THURSDAY 21st, MARCH, BLUEBET STADIUM PENRITH AUSTRALIA
Grand Final Rematch: Panthers vs. Broncos – Spice Lost with Key Outs
The juicy grand final rematch has lost some spice with key outs for both teams, but the Broncos will be out for revenge after their heart breaking loss six months ago. After securing impressive victories last week, the Panthers triumphed over the Eels while the Broncos emerged victorious against the Rabbitohs.
Panthers’ Loss of Fisher-Harris: Impact on Lineup and Strategy
James Fisher-Harris will be sidelined this week due to a shoulder injury sustained in round 2, dealing a significant blow to the Panthers. Lindsay Smith has been named to start with Matt Eisenhuth coming onto the bench. Daine Laurie has held his spot in the 17, with Soni Luke 18th Man. The pressures on for Lindsay Smith who steps up in replacing James Fisher-Harris. The Panthers pack famously hunt as a unit, but so do the Broncos. Pat Carrigan and Payne Haas will both be desperate for revenge, meaning Smith will need to step up to help Isaah Yeo and Moses Leota.
Broncos’ Reynolds Out: Madden Steps Up in the Halfback Role
The Broncos will be without Adam Reynolds, which will be tough to overcome. Jock Madden has been named at halfback in his place in the only change for the side.The team won 2 of the 4 matches he played at halfback in 2023, although one of those losses did come against the Panthers. He’ll be able to rely on the oozing natural talent around him, but still have to get the 1% done that Reynolds does so well. Payne Haas was under an injury cloud but he is set to start in the front row. I think coach, Keevie Walters will try and limit Payne’s time on the paddock with a long season ahead.
Late News: Payne Haas Ruled Out – Broncos’ Forward Lineup Adjustments
IN LATE NEWS ONE OF MY SPIES TELLS ME PAYNE HASS WILL BE RULED OUT.
With no Reynolds, more pressure will be on the likes of Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam to create their attacking opportunities against a tough Penrith defence.
Battle of the Halves: Cleary vs. Walsh – Key Players to Watch
Perhaps one of the most intriguing battles will be on the edge between Izack Tago and Selwyn Cobbo. Both star centres ran all over their opponents last week and whoever has a bigger impact will go a long way to getting their team an important win.
Panthers and Broncos Line-ups: Players to Watch and Key Positions
Panthers
1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Sunia Turuva, 3. Izack Tago, 4. Taylan May, 5. Brian To’o, 6. Jarome Luai, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Moses Leota, 9. Mitch Kenny, 10. Lindsay Smith, 11. Scott Sorensen, 12. Liam Martin, 13. Isaah Yeo, 14. Daine Laurie, 15. Matt Eisenhuth, 16. Liam Henry, 17. Luke Garner, 18. Soni Luke, 19. Mavrik Geyer, 20. Preston Riki, 21. Paul Alamoti, 22. Brad Schneider
Broncos
1. Reece Walsh, 2. Jesse Arthars, 3. Selwyn Cobbo, 4. Kotoni Staggs, 5. Deine Mariner, 6. Ezra Mam, 7. Jock Madden, 8. Corey Jensen, 9. Billy Walters, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Brendan Piakura, 12. Jordan Riki, 13. Patrick Carrigan, 14. Tyson Smoothy, 15. Fletcher Baker, 16. Kobe Hetherington, 17. Marty Taupau, 18. Xavier Willison, 19. Tristan Sailor, 20. Delouise Hoeter, 21. Corey Oates, 22. Jaiyden Hunt
Referees: Gerard Sutton
Side line Officials: Kasey Badger, Drew Oultram;
Video Referees: Ashley Klein
PREDICTION
By far the majority of eyes will be on the battle between Nathan Cleary and Reece Walsh. Arguably the two best players in Rugby League, the pair have the potential to almost singlehandedly win games for their club, and with some of their star teammates out they might just have to. Expect to see a chess match between these two as they try to break the game open. The home crowd of the Panthers will help them here. I have to go with the Panthers in this one.
And as I said earlier I believe Payne Haas will be ruled out. I suppose Fletcher Baker will start in Haas’ place with the promising Xavier Willison to make his first NRL appearance of the season via the interchange bench. Even more reason to go Panthers.
Comments