2:00pm SUNDAY, JULY 20th, 2024 BLUEBET STADIUM,PENRITH.
Panthers Eyeing Fifth Consecutive Grand Final Appearance
The Dolphins are on the quest to make their first finals appearance, whilst the Panthers are sitting inside the top four and looking to make the Grand Final for the fifth year in a row.
Penrith’s Strong Position and Recent Form
Penrith has won eleven games and lost five, placing them in second. They have already had all three of their byes, with the last one being last week. They most recently took on the Broncos in the second Grand Final Rematch, where they won 14-6, and showed strong sides in defence. Having an easy run home, the Panthers have high certainty of locking in a top four, if not top two, position on the ladder.
Boost for Panthers with Cleary’s Return
The home side will receive a significant boost with Nathan Cleary returning after a hamstring injury in Round 10 against the Bulldogs. Many Panthers players are representing NSW, with Jarome Luai, Brian To’o, and Liam Martin listed among the reserves, while Isaah Yeo and Dylan Edwards are being rested. This sees Brad Schneider named at 5/8, Daine Laurie at fullback, with Luke Garner and Matthew Eisenhuth in the starting forwards.
Dolphins’ Solid Season and Key Players
After finishing in tenth place last year, the Dolphins have had a solid season so far, currently sitting in sixth place with nine wins and seven losses. They are one of many teams in the tight race for the top eight in the final third of the season. Last week, they beat the Rabbitohs 36-38, but it wasn’t an easy win as the Rabbitohs attempted a last-minute comeback but were unable to secure the victory.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Felise Kaufusi have been named in the starting 17, aiming to back up on Sunday after the Game III Origin clash on Wednesday. Trai Fuller retains his spot in the starting 17, pushing Sean O’Sullivan to 18th man, while Euan Aitkin is set to spend time on the sidelines due to a pectoral injury suffered last week.
Head-to-Head History
These teams met once in 2023, with Penrith emerging victorious with a 24-14 win. They will be looking to continue this streak this year.
Panthers.
1. Daine Laurie 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Paul Alamoti 6. Brad Schneider 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris , 11. Scott Sorensen 16. Liam Henry 13. Matt Eisenhuth 14. Trent Toelau 15. Lindsay Smith , 17. Luron Patea 19. Mavrik Geyer 18. Isaiah Iongi 21. Tyrone Peachey
Dolphins.
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth , 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Max Plath , 10. Tevita Pangai Junior 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Kenny Bromwich, 14. Josh Kerr 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Trai Fuller 18. Sean O’Sullivan 22. Oryn Keeley
Match Officials
Referee: Adam Gee
Touch Judges: Dave Munro, Clayton Wills
Bunker: Todd Smith
Key Stats and Milestones
The Panthers have won eight of their last nine games with Nathan Cleary.
The Dolphins have won four of their past six away games.
Panthers winger Brian To’o has scored five tries in his past three NRL games.
Dolphins forward Felise Kaufusi will make his 200th NRL appearance.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has the chance to record his 250th win as an NRL coach.
Prediction.
The Panthers will be fired up with Nathan Cleary’s return and an enthusiastic home crowd cheering them on. Although the Dolphins have shown strong form this year, it may not be enough to secure a win against the Panthers at Penrith. I really hope I am wrong, as I am a big fan of the Dolphins.
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