MVP Dylan Edwards is the man Penrith's system might not be able to cover
The Panthers' system covers most situations, but how would it cope without iron man Dylan Edwards?
Stopping Penrith livewires Matt Moylan and James Segeyaro will be the key to victory in Saturday’s NRL qualifying final according to Sydney Roosters captain Anthony Minichiello.
Fullback Moylan and hooker Segeyaro have been crucial figures in the Panthers’ unexpected charge to the top four and Minichiello believes the pair pose the biggest threat to the premiers’ hopes of advancing through to the third week of the finals.
“I have watched the Panthers a lot through the year, they have been really impressive and what I have seen is they play as a 17, they play as a team,” Minichiello told AAP on Monday.
“They haven’t been written off, but sometimes they aren’t expected to win but they still get the job done, they are a danger team without a doubt.
“They have got their nine, seven and one playing great football.
“Those guys are livewires, especially Moylan and Segeyaro, they can pull anything out of the hat anytime.
“The have consistently done that this year.
“They are a great danger and we have to stop that.
“You have also got Jamie Soward’s kicking game … they are a well balanced side so we have to be on.”
Injuries to Jake Friend (lung) and Frank-Paul Nuuausala (leg) have been compounded by the one-match suspension for the Roosters of Queensland back-rower Aidan Guerra.
Prop Dylan Napa will face the NRL judiciary on Tuesday night in a bid to beat a shoulder charge ban and take the field at Allianz Stadium.
“It is tough because we have a couple of players out already,” Minichiello said.
“We will probably have (prop) Kane Evans in there somewhere and Mitch Aubusson is a back-rower but he has been filling in for Jake Friend so we are a bit short.
“But we have some great depth and some youngsters there and Robbo (coach Trent Robinson) will make his call on it later in the week and I’m sure they will do the job for us.”
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