It could be one of the most unpredictable games of the season when the New Zealand Warriors meet the Penrith Panthers with a must-win situation presenting itself for both clubs. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 6pm (AEST).
There is simply no telling what may happen in this one. It could be the best game of the season with plenty of points, or it could be the worst with errors, bad defence and poor attacking structures.
Unfortunately, it’s inconsistency that has been the key word when you think of their respective seasons. Despite that, they both sit just outside the top eight, but a loss here makes things incredibly difficult.
Sitting on 18 competition points, there are only seven games remaining after this one. With it starting to look more and more like the mark to quality for the finals will be 30 points, a loss leaves the loser needing to win potentially six of their final seven.
Even for the winner, things won’t be straightforward – five from seven with the noted inconsistency woes is a seriously tough challenge.
The Panthers season has been disappointing, so say the least. It appeared with the return of Josh Mansour, they had finally turned a corner though, winning a few on the trot and getting themselves inside the top eight for a brief period.
It didn’t last for long though. Despite the fact they beat Manly last week, it was controversial and their level of play has dropped following a tough loss to the Cowboys and a belting at the hands of the struggling South Sydney Rabbitohs.
There have been rumours circulating in the days leading up to the game that half Matt Moylan is out, which would be a huge blow for the Panthers.
In other team news, James Fisher-Harris is back, with Sitaleki Akauola out. The Warriors have also made sweeping changes, with Solomone Kata and Isaac Luke back into the side.
The Warriors have plenty to play for tonight, with the night being dedicated to the career of Manu Vatuvei. The 226-game veteran has been handed an immediate release to Salford in England, and will not play this game.
New Zealand, like Penrith have struggled for any consistency in 2017. It’s enough to make any fan want to rip their hair out, with the ridiculously talented spine of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Shaun Johnson, Kieran Foran and Isaac Luke struggling to win consistently.
Leading into the bye last week, the Warriors had beaten the Bulldogs in one of the worst games of the season, before slumping to defeat at the hands of Manly.
Prediction
I’ve got no confidence in this and even less now Moylan is potentially out, but I’ll stick to my gut feeling – and that is it’s impossible to tip the Warriors.
Expect plenty of points in this one.
Panthers by 6.
Be sure to join The Roar for live scores and coverage of this Round 19 match from 6pm (AEST) and don’t forget to add a comment in the section below.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Nathan Cleary is the answer (doesn't matter how young he is) he's good enough, he's a terrific player and it wouldn't take much to beat the rabble we have there now, you can also add, Angus Crichton from the Rabbits there. Surely these youngsters can be and do better!!!!
Joe
Roar Rookie
Pretty terrible finish by the Warriors. Foran was pretty poor as well and couldn't steer the team once Johnson was gone. They also lack fitness and run out of puff. RTS has gone backwards since joining the Warriors. No Johnson. ..no Warriors.
Rob
Guest
I like your thinking Stu.
Emcie
Roar Guru
But he'll be far too old by then
Stu
Guest
Too young for Origin, he needs to be put in once NSW win a series.
Scott Pryde
Expert
No worries mate! Cheers. I'm concerned about the Dragons. Need a big performance tonight, but I'm not convinced they will provide one. I'll see what happens when I come to writing it - he was superb though.
Rob
Guest
Yes, Yes, Cartwright is the man and Moylan and Tamou.
Stu
Guest
Its hard for a fullback when breaks are up the middle, theres not alot you can do other than attack the football. He comes up with good cover tackles when part of defensive line. Not in same class defensivley as the ones you've mentioned but doesnt get alot of help
Sylvester
Guest
As usual, the last 10 min the enemy of the Warriors. It beggars belief they are on the cusp of the finals, but succumb at home to a team also outside the top 8. The joys of being a supporter I guess...
Rob
Guest
What is wrong with Moylan? I don't want Cleary running the show at Penrith because NSW will probably work out who they should pick at half back. PNG Bronco, I would like you to stop making comments please.
Stu
Guest
Cleary outstanding. Warriors lost all direction once Johnson got injured. Warriors forwards cant tackle and slow play the ball down. Panthers ran riot through the middle
PNG Broncos fan88
Roar Guru
Thanks Scott, good luck to your Dragons. I reckon their specials tonite, on the back of an angry Paul Vaughn. ps: At least toast young Cleary in your round up, he went more than alright tonite...cheers
Sylvester
Guest
If I refined it to the perceived top tier? Slater, Tedesco, Inglis, Boyd, etc
Scott Pryde
Expert
No worries Emcie! Cheers.
Emcie
Roar Guru
Thanks for the call mate
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thanks for joining me this evening on The Roar for our live coverage of the 2017 NRL Season as the Penrith Panthers got the better of the New Zealand Warriors. Hopefully you enjoyed the call. A full match report will be published on site later. Right now, it's time to switch over for Nick Kelland's coverage of the Canberra Raiders and St George Illawarra Dragons, with kick-off in about five minutes time. I'll be live from 10pm (AEST) with the two Wimbledon semi-finals as Marin Cilic faces Sam Querrey and Roger Federer faces Tomas Berdych. Bye for now.
Sylvester
Guest
I've seen him miss a lot of tackles that say Billy Slater would just nail.
Sylvester
Guest
It's like when he got injured a couple of years ago. I said at the time they wouldn't win another game (and they were going OK at the time) and sure enough.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thoughts on the game Roarers?
Stu
Guest
Nope