Penrith punish rusty Roosters
10 hours ago | Aidan Edgecomb
Penrith Panthers v New Zealand Warriors
Pepper Stadium - Saturday 5:30pm
Two out of form sides in desperate need of a win.
Unable to come away from Darwin with the two competition points against the Eels last Saturday, Penrith will be hoping to fend off an undeserved last-placed finish with a win at home. In the only change from last week, David Simmons returns on the wing in place of Waqa Blake. While their on-field record hasn't yielded the results they would've hoped for after making the Preliminary Final last year, the Panthers have seen considerable development from a number of players which will serve them well in future seasons including Bryce Cartwright, Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Isaah Yeo.
Sitting in fourth place a month ago, the Warriors have plummeted outside the top eight and look set to miss the finals for the third straight season. Having been embarrassed by the Dragons in Wellington last Saturday afternoon, the Warriors have been forced into changes through suspension and injury. Both Manu Vatuvei (injury) and Ben Matulino have been replaced by Dominique Peyroux and Sam Rapira, while Ryan Hoffman will play his first game for the club since Round 16. After yet another inconsistent season, Konrad Hurrell is back in first grade in place of Siliva Havili on the bench.
Last meeting: Round 26 2014 - Penrith Panthers 22 New Zealand Warriors 6
Who to watch: With his future at the Panthers seemingly set to finish at the end of 2015, former Warrior Isaac John will be on the lookout for a new club to continue his NRL career. Representing the Kiwis last season, John has shown that when given an opportunity first grade he is capable of making an impact, however injuries have prevented him from stringing together consecutive games over the past 18 months. Having scored a hat-trick in a career best game against the Warriors in 2013, John will be looking to replicate his performance to help the Panthers avoid the wooden spoon.
Having spent close to two months on the sidelines, the Warriors will be hoping the return of Ryan Hoffman is the boost they need to re-ignite their finals ambitions. Since joining from Melbourne this year, Hoffman has been tremendous in attack and defence; in his absence the Warriors have managed just one win from five matches, so his return could not come at a more vital time. Missing just one finals campaign throughout his career, Hoffman knows what it takes to win big games and will be out to help the New Zealand club feature in September for the first time since 2011.
The favourite: Despite a crippling injury toll and a five game losing streak, the Panthers are expected to pick up the two points at home.
My tip: While results haven't fallen their way in recent weeks, the Panthers have played with considerable spirit that should see them come away with a win. Panthers by 10.
1. William Smith 2. Josh Mansour 3. Lewis Brown 4. Isaah Yeo 5. David Simmons 6. Isaac John 7. Jamie Soward 8. Sam McKendry 9. James Segeyaro 10. Regan Campbell-Gillard 11. Bryce Cartwright 12. Tyrone Peachey 13. Elijah Taylor
Interchange: 14. Tupou Sopoaga 15. Jeremy Latimore 16. Leilani Latu 17. Sika Manu 18. Apisai Koroisau
1. Sam Tomkins 2. Ken Maumalo 3. Dominique Peyroux 4. Solomone Kata 5. Jonathan Wright 6. Chad Townsend 7. Tuimoala Lolohea 8. Jacob Lillyman 9. Nathan Friend 10. Sam Rapira 11. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering
Interchange: 14. Konrad Hurrell 15. Albert Vete 16. Sam Lisone 17. Charlie Gubb
Referees: Ashley Klein, Chris James; Sideline Officials: Brett Suttor, Clayton Sharpe; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Steve Folkes;