The Penrith Panthers travel to the nation’s capital to take on a Canberra Raiders low on confidence following back-to-back thrashings. Join us for live scores and commentary from 2pm AEST.
Since defeating Melbourne a month ago, the Raiders have conceded a massive 108 points combined in their losses to the Sea Eagles and Warriors.
Such poor defensive performances suggest that there is a big attitude problem at the Raiders, and it remains to be seen if things will get better today for the green machine.
The Panthers on the other hand were impressive in their comprehensive victory over a disappointing Newcastle last week. The 32-10 win shows that the Panthers are developing the confidence necessary to mount a strong challenge for a finals spot this season.
Given what we have seen from the Raiders over the past three weeks, the Panthers are very capable of securing a convincing win today if Canberra don’t turn up to compete.
Penrith stars Matt Moylan, Jamie Soward, James Segeyaro, Jamal Idris and Josh Mansour will cause Canberra’s defence huge problems if the Raiders once again start slowly at home.
Given that they are at home, there is a strong chance the Raiders will bounce back today in a bid to prove to fans that they are hardly a spent force.
The talent is certainly there on paper with Reece Robinson, Anthony Milford, Jarrod Croker and Terry Campese all fine attacking footballers on their day.
The aforementioned players however can’t get into the game if Canberra’s forwards don’t dominate today.
David Shillington and Brett White in particular really need strong performances if the Raiders hope to get the better of a hard-working Panthers pack.
While recent stats point to a Panthers victory, the Raiders at home may exorcise some demons today and cause the upset. They certainly can’t play any worse – or can they?
Raiders by 6
Jono
Guest
Best I can do is if Shillington doesn't retaliate that they are close enough to where the try is scored that Segeyaro could have taken part in preventing it. That means the Raiders benefit from foul play to score the try so it should be disallowed.
mill
Guest
"Shillington also cost his team a try by pushing the marker over." Canberra were then awarded a penalty because of the actions of the Penrith marker during the tackle on Shillington, it wasn't Shillington who was penalised. So Canberra gets the penalty but the try was disallowed, how is that not farcical?
Meesta Cool
Guest
and he needs to gag his captain or put a 'beep' button on him.. dropped a couple of 'F' bombs at the refs today... pretty POOR!
Meesta Cool
Guest
If he really watched the game, he would have noted that Raiders got quite a few decisions go there way!, at least one try via 'piggy back' penalties that could have been a bit 'iffy', He hasn't changed, blame the ref for everythin!, time to GO Ricky!.
Mitcher
Guest
If only Ricky held himself up to the same standard as the referees he blasts weekly. First grade standard? Not likely.
Jono
Guest
He was not happy in the press conference. He said more or less the refs performance was terrible, they were blatantly wrong, and weren't of the standards of refereeing top grade. His final comment at the end was that he expected to be getting a $23,000 bill from the NRL.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
I'll bet Sticky blew up.
Scrubbit
Guest
Tbh I don't think it's the rules. It's how the refs are interpreting them.
Jono
Guest
Apparently according to Badger you can no longer challenge for the high ball. Poor decisions there. The Raiders could have won that game. They let themselves down with poor handling and ball security. Shillington also cost his team a try by pushing the marker over. Their defence was at least better, but compared to the last two games the only way was up.
Tim Barnett
Roar Rookie
Hope nobody copped that tip. Penrith were dreadful and the simplest deductive process will explain Canberra.
Alan
Roar Guru
Raiders with a much better effort today but to no avail as the Panthers secure their sixth win of the season here, beating Canberra by six points. The Raiders started off superbly, scoring a try inside 30 seconds. The Panthers though regrouped and just proved to be the more clinical outfit in the end. Their defence also stood up well. The Raiders ill-discipline and poor handling cost them at times but they had their chances to snatch a win at the death but a few ref decisions made things difficult. Raiders season not looking too good. Panthers continue their rise up the ladder. Raiders 20 Panthers 26
Alan
Roar Guru
FULLTIME Raiders 20 Panthers 26
Alan
Roar Guru
80' - Panthers should hold on here. Some questionable calls have really annoyed Canberra today. Panthers though with another strong performance yet again today. Changeover now with just 20 seconds remaining Raiders 20 Panthers 26
eagleJack
Guest
That "tackled in the air" rule has to be looked at
Alan
Roar Guru
79' - Panthers with the penalty here and that is a massive call. Simmons ruled to have been taken out in the air! WOW Raiders 20 Panthers 26
Alan
Roar Guru
78' - Raiders throwing caution to the wind here. Time running out. McCrone goes high and its well taken by Simmons! Great catch and Simmons ruled to have lost the footy! Raiders on the attack Raiders 20 Panthers 26
Alan
Roar Guru
78' - Soward kicks the footy. Good kick and Robinson picks up possession and finds Milford who is tackled 10 out Raiders 20 Panthers 26
Alan
Roar Guru
77' - Great finish to this contest. Panthers with a vital six point lead here. Chip over the top. McCrone regathers his chip. Turnover for the Panthers though. Raiders 20 Panthers 26
Alan
Roar Guru
76' - Moylan with a kick and Milford has to do some work to get out and he does! Superb play. What a talent this kid is! Raiders 20 Panthers 26
Alan
Roar Guru
75' - Panthers eager for an error free set. Raiders muscling up now. Idris with a kick and its six to go. Big call there! Not sure about that. Raiders 20 Panthers 26