Roar Guru
The Penrith Panthers are heading into finals looking for their fifth win in a row when they face the Manly Sea Eagles in the final game of the 2016 minor rounds. Make sure you join us on The Roar from 6:30pm (AEST) for all the action.
2016 is quickly becoming a breakout year for the Panthers, as a number of their talented youngsters have put their stamp on the competition.
While there was some doubt midway through the season over Penrith’s chances of making the finals, they have won four games in a row to seal their spot.
The Moutain Men have found their groove, with Nathan Cleary and Bryce Cartwright established as a dangerous halves pairing.
Meanwhile, it’s been a roller coaster for Manly. Injuries and suspension have ravaged their campaign, but the second half of the year has been solid, and when they have a fit squad they can be a good team.
Between the Trbojevic brothers and Daly Cherry-Evans, the Manly faithful will be expecting big things in the future, and that could start this week.
In team news, Jeremy Latimore comes in as the replacement for the injured Reagan Campbell-Gillard, and Moses Leota is in on an extended bench for the Panthers.
The Sea Eagles welcome back Dylan Walker and Blake Leary, while Brad Parker and Frank Winterstein drop out.
An interesting battle this week will be between the fullbacks, as two of the most exciting young talents in the league – Matt Moylan and Tom Trbojevic – go head to head.
The record since 1998 is even, but the Sea Eagles have a point to prove after coughing up a 24-point lead to lose their clash with the Panthers earlier this year.
Prediction
Panthers 14 points.
Will the Panthers score an important win heading into finals, or can the Sea Eagles finish their season with a win? Be sure to join us on The Roar from 6:30pm (AEST) to follow all of the action.