Panthers
24
Match Complete
Titans
2
| B. To'o |  | 74 | ||
| J. Maloney |  | 71 | ||
| D. Edwards | | 70 | ||
| J. Maloney |  | 39 | ||
| B. To'o | | 36 | ||
| J. Maloney | | 30 | ||
| D. Edwards | | 28 | ||
| 18 | | T. Roberts | ||
| J. Maloney | | 3 |
| 4 | Tries | 0 | ||
| 2 | Conversions | 0 | ||
| 2 | Penalty Goals | 1 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Round 17 begins with the Gold Coast Titans hitting the road to play the Penrith Panthers in what is a very important game for both sides in terms of staying in touch with the top eight. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 6pm (AEST).
The Panthers come into this one on a four-match winning streak, and will welcome back star half James Maloney from a second Origin series win in a row. Sitting in 10th spot on 16 points (same as the 8th-placed Sharks) they are well within reach of a finals berth after a shaky start to the season.
The Panthers are also boosted by the probable return from an ankle injury of Nathan Cleary who has been named in jersey 21. Should he make his way into the starting side he will slot in at halfback, pushing Maloney to five-eighth and Jarome Luai to the bench.
However, despite the Titans languishing in 15th place after just 4 wins all year, this game is far from a sure thing for the Panthers.
This Titans side is stacked with former Panthers such as Bryce Cartwright, Mitch Rein, Tyrone Peachey, as well as Leilani Latu in the reserves and even coach Garth Brennan. Performing well at their old stomping ground will serve as added motivation for these players, as well as the coach.
The Titans have been woeful this year and have reached a point where their finals hopes are slim at best. They basically need to win every single game for the remainder of the season if they are to have any hope of making the finals.
This will add to their desperation on the day, and whilst a win is unlikely, they will be sure to make life difficult for the Panthers in this game.
Prediction
The Panthers with their red-hot form over the last month are irresistible in this one. It’ll be a tight one, but the Titans don’t have it in them to stop the Panthers’ march to the finals.
James Maloney’s confidence after Origin will be through the roof, while the likely return of Nathan Cleary will only add to the home side’s chances.
Panthers by 8.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 6pm (AEST).
Game information
Where: Panthers Stadium, Sydney
When: 6pm
TV: Fox League
Streaming: NRL Digital Pass, Kayo Sports
Panthers
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Josh Mansour 3. Dean Whare 4. Brent Naden 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. James Maloney 8. James Tamou 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Isaah Yeo 13. Liam Martin 14. Wayde Egan 15. Frank Winterstein 16. Moses Leota 17. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 18. Kaide Ellis 19. Jed Cartwright 20. Hame Sele 21. Nathan Cleary
Titans
1. Alexander Brimson 2. Anthony Don 3. Dale Copley 4. Brian Kelly 5. Phillip Sami 6. Tyrone Roberts 7. Ryley Jacks 8. Jack Stockwell 9. Nathan Peats 10. Moeaki Fotuaika 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Jarrod Wallace 14. Mitch Rein 15. Shannon Boyd 16. Jai Whitbread 17. Tyrone Peachey 18. Will Matthews 19. Leilani Latu 20. Brenko Lee 21. Jesse Arthars
Doug Graves
Guest
Fair enough. I just feel sorry for Brennan, I don't think he ever really had a chance with this group of players and he'll probably never get another chance at coaching in Oz.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Titans have to be the worst team in the comp at the moment. Their effort levels are just rubbish. The Dogs have a worse roster but at least seem to put in a decent effort. I think the Titans problems start from the coach and he needs to hand in his resignation. The team look clueless and unenthusiastic.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
With wins over the Sea Eagles, the Roosters and the Rabbitohs in recent weeks that was always going to be a crazy call Joe. The Titans looked incapable of scoring tries tonight.
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
Thanks for a good call Daniel.
Daniel Szabo
Roar Guru
Full Time Matthews gets it on the last play of the game and grubbers through, but Kikau is there to clean it up and he throws it dead! That'll be all she wrote! Panthers continue their winning run while the Titans were quite frankly awful tonight. They've got plenty to work on. Stay tuned for The Roar's coverage of Knights vs Bulldogs next! Panthers - 24 Titans - 2
Joe
Roar Rookie
The Titans attacking plays looks so predictable. It would be better if they just played fling the ball around U20s style.
Daniel Szabo
Roar Guru
80' Penalty conceded by Penrith with 20 seconds to play. Rein taps it on the 10 and gives it to Stockwell. Panthers - 24 Titans - 2
Daniel Szabo
Roar Guru
80' Moses Leota offloads to a Titan and they'll have one more set to bag a rare try before fulltime. Panthers - 24 Titans - 2
Daniel Szabo
Roar Guru
79' Bryce Cartwright grubbers it towards the ingoal but To'o cleans it up well. Panthers - 24 Titans - 2
Daniel Szabo
Roar Guru
78' Maloney rushes up in defence, Roberts spots this and takes the line on. Gets tackled just short by Jed Cartwright on debut who gives a penalty away. Panthers - 24 Titans - 2
Daniel Szabo
Roar Guru
77' Titans attempt a short kick off but it's mid-range at best, Edwards takes it easily 25m out and immediately sends it left. Mansour gets it and gives it to Kikau who wasn't expecting it and puts it down. Panthers - 24 Titans - 2
Daniel Szabo
Roar Guru
77' Maloney drags it across the face of goal from the sideline. Panthers - 24 Titans - 2
74
Daniel Szabo
Roar Guru
Try - Brian To'o 75' Panthers shift right after Naden takes possession. Maloney sees that the Titans winger is up on the right, kicks for To'o who scores with a spectacular put-down in the corner. Panthers - 24 Titans - 2
Daniel Szabo
Roar Guru
75' Cartwright with an offload to no one. Toed through by Naden and he's got the ball 1m out from the line. Panthers on the attack! Panthers - 20 Titans - 2
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Surely with the game now wrapped up Cleary can afford to give James Maloney an early shower? Surely?
Daniel Szabo
Roar Guru
74' Luai short ball for Maloney but he loses it in contact. Panthers - 20 Titans - 2
Daniel Szabo
Roar Guru
73' Short kick off but it's knocked on by the Titans. Panthers feed the scrum on the 30. Panthers - 20 Titans - 2
71
Daniel Szabo
Roar Guru
72' Maloney with a good kick from the sideline makes it an unassailable 18-point lead. Panthers - 20 Titans - 2