Panthers v Wests Tigers preview

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Penrith look to cement their coveted position in the Top 8 as the Tigers look to overcome the absence of star fullback James Tedesco with their season on the line.

Sitting on 26 points and with a superior for and against to those below them, a win this week for the Panthers would go a long way to securing a spot in the 2016 Finals Series. Their chances were bolstered by a dominant 42-6 win over the lowly Knights last Sunday and are only strengthened by the injury suffered by the Tigers' Tedesco last Saturday. Key to Penrith's comprehensive victory was their defence in the opening half, repelling the Knights on multiple occasions to be locked up at 6 apiece at the break, despite only having 39% possession. Although the Knights offered little, Penrith's ability to remain focussed in what would have almost been considered a guaranteed win was pleasing. Fullback Matt Moylan also enjoyed arguably his most polished performance of the season, roping in a tough ball to score a scintillating try, before setting up 2, making 2 line breaks and busting 6 tackles. Coach Anthony Griffin, however, would have been disappointed with his side's discipline, making a concerning 12 errors and conceding a whopping 11 penalties. Skipper Matt Moylan epitomised this sentiment in the post-game Press Conference commenting that "We defended well and were able to turn them away for a lot of that but in the back-end of the year, in those crunch games, we can't be giving sides that many opportunities." Facing a desperate Tigers side, if the Panthers are able to exhibit similar defensive solidarity and discipline, the skill and power of their young outside backs and forward pack should prove too strong. The Panthers are unchanged with Te Maire Martin denied a chance to star against his former club with Griffin understandably sticking with what is producing results, with Penrith coming into this one having won 4 of their past 5.

The Tigers have also been impressive as of late, winning 4 of their past 6. However, a last gasp field goal by the acclaimed Jarryd Hayne has rendered the Tigers' promising season to life support, with anything but a win on Friday night basically spelling the end of what has been a relatively pleasing season for a side tipped to battle it out for the Wooden Spoon. When comparing the statistics between the Tigers and Titans last weekend, it is made quite obvious why the Campbelltown faithful had to wait until the final minute for the result to be sealed. Similarly to the Knights the Tigers were unable to capitalise on mounting possession in the first half last weekend and as a result fell to a resilient Titans team. Further compounding the loss was the injury to State of Origin fullback James Tedesco, who provides a substantial tackle busting threat from the back for what is still an exuberant, talented Tigers outfit on paper without their beloved No. 1. Although his replacement Jordan Rankin is capable of fulfilling the necessary obligations at fullback, his involvement does not come near that of Tedesco. In his most recent game at fullback against the Bulldogs in Round 18, Rankin managed just 1 tackle bust and 80 running metres. Meanwhile, in Tedesco's latest eighty minute performance (against the Cowboys in Round 22) he broke a whopping 13 tackles, made 2 line breaks, ran for 117 metres and topped it off with a last minute try. Even in a limited stint against the Titans, Tedesco was able to break 3 tackles, make 2 offloads and run 82 metres. To put it quite simply Tedesco has scored 14 tries this season, and has had a hand in 12. That's 26 of the Wests Tigers 78 (1/3) that Tedesco has been involved in.  Tedesco's loss, however, is somewhat eased by the return of Luke Brooks at halfback. Brooks shares the top rung for try assists this season at Concord with halves partner Mitchell Moses (14), yet only has a tackle efficiency rating of 62%, missing 85 this season. His involvement on Friday night along with Moses will prove critical.

Last meeting: Round 17 2016 - Wests Tigers 34 Panthers 26

Who to watch: Waqa Blake was the maligned scapegoat of many Penrith losses this season, but has shown drastic improvement to cement a first grade position and has demonstrated serious speed and ability in previous weeks. Albeit against Newcastle, Blake had one of his best performances of the season, with a try, try assist, line break, 4 tackle busts and 109 running metres. When running hard and straight Blake has the footwork to dazzle even the most renowned defenders in the game and if given space could prove an electric presence on Friday night.

David Nofoaluma has shown even more promise in recent weeks than Blake, proving especially hard to handle last week in a losing side against the Titans. Not only did the speedy winger score two spectacular four pointers, but he also ran for 155 metres, made 3 line breaks and broke a massive 10 tackles. Leading the NRL with 117 tackle busts, in Tedesco's absence look for Nofoaluma to prove a constant menace for Penrith defenders out wide.

The favourite: Punters believe the loss of Tedesco will be too much for the Tigers and the Panthers are short priced favourites to extinguish the Tigers' season on Friday night.

My tip: The Tigers won't submit, yet the loss of Tedesco will leave a considerable spark missing from their side set to tackle the Panthers on Friday night. Signs from what would have been his opposite in Penrith Captain Matt Moylan in last Sunday's victory over Newcastle signal his silky skills will be key as Penrith edge closer to wrapping up a spot in the 2016 finals on Friday night. Penrith by 7.

1. Matt Moylan 2. Josh Mansour 3. Waqa Blake 4. Tyrone Peachey 5. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 6. Bryce Cartwright 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Leilani Latu 9. Peter Wallace 10. Suaia Matagi 11. Isaah Yeo 12. James Fisher-Harris 13. Trent Merrin
Interchange: 14. Sitaleki Akauola 15. Chris Grevsmuhl 16. Regan Campbell-Gillard 17. Zak Hardaker

1. Jordan Rankin 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Tim Simona 4. Kevin Naiqama 5. Josh Addo-Carr 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. Kyle Lovett 15. Ava Seumanufagai 16. Tim Grant 17. Joel Edwards

Referees: Jared Maxwell, Gavin Reynolds; Sideline Officials: Russell Turner, Jeff Younis; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Luke Patten, Matt Cecchin