The 2019 champions are back in action tonight and are looking to stamp their authority in 2020 with a dominant win over a young Panthers lineup.
PENRITH PANTHERS VS SYDNEY ROOSTERS – SATURDAY 14 MARCH, 7:35PM, PANTHERS STADIUM
A big test for a young and inexperienced Panthers lineup here with the reigning premiers looking to starting their 2020 season with a W.
The Tricolours tuned up for the season with a World Club Challenge victory against St Helens in September, keeping the wheels rolling despite the departures of Latrell Mitchell and Cooper Cronk.
Penrith have lost some experience in chief playmaker James Maloney but a few exciting recruits and emerging talent has them confident they can return to the finals.
James Tedesco and Nathan Cleary are the two names to watch in this game, but really, the Roosters look extremely tough to bet against.
Team news:
Panthers: Caleb Aekins is the new fullback in the absence of Dylan Edwards (ankle). James Fisher-Harris (pec) has been named to return on the bench but second-row recruit Kurt Capewell (quad) is still missing. Api Koroisau returns at hooker after a stint at Manly, while Zane Tetevano takes on his premiership-winning teammates. Jed Cartwright and Kaide Ellis were omitted from the extended squad on Friday night.
Roosters: Co-captain Boyd Cordner was rested from the World Club Challenge and has been given another week off by coach Trent Robinson. Former Shark Kyle Flanagan takes over the halfback role in the wake of Cooper Cronk’s retirement while Angus Crichton moves to the centres with Latrell Mitchell gone. Sitili Tupouniua gets a crack in the starting side in the second row after coming off the bench 15 times in 2019 and starting only once. Lachlan Lam and Asu Kepaoa were omitted 24 hours before kick-off.
Betting Insights:
- Penrith has won five of its last eight matches as an underdog by a margin of 1 to 12 points.
- Seven of the last nine matches between Penrith and Sydney have gone UNDER the total match points line.
- Daniel Tupou has scored a try in each of Sydney’s last three matches against Penrith.
- Nathan Cleary has scored at least one try in three of Penrith’s last four home matches.
- James Tedesco has scored a try in six of Sydney’s last seven matches.
