Roosters v Panthers preview

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East meets West in Monday night showdown.

Breaking through for their first win of 2016 last Friday, the Roosters will have high hopes for their return to Allianz Stadium, as the look to give their home fans reward for perseverance so far this season. Having produced five wins from their past six meetings with the Panthers, coach Trent Robinson will be hoping history is on his side as the Roosters look to propel themselves off the bottom of the NRL ladder. With Siosiua Taukeiaho out for an extended period, Isaac Liu will celebrate a new two-year deal with the club by starting the game at lock. In his place, rookie Mitchell Frei comes onto the bench after missing last week in favour of Abraham Papalii.

Pushing the reigning premiers right to the end last Saturday night, the Panthers will be hoping their hard work translates into wins as they travel away on Monday night. Unable to make the most of their early lead against the Cowboys, Penrith coach Anthony Griffin will have his side primed for a danger game against the lowly Roosters. Retaining the same side that went down 23-18 to North Queensland, forwards Tyrone Peachey and Elijah Taylor have been included on an extended bench after spending time in reserve grade in recent weeks.

Last meeting: Round 18 2015 - Panthers 4 Roosters 24

Who to watch: With the Roosters resigned to the bottom of the competition ladder, prop Dylan Napa took it upon himself to lead the three time Minor Premiers to their first win of 2016 against South Sydney. Working tirelessly in attack and handing out punishment in defence, the red-headed Queenslander will be looking for more of the same come Monday night. Taking on a skilful Penrith forward pack, Napa won't shy away from the challenge and will be central to the Bondi Boy's hopes of claiming back-to-back wins for the first time since Round 26, 2015.

Debuting for the Roosters over a decade ago, Jamie Soward has proved to be one of the best playmakers in the NRL over that time. Winning premierships, leading under-strength sides to the finals and representing his state, the halfback has been an important figure for Penrith under new coach Anthony Griffin, despite results going against them early in the season. Facing off against Jackson Hastings in the halves, the 200+ game veteran will be looking to teach the young half a footballing lesson and will be capable of delivering the knock-out blow with the game on the line, as he did in the 2014 finals.

The favourite: While the Roosters may have come away with two points last week, the Panthers ability to push the Cowboys all the way has them favoured to come away with the win.

My tip: This is a danger game for both teams, however the Panthers should get prevail through a combination of defensive grit and attacking flair. Panthers by 8.

1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Brendan Elliott 4. Blake Ferguson 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6. Jayden Nikorima 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Sam Moa 9. Jake Friend 10. Dylan Napa 11. Mitchell Aubusson 12. Aidan Guerra 13. Isaac Liu
Interchange: 14. Kane Evans 15. Mitchell Frei 16. Eloni Vunakece 21. Connor Watson

1. Matt Moylan 2. Josh Mansour 3. Waqa Blake 4. Peta Hiku 5. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Jamie Soward 14. Leilani Latu 9. Peter Wallace 10. Regan Campbell-Gillard 11. Bryce Cartwright 12. Isaah Yeo 13. Trent Merrin
Interchange: 14. Tyrone Peachey 8. Sam McKendry 16. Suaia Matagi 17. James Fisher-Harris

Referees: Jared Maxwell, Matt Noyen; Sideline Officials: Adam Reid, Jason Walsh; Video Referees: Matt Cecchin, Luke Patten, Bernard Sutton;