Round 11: Warriors v Panthers preview
Two teams with plenty to prove but for different reasons battle it out for a second straight year at Magic Round to kick off Sunday afternoon's action.
For the Warriors, now winless in their past five games and tumbling down the ladder, there is pressure to perform or risk last year's sudden resurgence being a part of history instead of a key step in building their future.
As for the Panthers, the three-time defending premiers who currently sit in second place, there isn't the same level of urgency but an injury to Nathan Cleary and understudy Brad Schneider threatens to challenge the famed system that has taken Penrith to such great heights in recent years.
The Warriors are coming off a disappointing 38-18 loss to the Roosters which saw Andrew Webster's men quickly fall into a 22-0 hole, from which they never really stood a chance of recovering.
Making matters worse, Shaun Johnson (pectoral) and Rocco Berry (hand) picked up an injury in the loss and will join Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (hamstring) and Freddy Lussick (concussion protocols) on the sidelines.
It sees the dependable Taine Tuaupiki called up at fullback, while Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad moves to five-eighth and Te Maire Martin makes a timely return at halfback.
Ali Leiataua, meanwhile, takes Berry's place in the centres.
The Panthers aren't without their own injury concerns and while it certainly isn't the lengthy list facing the Warriors, losing both Cleary and Schneider in one week leaves coach Ivan Cleary short of options.
It means Cleary will rely on Jarome Luai to shoulder more responsibility in the kicking department as halfback with relatively unproven youngster Jack Cole deputizing at five-eighth.
In a welcome boost though, Izack Tago returns in the centres from suspension while Scott Sorensen (knee) is on the extended bench and a chance of bolstering what is a pretty underwhelming bench.
Speaking of the interchange, Liam Henry is a scratching due to concussion with Matt Eisenhuth replacing him while Daine Laurie is the fresh face with Cole promoted to the starting side.
Last meeting: Finals Week 1 2023 - Panthers 32 Warriors 6
Who to watch: For the Warriors, their best bet to get through Penrith's usually tricky defence is ball-playing around the ruck. Enter Tohu Harris. Harris was playing injured for a long part of 2023, which hampered his effectiveness at times, but you could still see the class he brings to this Warriors pack with his short passing game close to the line. That is, of course, without mentioning his high workrate. Specifically against Penrith though, he broke the Panthers open last year at Magic Round by putting front rower Addin Fonua-Blake over with a deft pass and is again the Warriors' leading chance of breaking the premiership favourites.
All eyes have to be on Jarome Luai here. He has been paid the big bucks from next year to lead the Tigers forward and yet for so long he has played second fiddle to Cleary or even whoever the natural halfback was Penrith had in Cleary's place. It allows Luai to drift in and out of games, injecting himself when he sees an opportunity. At the Tigers though, he is going to be their primary playmaker and will be paid as such. His long-range kicking game is still a work in progress while Luai also has a tendency to dance around too much instead of playing direct, something he has to improve if the Panthers are to win games without Cleary.
Favourite: Despite Cleary's absence, the Panthers are backed to get the job done.
My tip: If Johnson was playing, the Warriors would honestly be the play here despite their recent struggles. Even with Penrith's defence still being its strength without Cleary, Luai has shown little evidence of being able to properly manage a game without Cleary given he has usually had either Schneider, Sean O'Sullivan or Jack Cogger alongside him. Cole, meanwhile, has a solid running game but isn't much of a ball-playing option yet and while he is a strong defender it means Penrith's attack will be overly reliant on Isaah Yeo's presence in the middle. But with Johnson sidelined, the Warriors too lack a clear playmaking general. It's honestly a toss of a coin job for me and desperation alone may be enough for the Warriors here. I'm expecting a flat showing from Penrith. Warriors by 6.
