The Penrith Panthers are flying under the radar and will fancy their chances of defeating a Brisbane Broncos side coming off a poor defeat to Cronulla a fortnight ago. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:00pm AEST.
Penrith are giving themselves the best chance of perhaps winning a premiership that many thought was beyond them at the start of the season.
The rebuilding phase at the Panthers however has produced instant results this season. The 2003 premiers are well in the running for a top two finish that would perhaps pave the way to a first Grand Final appearance in just over a decade.
CATCH UP ON ROUND 18 NRL HIGHLIGHTS
Step by step the Panthers just keeping climbing the ladder, winning matches on a consistent basis while other more fancied teams struggle to keep pace.
Tonight the Panthers host a Broncos outfit still in the running for a finals birth. Brisbane’s charge toward the finals however has taken some body blows courtesy of back to back defeats to the Warriors and Sharks.
The defeat to Cronulla in particular was poor to say the least. Brisbane led 22 at home in the second half only to fall apart en route to a 24-22 defeat.
Thankfully for Brisbane, Queensland stars Justin Hodges, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker and Matt Gillett are all coming off strong performances in Origin III last Wednesday and should be primed for big performances tonight against Penrith.
The Panthers are also without Peter Wallace for tonight’s clash. While his absence wasn’t heavily felt against the under-strength Tigers, it may be felt here against a strong Broncos outfit.
Penrith though have toiled hard as a team this season and should still start favourites at home.
Jamie Soward and Matt Moylan are in good form in attack while forwards Brent Kite and Elijah Taylor continue to get the job done upfront.
In a close contest, the Panthers may once again grind their way to victory.
Panthers by 6
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Gappy
Guest
Dogs are looking good aswell
Renegade
Guest
Nah I don't think Penrith are anywhere near being contenders....they simply aren't good enough to match the better sides. I'm predicting the Roosters to take the cleaners through them next week.
Bee bee
Guest
Too many close games lost by Broncos this year. Can they hire Lockyer to run drinks on to the field. His reassuring raspy voice and calm presence might get them over the line in a few of these heart breakers.
Clark
Guest
Thought the Broncos got rid of Dave Taylor?
jamesb
Guest
Chocolate soldiers win again.....just
Alan
Roar Guru
One of the games of the season ends with the Panthers securing a one point victory over the Broncos! Panthers raced out to a 12 point lead. Brisbane hit back with three unanswered tries. Panthers then raced out to a 16 point lead! Brisbane hit back with three unanswered tries to level things up! McGuire then knocked on from the restart and Moylan kicked a field goal! Brisbane then regathered their short kickoff and they too had a chance to perhaps level the scores but Hodges was pinned for a poor play the ball! Panthers win and their top four hopes remain well and truly alive. Tough loss for the Broncos! Great game overall! Panthers 35 Broncos 34
Shungmao
Guest
You would think at this level McGuire would have been taught not to go into contact with the ball carrying arm.
Alan
Roar Guru
FULLTIME Panthers 35 Broncos 34
Alan
Roar Guru
Moylan with the field goal. McGuire with a shocking error from the restart! Broncos now get the short kickoff! Hodges has lost the footy! Panthers to get the scrum!!! Panthers 35 Broncos 34
Alan
Roar Guru
FIELD GOAL PANTHERS Panthers 35 Broncos 34
Rellum
Roar Guru
Arrrghhh
Alan
Roar Guru
What a contest! Panthers led by 16 in the second half and now the Broncos are all level! McGuire has lost the footy!!!! Panthers with a chance to win it at the death!!! Panthers 34 Broncos 34
Alan
Roar Guru
Oates too strong close to the line and Soward was never going to stop him! CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL Panthers 34 Broncos 34
Alan
Roar Guru
TRY BRONCOS Panthers 34 Broncos 32
Alan
Roar Guru
Oates crashes over to score!!!! Video referee Panthers 34 Broncos 28
Alan
Roar Guru
77' - Hodges with a chip over the top and Moylan misses the footy! Six more Brisbane! Panthers 34 Broncos 28
Clark
Guest
Was hoping to see some pushing in the scrums
Alan
Roar Guru
76' - Building for field goal Penrith. Soward though goes for touch and finds it. Not sure about that play. It wasn't that good a kick from Soward. Panthers 34 Broncos 28
Shaun Mancini
Roar Pro
Smart by Hodges, stupid by Cartwright
Alan
Roar Guru
76' - Thaiday loses possession at the play the ball and that is a huge error! Panthers off the hook big time! Panthers 34 Broncos 28