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Sharks 18
Panthers 16
The Sharks hang on for their 5th win of the season on the back of a huge performance from Fifita. The big front rower dominated the game statistically, but for mine Robson was the key in the match. He had a hand in all of their tries, and his try-saving cruncher on Idris resulted in an 8-point turnaround when the Sharks scored at the other end. Rookie winger Gagan continues to grow in confidence at NRL level scoring a double, and making an important try-saver in the dying minutes.
The Sharks hang on for their 5th win of the season on the back of a huge performance from Fifita. The big front rower dominated the game statistically, but for mine Robson was the key in the match. He had a hand in all of their tries, and his try-saving cruncher on Idris resulted in an 8-point turnaround when the Sharks scored at the other end. Rookie winger Gagan continues to grow in confidence at NRL level scoring a double, and making an important try-saver in the dying minutes.
The Sharks are in action against the Eels at home next week, while the Panthers travel to Homebush to play the Dogs next Friday night.
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Rugby league goes rural when the Penrith Panthers take to Bathurst for their home game against the Cronulla Sharks. Join The Roar from 3.00pm Saturday for live blog of this Round 20 fixture.
After being outplayed by the Sydney Roosters last start, the Panthers will be out to prove that they are worthy of their lofty position on the ladder.
The Sharks upset the Panthers with a four-point victory earlier in the season, and will be hoping for a similar result as they battle to avoid the wooden spoon.
Country people love their rugby league, and a big turn-out is expected for the clash. It should be an event to savour, and hopefully the match will be entertaining too.
Injury hasn’t been kind to the second placed Panthers in recent weeks, but the players who have been called into the side have slotted into the system seamlessly, which has been a real strength of the side in 2014.
In a huge boost to the Panthers, halfback Peter Wallace has been named in the side, which allows Jamie Soward to move back to his preferred position of five-eighth. The combination between the two experienced playmakers has been a real feature of the Panthers play this season and has contributed plenty of points.
Wallace’s return allows Matt Moylan to shift back to fullback, while Dallin Watene-Zelezniak comes onto the wing.
Forwards Lewis Brown, Adam Docker, and Sam McKendry have been dropped to an extended bench. In their place Isaah Yeo comes into the second-row, Nigel Plum comes in as prop and Elijah Taylor moves to lock.
With the hope of finals football extinguished, the Sharks are focused on stability for the remainder of the season.
Interim coach James Shepherd, who guided the Shire boys to two impressive comeback wins in successive weeks before their two most recent losses, will coach the team until the end of the season.
The only change to the team that was thrashed by the Cowboys is on the bench. Chris Heighington, Sam Tagataese and Matt Prior have all been named in an extended squad. Siosaia Vave drops out. Despite not being named there has been speculation that captain Paul Gallen will return early from a biceps injury.
All eyes will be on Luke Lewis who will take on his former club for the first time. The decision to shift the home game away from familiar territory means the return to Penrith will have to wait for another day, but Lewis’ combination with another former Panther in Wade Graham could go a long way to deciding the outcome of this match.
Despite Cronulla holding a good record over the Panthers in recent times, the return of Peter Wallace and the firepower of the outside backs should be enough to get the Panthers home.
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