Wests Tigers 12
Penrith Panthers 35
The Penrith Panthers prepare to face Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval in what is a must-win game for the ‘Mountain Men’. Join The Roar from 3:50pm (AEST) for live coverage.
Panthers hooker Apisai Koroisau must step up against NSW Blues representative Robbie Farah if Penrith are going to win. Without James Segeyaro, Ivan Cleary has no one to fall back on if Koroisau fails to perform.
Josh Mansour’s return on the wing is a huge plus for the Panthers, however he comes into the game with an injury concern which may hinder his performance. Waqa Blake shifts to centre to accommodate Mansour.
Isaah Yeo moves to the back row and Reagan Campbell-Gillard returns to the starting side at prop. Lewis Brown and Sam McKendry drop to an extended bench, alongside Sika Manu.
For the Tigers, Farah returns at hooker, with Dene Halatau dropping to the bench and Manaia Cherrington missing out. Delouise Hoeter comes in for David Nofoaluma at centre, with Sauaso Sue on an extended bench.
Martin Taupau will look to terrorise his opponents, expect a fierce battle between him and Elijah Taylor.
In 26 games played between the two clubs since 1998 the Panthers have won 15, with the Tigers taking out 11. Last time they met the Panthers defeated the Tigers 26-10 in Round 17, 2014. Wests are coming off the back of a 20-30 loss to Manly with Penrith losing 12-24 last time to the Bulldogs.
Prediction
The Tigers will push hard for a win, however the Panthers will triumph in what shapes as a must-win game.
Panthers by 6.
Join The Roar from 3:50pm for score updates and debate in our live blog.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Totally agree. Even between the tries it was obvious Lovett was getting done for pace and he still kept him there and left Lawrence at 2nd row. Then changes after the 2nd try is scored....that is just bad coaching or stubbornness getting in the way of what was fairly obvious to every one else watching.
Dufeyz
Guest
The Tigers created plenty of chances. Similiarly to penrith a few weeks ago, some passes just didnt stick. (moses)
Alex L
Roar Rookie
He made the swap after the second, I thought, then Lawrence got hurt. I'm not sure Lawrence would've done much better against Whare anyway.
jamesb
Guest
But its inexcusable to leave Lovett out in the centres after the Panthers scored one try from that side, let alone three. Lawrence should have been shifted there when Simona got injured. Lovett wasn't up to it as a centre, and Taylor failed to realize this.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
Full-Time After a false start of play, a try to Dallin Watene-Zelezniak was disallowed after the Penrith fullback lost the ball before grounding. The first points were scored when Chris Lawrence chased down a Robbie Farah kick to cheers from a packed Leichhardt Oval. It was just ten minutes before the Panthers hit back through Peter Wallace after an outstanding play down the right side also involving David Simmons and Dean Whare. Penrith took the lead after Josh Mansour extended to score on the left flank with Kevin Naiqama scoring a similar try to the Tigers first five minutes later to put the Tigers in front by two points at the break. Luke Brooks went on report after headbutting during a scuffle that broke out after the half-time siren. The Panthers responded quickly adding to the Tigers' woes with a David Simmons try in the 42nd minute. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak was denied a try after obstruction was found just five minutes after Penrith raced in front. Chris Lawrence was also turned down after he knocked the ball on over the line. In the 51st minute, David Simmons scored his second try as the Panthers again spread it wide, capitalising on an injury that saw Kyle Lovett replace ??? Simona in the centres. David Simmons left the 14,234 strong Leichhardt crowd disappointed again, partnering with Whare to score a hat-trick and bring up a century. Peter Wallace took Penrith 13 points in front with a field goal in the 65th minute and put Dallin Watene-Zelezniak over 9 minutes later. David Simmons sealed the Panthers' first win since Round 10 bagging his fourth try on the siren to give Penrith a 23-point victory. MAN OF THE MATCH: DEAN WHARE Wests Tigers 12 Penrith Panthers 35
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
I don't think it has much to do with injuries to their centres. The Tigers simply haven't turned up and have failed to come up with a winning formula.
jamesb
Guest
I think he means Robbie Farah.
Rellum
Roar Guru
That was a good game to watch. I don't think you would see that style of game two or three years ago. Tigers were so defence focused they seemed to abandoned that in the face of some criticism. They need to be far more attack minded than they have been but a gradual change is the go. Right now they seem very bipolar almost.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
He was silly to go upstairs.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
I'm not sure they've regressed so much as their first grade centres have been constantly injured. They've won games (including stomping Souths) with both Simona and Nofoaluma playing, but rarely been even half decent in defence without.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
Andrew Farrar?
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
Full-Time Penrith have defeated the Tigers by 23 points. Full wrap-up to come Wests Tigers 12 Penrith Panthers 35
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Origin 3 preview: Farah plays like this, QLD wins, NSW supporters and media blame the halves.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL! DAVID SIMMONS 80' From in front, Simmons converts his own try. Wests Tigers 12 Penrith Panthers 35
jamesb
Guest
Badger certainly makes a decision with conviction lol. Simmons gets four tries.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
TRY! DAVID SIMMONS 80' The clock is ticking. Penrith with one last attacking opportunity slow down play, Brooks intercepts, Penrith get the ball back and Simmons bags his fourth try. Checking for any knock-on but they can't find one Wests Tigers 12 Penrith Panthers 33
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
79' The Tigers muscle their way down past halfway Wests Tigers 12 Penrith Panthers 29
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Starts with F and rhymes with Barra.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
78' Panthers on the repeat set hunt a try on the left but Mansour loses the ball. Tigers scrum-feed Wests Tigers 12 Penrith Panthers 29
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
77' Penrith force the drop-out. Beautiful play from Koroisau Wests Tigers 12 Penrith Panthers 29