NRL TEAMS - 2024 Round 3
7 hours ago | LeagueUnlimited Media
Buoyant Panthers travel to Christchurch for Warriors showdown.
Coming away with a thrilling one-point victory over Canberra in Bathurst, the Panthers will hit the road once again for a home game against the Warriors in Christchurch. Retaining the core of the side that prevailed 19-18 over the Raiders, coach Anthony Griffin has been able to call upon centre Waqa Blake in the only change, while the seven players that took part in last weekend's representative matches have all been named to play. The Panthers have dominated recent fixtures with the Warriors, coming away with wins in five of the past six clashes, including a comprehensive performance at Penrith in the closing rounds of 2015.
With a number of players stood down prior to their clash with St. George Illawarra, the Warriors will be hoping for a change in fortune heading into the second-third of the season. Having managed a 26-10 win over a lacklustre Dragons outfit before the representative bye, coach Andrew McFadden has recalled suspended duo Ben Matulino and Bodene Thompson, while Tuimoala Lolohea and Thomas Leuluai return after missing last week through injury. In other changes for the New Zealanders, Issac Luke has once again been relegated to the bench, with Jazz Tevaga starting at hooker, while Matthew Allwood has been named 18th man. The Warriors hold a mixed record at AMI Stadium, winning two of five matches at the venue, however they did produce a last-minute victory over the Sydney Roosters during their last visit in 2010.
Last meeting: Round 23 2015 - Panthers 24 Warriors 10
Who to watch: Beginning his NRL career with the Warriors in 2013, Suaia Matagi's path to rugby league success has been well documented. Having spent time in prison before turning his life around, the New Zealand and Samoan representative has proven himself to be an inspiration with his efforts on the field. Joining the Panthers this season, the hard-running front rower has provided consistent impact off the bench and will have his sights set on punishing his former club on Saturday afternoon.
Playing two games at the start of 2014 for the Warriors, John Palavi's return to first grade in the win over the Dragons can be seen as reward for perseverance. After impressing in the illustrious New Zealand Under 20s side, the hard-working lock was forced to bide his time in reserve grade for two seasons before being handed a second chance in the NRL. Showing his wares with an impressive defensive effort, look for the 23-year-old to step up with the ball in hand against the Panthers on Saturday.
The favourite: Consistently finding themselves in tight finishes, the Panthers recent success has them favoured to come away with two points from across the ditch.
My tip: While the unpredictability of the Warriors has the potential to dazzle, the resilience of Penrith should see them emerge from Christchurch victorious. Panthers by 6.
1. Matt Moylan 2. Josh Mansour 12. Isaah Yeo 4. Peta Hiku 5. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 6. Jamie Soward 7. Peter Wallace 8. Sam McKendry 14. Tyrone Peachey 10. Regan Campbell-Gillard 11. Bryce Cartwright 17. James Fisher-Harris 13. Trent Merrin
Interchange: 9. James Segeyaro 15. Jeremy Latimore 16. Leilani Latu 18. Suaia Matagi
1. Tuimoala Lolohea 2. Jonathan Wright 3. Blake Ayshford 4. Solomone Kata 5. David Fusitua 6. Thomas Leuluai 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Jacob Lillyman 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. James Gavet 11. Bodene Thompson 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. John Palavi
Interchange: 14. Issac Luke 15. Ben Matulino 16. Charlie Gubb 17. Matthew Allwood
Referees: Matt Cecchin, Dave Munro; Sideline Officials: Tim Roby, Anthony Elliott; Video Referees: Luke Patten, Steve Chiddy