NRL, ROUND 16, 2023,FRIDAY, JUNE 16th
QUEENSLAND COWBOYS v PENRITH PANTHERS
COUNTRY BANK STADIUM,TOWNSVILLE,QLD
In a highly anticipated clash, the Queensland Cowboys are set to square off against the Penrith Panthers in an exciting NRL Round 16 showdown. This battle at Country Bank Stadium in Townsville, QLD promises to be a riveting encounter between two formidable teams.
The Cowboys enter this match after a bye week, which followed their impressive upset victory against the Storm on their home turf. Rejuvenated by their recent success, the Cowboys are eager to maintain their winning momentum. Key forward Jason Taumalolo makes a comeback from a knee injury, providing a significant boost to his side. However, the Cowboys will be missing the talents of Reuben Cotter, Reece Robson, Valentine Holmes, Murray Taulagi, and Jeremiah Nanai due to their Origin commitments. To fill the gaps, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki joins the bench, accompanied by mid-season signing Sam McIntyre, who is set to make his club debut. Zac Laybutt steps in at centre, Jake Granville takes over as the new starting hooker, and Kyle Feldt returns on the wing after serving as the 18th man in their previous game.
Meanwhile, the Panthers have been in exceptional form, securing victories even in the absence of star player Nathan Cleary. They displayed their mettle by convincingly defeating the Roosters in a spirited clash. However, Origin commitments have also taken a toll on the Panthers’ lineup. Along with Cleary, the team will be without the services of Brian To’o, Isaah Yeo, Jerome Luai, Liam Martin, and Stephen Crichton. Additionally, Nathan Cleary is sidelined due to an injury setback.
Predicting the outcome of this contest is challenging, given the impact of Origin on both teams. The Panthers have proven their ability to seamlessly integrate talented players into their system during this period. With Jarome Luai, Stephen Crichton, Liam Martin, Isaah Yeo, and Brian To’o representing NSW in Origin II, coach Ivan Cleary has been compelled to make several changes. Jaeman Salmon moves from the bench to partner Jack Cogger in the halves, while Tyrone Peachey assumes the starting centre role and Thomas Jenkins joins the squad on the wing. Matt Eisenhuth gets the nod at lock, and Luke Garner returns to the bench for his first NRL game since Round 4. Zac Hosking also returns after being rested last week. Prop Moses Leota is named in the lineup after passing the HIA protocol following an incident deemed Category 2, while Spencer Leniu is cleared to play after accepting monetary fines for two Contrary Conduct charges stemming from a confrontation with Hargraves in their previous game against the Roosters.
In conclusion, the stage is set for an exhilarating clash between the Queensland Cowboys and the Penrith Panthers in NRL Round 16. Both teams face the challenge of reshuffling their lineups due to Origin commitments and injuries. Don’t miss out on this high-stakes battle that promises intense action and thrilling rugby league encounters.
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Peta Hiku 5. Semi Valemei 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Jake Granville 10. Coen Hess 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Heilum Luki 13. Jason Taumalolo
Bench: 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Griffin Neame 16. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 17. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
Reserves: 18. Brendan Elliot 19. Riley Price 20. Mitchell Dunn 21. Thomas Duffy 22. Jake Bourke
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Tyrone Peachey 5. Thomas Jenkins 6. Jaeman Salmon 7. Jack Cogger 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Zac Hosking 13. Matt Eisenhuth
Bench: 14. Soni Luke 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Luke Garner
Reserves: 18. Jack Cole 19. Liam Henry 20. Mavrik Geyer 21. Eddie Blacker 22. Jesse Maclean
Match Officials
Referee: Peter Gough
Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy
Senior Review Official: Gerard Sutton
PREDICTION
The bookies will have the Panthers as favourite I believe, but I like the Cowboys at home. They looked so good last start against the Storm and may have finally found some form. While both sides are down on troops I like the Cows in a close contest.
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