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Penrith Panthers
27
Match Complete
Parramatta Eels
8
| N. Cleary |  | 78 | ||
| N. Cleary |  | 63 | ||
| J. Fisher-Harris |  | 61 | ||
| N. Cleary | | 60 | ||
| D. Edwards | | 59 | ||
| N. Cleary | | 53 | ||
| B. To'o | | 51 | ||
| 46 | | M. Moses | ||
| N. Cleary |  | 37 | ||
| 29 | | M. Moses | ||
| 28 | | O. Kaufusi | ||
| N. Cleary | | 16 | ||
| B. To'o | | 15 |
| 4 | Tries | 1 | ||
| 4 | Conversions | 1 | ||
| 1 | Penalty Goals | 1 | ||
| 1 | Field Goals | 0 |
Show Preview
The NRL finals get underway tonight when the Penrith Panthers host the Parramatta Eels at BlueBet Stadium in Penrith. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:50pm (AEST).
Well, there has been plenty of lead-up, but we are finally here. It is NRL finals time, and a western derby is a perfect way to start. Penrith have cruised into the finals whilst the Eels had to win last round to squeak into the top four.
There is nothing to learn from the Panthers’ last-round defeat to the Cowboys by 38-8. They were resting almost their entire first-grade lineup. If anything, it proved how good Sean O’Sullivan will be for the Dolphins next year.
The week off was a luxury Ivan Cleary could afford to take. It does raise some questions though, with Nathan Cleary playing his first game back from suspension and Jarome Luai only playing the one game recently. The Eels will be looking to put Cleary under plenty of pressure.
As expected, there are mass changes for Penrith with 15 players welcomed back. Only Mitch Kenny and Scott Sorensen are retained from the side that lost to the Cowboys.
It seems like the Eels have timed their run perfectly. Their 22-14 win over the Storm last round flattered Melbourne, with three late tries restoring some credibility. Prior to that, though, the Eels looked a class above.
Parramatta’s big forward pack got on top of Melbourne and Mitchell Moses’ kicking game pinned the Storm down in their own territory. From there, Dylan Brown and Clint Gutherson got enough quality ball to create chances for the backline.
Brad Arthur has been able to name an unchanged 17 for Parramatta. Nathan Brown, Bailey Simonsson and Bryce Cartwright are all part of an extended squad.
Prediction
The Eels hold an unbeaten record against the Panthers this year. Nathan Cleary was sent off in their second encounter, however, the Eels did look on top before his departure.
However, finals are a different beast. The Panthers would have appreciated their rest whilst the Eels are likely to be sore after their battle with Melbourne.
At home, the Panthers should get the chocolates.
Panthers by 2.
Kick-off: 7.50pm (AEST)
Venue: BlueBet Stadium, Penrith
TV/Stream: Nine, Fox League, Foxtel, Kayo Sports, NRL Live Pass
Odds: Panthers: $1.41; Eels: $2.95 – odds via PlayUp
Teams
Panthers
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Taylan May 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo
Interchange: 14. Mitch Kenny 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon
Eels
1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Tom Opacic 5. Waqa Blake 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Isaiah Papali’i 13. Ryan Matterson
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