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Scoreline: Roosters 20-12 Panthers
The Roosters earn their second win of the season but they had to fight hard against a committed Panthers unit who never stopped trying. Too many errors in good field position stopped Penrith from really forcing the issue. A no try ruling to Zelezniak also hurt their cause. Ferguson finished with two tries and he will only get better. Roosters forwards competed well. Both of these sides should meet each other again come September.
Monday night football should serve up a quality encounter as premiership aspirants the Sydney Roosters and Penrith Panthers go head-to-head at Allianz Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7pm (AEDT).
The Roosters found themselves in a strong position in the second half against the Rabbitohs, but couldn’t make the most of their 10-point lead as they eventually succumbed by 8 points in Round 2.
Indeed their performance against South Sydney was a reflection of their 2014 form. They weren’t able to finish off their great rivals and this raises concerns about Sydney’s ability to maintain high-intensity play for 80 minutes.
Now, the Roosters are set for another litmus test as they face a Panthers side that upset the 2013 premiers in the first week of last year’s finals series.
Penrith are coming off a convincing 40-nil win over the hapless Titans; a training run for a team with the players and belief necessary to mount a strong challenge for the 2015 premiership.
The battle in the halves should be intriguing, with NSW Origin hopefuls Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney squaring off against Peter Wallace and the untested Isaac John.
Out wide, the Roosters will have to be wary of in-form centre Jamal Idris, who scored a hat-trick against the Titans. Sydney looked vulnerable whenever the Rabbitohs spread possession to the edges and Idris certainly possesses the strength to make life difficult for Sydney.
Even though the Roosters are back at home, tonight’s contest is a potential 50-50 proposition. The Panthers are full of belief and always rise to the occasion against their Eastern Suburbs rivals.
Panthers by 4.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 7:00pm (AEDT). If you are following the action live, be sure to share your thoughts on the match in the comments below.