon Burns 6. Jake Clifford 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Harrison Edwards 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Sam McIntyre 14. Tomas Chester 15. Jake Granville 16. Thomas Mikaele 17. Griffin Neame 18. Thomas Duffy 19. Jamal Shibasaki 20. Valentine Holmes 21. Murray Taulagi 22. Tom Dearden 23. Reece Robson 24. Reuben Cotter
Referee, Liam Kennedy, Touch Judges, Jon Stone, David Munro, Bunker, Kasey Badger.
Refereeing Concerns
Don’t expect anything great from the Blind Badger in the Bunker. She is a disgrace, and every game makes wrong critical decisions. Honestly she is NOT up to NRL standard. Again in the Women’s Origin last night she was terrible. Why does the NRL let this continue every week.?
I hate bringing this conversation up every week, But she is just so bad I feel it must be mentioned.
In fact most of the referees are sub standard and do not seem to know what a forward pass is. There were two in Origin which led to Blues tries. In swimming there is a red line. Surely this system could be used to avoid mistakes. Also some consistency in penalties and sin bins please. In one game a head high tackle is a penalty, another it is not. WHY? Some it’s a sin bin ,others nothing.
Question? How many sin bins do we have in the AFL, which is also a very physical game?
ANSWER. ZERO.
Prediction.
Penrith, by the length of Bluebet Stadium.
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