Raiders v Panthers preview

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Will the Raiders kick start a promising season with a rare home victory? Or will the Panthers, led by experienced and under fire halves Jamie Soward and Peter Wallace silence their critics?

Despite finishing the 2015 season in 10th position, the Raiders, led by enigmatic Canberra convert Blake Austin, worried many sides with their attacking flair, scoring 577 points (their highest total since 2008) whilst only committing 213 errors, the least in the competition. The acquisition of Aidan Sezer will only contribute to their attacking prowess and should add much needed stability to the Raider's offensive tactics. The Raiders have also been acknowledged with having one of the easiest draws in the 2016 season, with the Canberra side only playing two of last year's Top Eight (Sharks and Bulldogs) twice. With a perfect mixture of youth and experience, the Raiders will look to kick off a promising season with a win over the under pressure Panthers. 

Likewise, the Panthers have made shrewd purchases over the off-season, touting the likes of internationals Trent Merrin and Peta Hiku, and the exciting young prospect Te Maire Martin. However, the hope for Penrith fans will be that this injury curse that has plagued the club for the past two seasons will disappear, allowing for a more complete, cohesive campaign. In 2015, Penrith's first choice spine of Matt Moylan, Jamie Soward, Peter Wallace and James Segeyaro only spent a mere 9% of the season together. Moylan is set to miss the first week of the competition, and is aiming to return for the club's Round 2 clash with the Bulldogs. However, even so, more pressure in 2016 will placed on the veteran halves of Soward and Wallace, which I will discuss later. The Panthers will also look to improve their ball handling in 2016, having committed 11.6 errors per game in 2015, second worst in the league. Much of this came from a tendency to offload (averaging 14.7 per game, best in the league), and if the Panthers learn to balance this with structured set plays they will improve upon their awful attacking record in 2015 (399 points).

Last meeting: Round 25 2015 - Raiders 34 Panthers 18

Who to watch: For both sides, all eyes will be on their ‘new' halves pairings. At the Raiders, the addition of Sezer should place relieve pressure from star five-eighth Blake Austin. Sezer possesses a solid short kicking game and should be given more opportunities for try-assists in a more potent attacking Raiders outfit. Similarly, many will look to see if Austin can recreate his magical 2015 season, scoring 14 tries and making 18 line breaks. Austin may be utilized off the bench in Round 1, and it remains a mystery how he and Sam Williams will be used by Ricky Stuart. If Austin and Sezer can combine well enough on Saturday afternoon, it is more than likely their array of outside backs will guarantee points.

Meanwhile at the Panthers, there is no one under more pressure than halves Jamie Soward and Peter Wallace. Whilst not considered 'new', many Penrith fans may not be able to even recall the last time both first-choice halves were on the field, hence a refreshing sight to see. Both experienced injury plagued campaigns in 2015, with Wallace and Soward ironically both playing their last NRL games against the Raiders. Both lost their creative touch in 2015, combing for just 13 try assists together in 29 games. Albeit in the Holden Cup, new recruit Te Maire Martin created 35 try assists in 24 games, placing enormous pressure on the veteran halves after a strong pre-season. How Soward and Wallace respond will be crucial to the outcome of this game.

The favourite: With Moylan ruled out, the Raiders are slightly favoured to take out their first home game of the year.

My tip: With a more enigmatic, balanced halves pairing, despite my loyalty to Penrith, I can see the Raiders claiming a comfortable victory, placing more pressure on Soward and Wallace. Raiders by 14.

1. Jack Wighton 2. Edrick Lee 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Joseph Leilua 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Sam Williams 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Shannon Boyd 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Frank Paul Nuuausala 11. Josh Papalii 12. Elliot Whitehead 13. Shaun Fensom 
Interchange: 14. Blake Austin 15. Iosia Soliola 16. Paul Vaughan 17. Jeff Lima 18. Kurt Baptiste

1. William Smith 2. Josh Mansour 3. Waqa Blake 4. Peta Hiku 5. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 6. Jamie Soward 7. Peter Wallace 8. Sam McKendry 9. James Segeyaro 10. Regan Campbell-Gillard 11. Bryce Cartwright 12. Isaah Yeo 13. Trent Merrin
Interchange: 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Jeremy Latimore 16. Suaia Matagi 17. Elijah Taylor

Referees: Gavin Badger, Dave Munro; Sideline Officials: Brett Suttor, Dave Ryan; Video Referees: Ben Galea, Jason Robinson, Bernard Sutton;