FULL TIME
Sharks 18
Panthers 16
The Sharks hang on for their 5th win of the season on the back of a huge performance from Fifita. The big front rower dominated the game statistically, but for mine Robson was the key in the match. He had a hand in all of their tries, and his try-saving cruncher on Idris resulted in an 8-point turnaround when the Sharks scored at the other end. Rookie winger Gagan continues to grow in confidence at NRL level scoring a double, and making an important try-saver in the dying minutes.
The Sharks hang on for their 5th win of the season on the back of a huge performance from Fifita. The big front rower dominated the game statistically, but for mine Robson was the key in the match. He had a hand in all of their tries, and his try-saving cruncher on Idris resulted in an 8-point turnaround when the Sharks scored at the other end. Rookie winger Gagan continues to grow in confidence at NRL level scoring a double, and making an important try-saver in the dying minutes.
The Sharks are in action against the Eels at home next week, while the Panthers travel to Homebush to play the Dogs next Friday night.
Thanks for joining The Roar.
Rugby league goes rural when the Penrith Panthers take to Bathurst for their home game against the Cronulla Sharks. Join The Roar from 3.00pm Saturday for live blog of this Round 20 fixture.
After being outplayed by the Sydney Roosters last start, the Panthers will be out to prove that they are worthy of their lofty position on the ladder.
The Sharks upset the Panthers with a four-point victory earlier in the season, and will be hoping for a similar result as they battle to avoid the wooden spoon.
Country people love their rugby league, and a big turn-out is expected for the clash. It should be an event to savour, and hopefully the match will be entertaining too.
Injury hasn’t been kind to the second placed Panthers in recent weeks, but the players who have been called into the side have slotted into the system seamlessly, which has been a real strength of the side in 2014.
In a huge boost to the Panthers, halfback Peter Wallace has been named in the side, which allows Jamie Soward to move back to his preferred position of five-eighth. The combination between the two experienced playmakers has been a real feature of the Panthers play this season and has contributed plenty of points.
Wallace’s return allows Matt Moylan to shift back to fullback, while Dallin Watene-Zelezniak comes onto the wing.
Forwards Lewis Brown, Adam Docker, and Sam McKendry have been dropped to an extended bench. In their place Isaah Yeo comes into the second-row, Nigel Plum comes in as prop and Elijah Taylor moves to lock.
With the hope of finals football extinguished, the Sharks are focused on stability for the remainder of the season.
Interim coach James Shepherd, who guided the Shire boys to two impressive comeback wins in successive weeks before their two most recent losses, will coach the team until the end of the season.
The only change to the team that was thrashed by the Cowboys is on the bench. Chris Heighington, Sam Tagataese and Matt Prior have all been named in an extended squad. Siosaia Vave drops out. Despite not being named there has been speculation that captain Paul Gallen will return early from a biceps injury.
All eyes will be on Luke Lewis who will take on his former club for the first time. The decision to shift the home game away from familiar territory means the return to Penrith will have to wait for another day, but Lewis’ combination with another former Panther in Wade Graham could go a long way to deciding the outcome of this match.
Despite Cronulla holding a good record over the Panthers in recent times, the return of Peter Wallace and the firepower of the outside backs should be enough to get the Panthers home.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Mission accomplished no Carney,,no Gal ,a couple of youngsters thrown in,fill in coach,and 20 minutes of defensive toughness. No wonder this comp, is the most competitive I have seen for yonks. Worth the price of admission and on TV.
The eye
Guest
Absolutely..and he'll be fitter next week..and I still say that this year with the comp as even as its ever been theres no such thing as a soft draw or a 'top 8' team..
Renegade
Guest
Haha you legend - that's would've been the bet of the century! They were paying $9.50!
Planko
Guest
Sorry I am guilty but I think no team is 9 dollars in the NRL
Renegade
Guest
Lol nothing against the roosters mate... I'm loyal but not stupid, didn't think we were a chance in that one!!
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
The Sharks are in action against the Eels at home next week, while the Panthers travel to Homebush to play the Dogs next Friday night. Thanks for joining The Roar.
V.O.R.
Guest
yer nice gutsy win by the Sharkies. Real grit. They could upset a few plans on the way into the finals.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
The Panthers will be furious with themselves at losing this game which could have a huge impact on their season, although to be fair they didn't deserve to win today as they simply didn't ask enough of the Sharks defence. A positive for them is that their tries were well constructed, but it wasn't enough to prevent back-to-back losses.
Realist 1975
Guest
Looking at the updated NRL ladder the Sharks have won all their games against some teams that are currently in the top 8. (i.e. Roosters, Warriors, Broncos & Panthers x2). Would not like to be a top 8 team needing to play the Sharks pre Finals.
Planko
Guest
How much did you have on them against the roosters...?
Planko
Guest
How good was that ....
Renegade
Guest
What a great game... Bathurst been treated to a special. Well done to both teams! You can see how much the sharks have been missing fifita this year - absolute beast and he showed why people tagging him as the best prop in the world last year. Anyways I'm off to collect ;)
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
The Sharks hang on for their 5th win of the season on the back of a huge performance from Fifita. The big front rower dominated the game statistically, but for mine Robson was the key in the match. He had a hand in all of their tries, and his try-saving cruncher on Idris resulted in an 8-point turnaround when the Sharks scored at the other end. Rookie winger Gagan continues to grow in confidence at NRL level scoring a double, and making an important try-saver in the dying minutes.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
FULLTIME Sharks 18 Panthers 16
Vivalasvegan
Guest
Great game...
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
Panthers throwing the ball round like crazy, but the Sharks hang on.
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
Time running out for the Panthers, Sharks holding on by the skin of their teeth.
V.O.R.
Guest
great tackle...Gagan...good find
Liam Howitt
Roar Guru
Huge play from Gagan who pulled Naiqama into touch. Sharks 18 Panthers 16
V.O.R.
Guest
fifita is worth 2