Expert
The Penrith Panthers host the Cronulla Sharks in a game with serious top-eight ramifications. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 6pm (AEST).
It’s fourth versus sixth on the ladder and one would usually expect there to be little between the teams.
However, this match will be seriously affected by the absence of James Maloney, Nathan Cleary and Tyrone Peachey, who are all being rested after a rigorous State or Origin clash on Wednesday and a busy workload over the last six weeks.
The Panthers come off some patchy form, with wins against Canberra and New Zealand, as well as bad losses to Manly and the Roosters. With significant interruption to their squad across the Origin period, they will be looking to get some consistency of selection back over the coming weeks in the lead-up to the finals.
Cronulla come in off the bye and similar form, with wins against the Warriors and Tigers mixed with recent losses to the Broncos and Rabbitohs. With only Valentine Holmes backing up, the Sharks will be licking their chops at the chance to knock off the Panthers and join them level on points in a tightly bunched top four.
With Penrith well undermanned, it will be a considerable challenge, despite the home advantage, and the strength of the Sharks’ bench looks a threatening proposition.
Prediction
Penrith is a rich nursery for talent, so they will take a strong team to the field even without their representative stars, yet the combinations required to produce points at NRL level will be sadly missed and the Sharks should have their measure.
Penrith 14-24 Cronulla
Catch all the action on The Roar live from 6pm (AEST).