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The Canberra Raiders finished the better in a ten-try thriller against the Penrith Panthers at Pepper Stadium, winning 34-24.
>>MATCH REPORT: Canberra win thriller in Penrith
Edrick Lee sealed the victory for the Raiders with five minutes remaining, running about 75 metres to make certain a third consecutive Panthers loss.
Penrith Panthers 24 def. by Canberra Raiders 34
Two sides that are struggling for form will meet at the base of the mountains, as the Penrith Panthers host the Canberra Raiders. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 2:00pm AEST.
The Panthers have been poor in 2015, a season that many expected to be extremely fruitful for the Penrith club.
They currently sit in 12th position on the ladder, and 42-point shellacking at the hands of the Melbourne Storm last weekend compounded all their problems.
If they don’t pick up their form, they’ll become a wooden-spoon chance, but it could still go the other way if they start a run of wins. This game could be season-defining for the Panthers.
The Raiders lost a heartbreaker to the improving Sharks last weekend, going down in a golden-point thriller. While still technically in touch with the top eight, they now sit two games outside of eighth spot, and they need to start putting wins on the board again if they want to play finals football.
A win in this one would see the Raiders (most likely) move into ninth position, and they would only be a game away from stealing back a finals spot. With a manageable draw from here on out, these are the kinds of games that the Raiders need to take.
The Panthers have made a few changes for this clash, as David Simmons is set to return on the wing in place of Robert Jennings. Sika Manu comes back into the run-on side, while Bryce Cartwright will take his spot in the 17 jersey, although there is still some doubt surrounding the back-rower. Manly-bound Apisai Koroisau has been named on an extended bench, alongside the aforementioned Jennings.
Josh McCrone will play half-back for the Raiders this weekend, replacing Sam Williams in the squad. Jack Wighton also comes back into the fullback position, replacing the injured Sisa Waqa.
Prediction
This is a toughest game to pick this weekend, as both sides are desperate for a win. I think home-ground advantage still counts for something, so I’m going with the Panthers. There’s no confidence in this pick though.
Panthers by 4