Panthers v Sharks preview

Penrith Panthers v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Pepper Stadium - Sunday 2:00pm

Can the Panthers bounce back against the much-improved Sharks.

After starting the year as premiership contenders, the Panthers have won only one of their past five matches. With Josh Mansour (medial ligament) and Brent Kite (broken leg) joining the growing injury list, Penrith will need to overcome the disappointment of failing to capitalise on last weeks promising start before going down to the Titans. After starting the first two games of the year, George Jennings makes his return on the wing, while his younger brother Robert has been relegated to an extended bench in place of Kiwi centre Dean Whare. After joining the club back in 2013, former Melbourne Storm second rower Sika Manu will play his 50th game for the Panthers, while James Segeyaro will captain the team for only the second time in his career.

Having played in torrential rain last Monday night, the prospect of a Sunday afternoon game should ensure Cronulla fans make the journey to the foot of the mountains in support of the resurgent Sharks. Coming off the back of three consecutive wins for the first time since 2013, the Sharks will feel optimistic about their chances playing at Penrith for the first time in three years. With Paul Gallen expected back after missing last week's match at home, the Sharks will be out to break even coming into the representative weekend with four wins. New recruit Gerard Beale will be play his 100th game in the NRL after previous stints with the Broncos and Dragons.

Last meeting: Round 20 2014 - Penrith Panthers 16 Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 18

Who to watch: With so many players out of the Panthers lineup, expect a former Shark to lead the way if Penrith are to post a win. So far in 2015, Tyrone Peachey has averaged 100 metres and 20 tackles per game, if the Panthers are to overcome the odds, expect the City Origin hopeful to have a big game in attack where his ball playing and running abilities should prove a constant threat to the mobile Cronulla forward pack.

Having played 208 games for the Panthers, Luke Lewis will finally make his return to Pepper Stadium having last played there in 2012. If the former Penrith captain is able to reproduce his colossal performance against South Sydney which featured 16 runs for 140 metres, 42 tackles and a try the Sharks will go along way towards pushing for a spot in the top eight after the first third of the competition.

The favourite: Having won five of the past six encounters between the two sides, the Sharks will be looking to add further misery upon the struggling Panthers.

My tip: After a slow start to the year, the Sharks have found some form which will continue on Sunday. Sharks by 10.

1. Matt Moylan 2. George Jennings 3. Dean Whare 4. Waqa Blake 5. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 6. Apisai Koroisau 7. Isaac John 8. Sam McKendry 9. James Segeyaro 10. Jeremy Latimore 11. Sika Manu 12. Isaah Yeo 13. Nigel Plum
Interchange: 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Sam Anderson 16. Regan Campbell-Gillard 17. Bryce Cartwright 18. Tupou Sopoaga 22. Robert Jennings

1. Valentine Holmes 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Gerard Beale 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Michael Gordon 6. Jack Bird 7. Jeff Robson 8. Matt Prior 9. Michael Ennis 10. Chris Heighington 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen
Interchange: 14. Jayson Bukuya 15. Anthony Tupou 16. Ben Barba 17. Tinirau Arona 21. Sam Tagataese

Referees: Grant Atkins, Gavin Badger; Sideline Officials: Russell Turner, Lawrence McDonnell; Video Referees: Steve Chiddy, Luke Patten;

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