Defending champs the Panthers face a significant litmus test on Friday night when they host a potent Roosters outfit in the last game at BlueBet Stadium before it is knocked down and rebuilt.
SportsBet Betting Preview - Panthers v Roosters
Having achieved the first goal of finishing top two to earn a double chance and home final, Ivan Cleary's men now crank up their quest to become the first team since the mighty Dragons of the 50s and 60s to win four premierships in a row.
Much of the focus will be on superstar playmaker Nathan Cleary to see whether he returns from three games on the sideline with a shoulder injury or is held back for one more game.
If Cleary sits this one out and his team-mates are able to get the job done, he will get the benefit of another two weeks rest before they play a preliminary final.
The Panthers' attack has looked a little out of sync since Cleary went down but Jarome Luai is a proven big-game performer and he'll be ready to step up if required on Friday.
Speaking of big-game performers the Roosters are blessed to have James Tedesco, Joey Manu, Luke Keary and Angus Crichton to show them the way as they chase their first victory at BlueBet Stadium since 2017.
Three members of the current squad - Daniel Tupou, Keary and Manu - were part of that 14-12 victory, while a young Nathan Cleary landed four goals in just his 18th career game.
Match: Panthers v Roosters
Finals Week 1 -
home Team
Panthers
2nd Position
away Team
Roosters
3rd Position
Venue: BlueBet Stadium, Penrith
Team News
Panthers: A late shuffle an hour from kick off. Scott Sorensen is out, with Luke Garner to start in the second row. Brad Schneider goes from 18th man onto the interchange bench, with Casey McLean the new replacement player. Superstar playmaker Nathan Cleary returns after three games out with a shoulder injury so Jarome Luai moves back to five-eighth. Matt Eisenhuth was added to the bench on Thursday with Trent Toelau dropping out.
Roosters: A few late changes an hour from kick off. Nat Butcher returns to start in the front row, moving Spencer Leniu to the interchange bench, with Terrell May to start at lock. Wingers Dom Young (calf) and Daniel Tupou (rested) were named for the trip to BlueBet Stadium. Forwards Lindsay Collins (rested) is back, and Naufahu Whyte goes back to the bench and De La Salle Va'a and Blake Steep make way. Michael Jennings remains in the squad as 18th player in the final update.
Match: Panthers v Roosters
Finals Week 1 -
home Team
Panthers
away Team
Roosters
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Panthers is number 1 Dylan EdwardsFullback for Roosters is number 1 James Tedesco
-
Winger for Panthers is number 2 Sunia TuruvaWinger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel Tupou
-
Centre for Panthers is number 3 Izack TagoCentre for Roosters is number 3 Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i
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Centre for Panthers is number 4 Paul AlamotiCentre for Roosters is number 4 Joseph Manu
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Winger for Panthers is number 5 Brian To'oWinger for Roosters is number 5 Dominic Young
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Five-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Jarome LuaiFive-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Luke Keary
-
Halfback for Panthers is number 7 Nathan ClearyHalfback for Roosters is number 7 Sandon Smith
Forwards
-
Prop for Panthers is number 8 Moses LeotaProp for Roosters is number 10 Lindsay Collins
-
Hooker for Panthers is number 9 Mitch KennyHooker for Roosters is number 9 Connor Watson
-
Prop for Panthers is number 10 James Fisher-HarrisProp for Roosters is number 13 Nat Butcher
-
2nd Row for Panthers is number 12 Liam Martin2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Angus Crichton
-
2nd Row for Panthers is number 17 Luke Garner2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Sitili Tupouniua
-
Lock for Panthers is number 13 Isaah YeoLock for Roosters is number 17 Terrell May
Interchange
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 15 Lindsay SmithInterchange for Roosters is number 8 Spencer Leniu
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 16 Liam HenryInterchange for Roosters is number 14 Zach Dockar-Clay
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Interchange for Panthers is number 18 Matthew EisenhuthInterchange for Roosters is number 15 Naufahu Whyte
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Interchange for Panthers is number 19 Brad SchneiderInterchange for Roosters is number 16 Siua Wong
Reserves
-
Replacement for Panthers is number 20 Casey McLeanReplacement for Roosters is number 18 Michael Jennings
Match Officials
- Referee: Ashley Klein
- Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy
- Touch Judge: Chris Sutton
- Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Panthers have won their past nine games against the Roosters.
- The Roosters have not won at BlueBet Stadium since 2018.
- The Panthers are aiming to equal the premiership record of 10 consecutive finals victories.
- Roosters captain James Tedesco has never won at BlueBet Stadium.
- Panthers lock Isaah Yeo will equal Steve Carter’s club appearance record of 243 games.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
