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.
fittlers a disgrace
Guest
Roosters are a bunch protected species it's just ridiculous Thank god this game wasn't on channel 9 because we have to put up with brad fittlers cheerleading skills 'yeah baby or 'oh yeah 'thats a penalty ' 'that can't be a try '
Alan
Roar Guru
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. Roosters 20 Panthers 12
Alan
Roar Guru
80' - Panthers force the error themselves. Time will beat them though. Segeyaro with the break and his kick now finds Tupou. Game over. FULLTIME Roosters 20 Panthers 12
Alan
Roar Guru
79' - Well that's the game surely. Napa's hit forces the error from Segeyaro and the Panthers will run out of time despite their strong effort Roosters 20 Panthers 12
Alan
Roar Guru
78' - Segeyaro hit hard by a Napa special and he is down for the count! Shot of the season! Roosters 20 Panthers 12
Alan
Roar Guru
77' - Panthers trying to muscle up here and force the error. Maloney with the kick and Moylan alert takes the footy easily. Roosters 20 Panthers 12
Alan
Roar Guru
76' - Panthers with the short drop-out and Idris gets to the footy! Roosters should have been awake to that. Penrith were always going to go for it with time being the enemy Roosters 20 Panthers 12
Alan
Roar Guru
75' - Roosters with a chance to secure the win with just a few minutes remaining. Penrith must hold out. Grubber put in and Zelezniak was never getting out of the in-goal. Roosters 20 Panthers 12
Alan
Roar Guru
74' - Moylan goes high now and the ball bounces for Peachey who is offside and the Roosters get the penalty! Roosters 20 Panthers 12
Alan
Roar Guru
73' - Tuivasa-Sheck nearly breaks through....Roosters needed that. Momentum with them. Maloney goes high and Moylan takes the footy easily Roosters 20 Panthers 12
Alan
Roar Guru
72' - Roosters under big pressure. Biggest set of the match. Mansour for the corner but the tip on from John ruled forward. Roosters off the hook. Roosters 20 Panthers 12
Alan
Roar Guru
71' - Panthers get another penalty here and Penrith finishing strongly just like they did last year.... Roosters 20 Panthers 12
Alan
Roar Guru
70' - Moa with a mistake now when the Roosters were in good attacking position. Penrith still alive... Roosters 20 Panthers 12
Alan
Roar Guru
69' - You can never write off Penrith here as they attack superbly! Zelezniak with the kick but this time the ball goes dead! They are fighting hard Penrith Roosters 20 Panthers 12
Alan
Roar Guru
Penrith with their best attacking play of the night as Moylan broke through the Roosters defence up the middle and then set up Segeyaro nicely who scored under the posts. Game on yet again... Roosters 20 Panthers 12
Alan
Roar Guru
CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL Roosters 20 Panthers 12
Alan
Roar Guru
TRY PANTHERS Roosters 20 Panthers 10
Alan
Roar Guru
Moylan is through and Segeyaro is in under the posts! Roosters 20 Panthers 10
Alan
Roar Guru
66' - Panthers get the penalty and there is still time for them if they can score here Roosters 20 Panthers 6
Alan
Roar Guru
65' - Roosters in firm control of this contest now. Penrith with too many errors tonight. They have competed well but lacked cutting edge in attack. No try to Zelezniak though still hurts... Roosters 20 Panthers 6