The Penrith Panthers head north of the Tweed as they look to press their finals credentials. Can they push further up the ladder or will the Brisbane Broncos secure a finals position? Join The Roar from 7:50pm (AEST) for live coverage.
The Brisbane Broncos are back in the winner’s circle after recording a 30-10 victory over Souths and will be hoping to get another when they host the Panthers.
Wayne Bennett welcomes Corey Parker back into the side after a suspension while Tom Opacic takes the place of the injured Jordan Kahu in the centres.
Anthony Milford and Ben Hunt have lost confidence this season after a golden point loss to the Cowboys in last year’s grand final. The pair must rediscover their talent and work together to produce scintillating plays if the Broncos are to be considered a serious premiership contender.
Milford holds the key to the trophy cabinet at Red Hill, if he can return to form it will inspire his teammates and see the Broncos become the threat that many predicted earlier in the year.
Anthony Griffin has made no changes to his side that defeated the Eels 22-18 in a thriller at the foot of the mountains.
Te Maire Martin is a chance to return from a shoulder injury however and could come back to haunt the Broncos after his memorable debut back in Round 3.
If Martin doesn’t return, however, Bryce Cartwright will once again be asked to carry the team in the halves.
The natural backrower has done a good job, although the Panthers’ attack has been limited due to his failure to recognise potential scoring options.
Cartwright needs to engage his forwards and get them rolling down the middle of the park to shut down the Broncos and put his side in good stead as the season comes to a close.
The two teams have met 31 times since 1998. Of those meetings, the Broncos have won 19 to the Panthers’ eleven with one being drawn.
Prediction
Brisbane to lock in a spot in the playoffs with a win over the Panthers.
Broncos by 12.
Join The Roar from 7:50pm (AEST) for live score updates and debate in our live blog.
You can find Riley on Twitter @rileypettigrew
nerval
Guest
Has Bennett coached a single session with England?
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
Cleary's a brilliant player. Only 18 years of age and he has already made his mark on the NRL. He has bullied a veteran in Brett Stewart with his kicking game and now a State of Origin representative in Corey Oates. The Panthers have a big future ahead of them.
sham
Guest
If you stop the Broncos small pack get quick play the balls they are very beatable. You have to hold them upright and stop them driving to the ground.
jamesb
Guest
Looks like a three horse race for the comp with Sharks, Storm and Cowboys so far ahead of the field.
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
Can't disagree with all three playing well. Merrin an absolute beast 3 points, thought Cleary deserved 2 classy and steered the team around perfectly, then Latu for 1 point with Moyza just missing out.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
That concludes The Roar’s coverage of Brisbane Broncos vs Wests Tigers. Be sure to join us over the remainder of the round with live coverage of all games tomorrow starting with John Coomer taking you through Canberra Raiders versus New Zealand Warriors from 3pm (AEST). Elsewhere on The Roar, Scott Pryde is live with Stage 19 of the Tour de France. Meanwhile, you can catch scores from the second test between England and Pakistan here. I’ll be back on Sunday afternoon from 4pm (AEST) for live coverage of St George Illawarra Dragons vs Wests Tigers. Thanks for following along.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
The ladder as it stands 1. Cronulla Sharks - 34 2. Melbourne Storm - 32 3. North Queensland Cowboys - 28 4. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs - 26 5. Canberra Raiders - 25 6. Brisbane Broncos - 24 7. Penrith Panthers - 22 8. Gold Coast Titans - 20 9. New Zealand Warriors - 20 10. St George Illawarra Dragons - 20 11. Wests Tigers - 18 12. Manly Sea Eagles - 16 13. South Sydney Rabbitohs - 14 14. Parramatta Eels - 12 15. Sydney Roosters - 10 16. Newcastle Knights - 7
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
The week ahead Canberra Raiders versus New Zealand Warriors - Saturday, 23 July, 3pm (AEST) at GIO Stadium Gold Coast Titans versus Parramatta Eels - Saturday, 23 July, 5:30pm (AEST) at Cbus Super Stadium Melbourne Storm versus Sydney Roosters - Saturday, 23 July, 7:30pm (AEST) at AAMI Park Cronulla Sharks versus Newcastle Knights - Sunday, 24 July, 2pm (AEST) at Southern Cross Group Stadium St George Illawarra Dragons versus Wests Tigers - Sunday, 24 July, 4pm (AEST) at ANZ Stadium South Sydney Rabbitohs versus Manly Sea Eagles - Monday, 25 July, 7pm (AEST) at Allianz Stadium
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
MVP Nominations 3 - Trent Merrin 2 - Matt Moylan 1 - Leilani Latu Brisbane Broncos 12 Penrith Panthers 31
Casey Stevens
Guest
i reckon this is happening because Bennett is coaching England
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
FULL-TIME Possession: 42% - 58% Completions: 21/32 (66%) - 32/38 (84%) All Runs: 132 - 183 All Run Metres: 1195 - 1711 Line Breaks: 1 - 5 Offloads: 7 - 10 Tackles: 374 - 281 Missed Tackles: 29 - 21 Penalties: 5 - 6 Errors: 12 - 10 Brisbane Broncos 12 Penrith Panthers 31
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
FULL-TIME The Penrith Panthers have put in a strong performance to move into the top eight with a 19-point win over the Broncos. Brisbane were out of it right from kick-off conceding a try after just nine minutes with Waqa Blake running the length of the field to score after taking a Ben Hunt kick. It came just two minutes after the Fijian international bombed a try after knocking on a Matt Moylan short ball. The momentum continued to go the way of the Panthers with James Fisher-Harris making his way over just five minutes later in a brilliant show of strength. The star of the opening twenty minutes Waqa Blake came from the field after 26 minutes, going off for an HIA after falling hard on his back in an attempt to field an attacking kick and keep the set alive for the visitors. Penrith continued to stretch their lead ten minutes later with a short dropout from the Broncos seeing Nathan Cleary kick the penalty goal. Blake's replacement Zak Hardaker went over for his first try in the NRL just before the break after Matt Moylan attracted Anthony Milford to create a hole for the England international. It was always going to be tough for the Broncos to come back from 18-0 down at half-time however, the Broncos started in style with Anthony Milford helping Darius Boyd to score after 58 minutes with the fullback beating Bryce Cartwright. The Panthers struck back just minutes later through Matt Moylan after Leilani Latu got his second try assist of the night. James Roberts kept the Broncos alive providing support for Ben Hunt and fending off two defenders to put the home side within two converted tries. Moylan soon put the result beyond doubt with five minutes remaining, kicking a field goal to push the mountain men into the top eight. Trent Merrin capped off his 150th first grade game on a high after charging over to score and giving the Panthers a 31-12 victory in Brisbane. Brisbane Broncos 12 Penrith Panthers 31
E-Meter
Guest
McGuire is a cat. And overrated. Cheap shot merchant.
willy
Guest
did you notice the hooter went off at half time and at full time when the penrith goal kicker was running in to take his shot at goal. poor form from broncos timekeeper.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
FULL-TIME The Panthers have come away with a 19-point win in Brisbane. Match report, statistics and MVP Nominations to come. Brisbane Broncos 12 Penrith Panthers 31
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL! Cleary puts it through the sticks Brisbane Broncos 12 Penrith Panthers 31
eagleJack
Roar Guru
They definitely lack size. I still can't work out what McGuire brings to the table that seems to be liked by repeated higher honours selection I was surprised they shipped Wallace to the Titans. Bennett obviously rates the young props coming through. Or more to the point the cheap asking price of each.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
TRY! TRENT MERRIN 79' Merrin goes over to score in his 150th first grade game. Brisbane Broncos 12 Penrith Panthers 29
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
78' Penalty against Jarrod Wallace, Penrith restart from the 30m line. Brisbane Broncos 12 Penrith Panthers 25
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
77' Penrith restart from the 20m line, they should hold on here. Brisbane Broncos 12 Penrith Panthers 25