NRL TEAMS - 2024 Round 4
2 days ago | LeagueUnlimited Media
Battle of the Big Cats hits Western Sydney.
With the race for places in the top eight heating up, the Tigers enter Round 17 in dire need of two points to remain in touch with a host of sides vying for September glory. Having pushed Melbourne to the end after a disastrous opening half last Sunday, the joint venture will be out to stiffen their defence against a Panthers outfit renown for their ability to entertain. Coming away with seven wins from the past nine encounters, the Tigers will head into Saturday's contest with optimism as they look to account for their Western rivals. In the only change from the side that went down 29-20 to the Storm, former captain Robbie Farah has been named on the bench, with rookie prop JJ Felise named as 18th man. Having traditionally hosted the Panthers at either Leichardt or Campbelltown, the Tigers will use ANZ Stadium as their base for Saturday night, a venue they have used just twice against the Panthers; the last time being a highly entertaining affair in 2007.
Currently sitting in eighth position, the Panthers will be out solidify their recent form with a win over their Western Sydney rivals. Having shown glimpses of exhilarating football in their 28-26 win over the Rabbitohs last Friday, coach Anthony Griffin will be looking for his side to remain committed for the entire 80 minutes, after lapses in concentration late in the match almost saw his side go down with the match seemingly secured. Penrith have retained the same squad the triumphed over South Sydeny, with the addition of former New Zealand international Sam McKendry on an extended bench. Versatile centre Tyrone Peachey will play his 50th game for club, after joining from Cronulla two seasons ago.
Last meeting: Round 16 2015 - Tigers 12 Panthers 35
Who to watch: Running into a rich vein of form over the past month, centre Tim Simona has been at the forefront of the attacking play that has seen the Tigers trouble sides at either end of the competition ladder. Crossing for tries in his past four matches, the Samoan international has flourished and will be out to upstage opposite young gun Waqa Blake on Saturday night. Coming into the prime of his football career, the 25-year-old looks set to remain a long-term prospect for the joint venture and may prove to be the attacking spark capable of hoisting the Tigers back into the finals hunt.
With just three first grade appearances to his name, rookie halfback Nathan Cleary looks set to make an impact for the Panthers. Still eligible for Under 20s, the son of former Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has struck up a quality partnership with Bryce Cartwright in the halves, while the increased involvement of Matt Moylan has seen the Panthers solidify a place inside the top eight. Facing off against the Tigers duo of Brooks and Moses, Cleary will be looking to showcase his running game while his ability as goal-kicker may prove crucial in a tight contest.
The favourite: Having strung together wins over Manly and South Sydney, the Panthers are expected to add the Tigers to their hit list.
My tip: While their first half performance against Melbourne was less than stellar, the Tigers have shown themselves capable of brilliance with a quality run of possession. Wests Tigers by 10.
1. James Tedesco 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Tim Simona 4. Kevin Naiqama 5. Jordan Rankin 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 9. Dene Halatau 10. Sauaso Sue 11. Josh Aloiai 12. Chris Lawrence 13. Elijah Taylor
Interchange: 14. Tim Grant 15. Ava Seumanufagai 16. Robbie Farah 17. Kyle Lovett
1. Matt Moylan 2. Josh Mansour 3. Waqa Blake 4. Tyrone Peachey 5. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 6. Bryce Cartwright 7. Nathan Cleary 20. Sam McKendry 9. Peter Wallace 10. Regan Campbell-Gillard 11. Isaah Yeo 12. Trent Merrin 17. James Fisher-Harris
Interchange: 15. Jeremy Latimore 16. Chris Grevsmuhl 8. Leilani Latu 19. Zak Hardaker
Referees: Dave Munro, Gavin Reynolds; Sideline Officials: Brett Suttor, Kasey Badger; Video Referees: Luke Patten, Jason Robinson, Bryan Norrie