Panthers v Sea Eagles preview

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Eagles fly west in final club game of 2016.

Making a triumphant return home after securing their place in the finals with a 15-14 win over the Titans last Saturday, the Panthers will be looking to celebrate in style in the final regular season match of 2016. Having started the season as outsiders to qualify for the finals, a win over the Sea Eagles could see the men in black finish as high as sixth, but as a result of captain Matt Moylan's heroics on the Gold Coast, the Panthers are guaranteed to finish no lower than seventh. In the only change from the side that triumphed last weekend, prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard has been ruled out for three months after sustaining a prowler hit from Ryan James. In the young props absence, experienced campaigner Jeremy Latimore has been named in jersey 15, however rookie Moses Leota may come into the side after being selected as 18th man. While coach Anthony Griffin has stuck with the same side predominantly throughout their resurgence, there may be several late changes should the Panthers have no chance of improving their finals standing. In the event players are rested, look for the likes of Dylan Edwards, Te Maire Martin, Andy Saunders and Viliame Kikau to come into the squad.

Despite their best efforts with a late season rally, the Sea Eagles will finish their season at the end of 26 rounds for the second year running, after enduring a decades of dominance throughout the month of September. Testing the in-form Raiders during a high-scoring affair at Brookvale Oval last Saturday afternoon, the Sea Eagles will be hoping to spoil the Panthers finals preparation with a final round win. Coach Trent Barrett has made a number of minor adjustments to his side, with Blake Leary and Dylan Walker named to return in place of Frank Winterstein and Brad Parker, while Apisai Koroisau will shift to the halves allowing Matt Parcell to start at hooker. Having last tasted victory at the foot of the mountains during the Des Hasler reign and with a record of one win from their past six meetings with Penrith, Manly face a tough proposition on Sunday night, but with the chance to finish 2016 with a win expect the Sea Eagles to make a strong account of themselves.

Last meeting: Round 14 2016 - Sea Eagles 24 Panthers 31

Who to watch: Linking up with the Panthers from England mid-season, utility back Zak Hardaker will be hoping to make a mark in the lead up to the playoffs on Sunday night. Likely to see more game time against the Sea Eagles, the English international has shown glimpses of the talent that saw him rated as one of the best fullback in the Northern hemisphere and will be out to impress in what may be his final appearance at the foot of the mountains. In a side beaming with excitement, Hardaker looms as a danger man for the Panthers, with blistering speed and enthusiasm set to enable the 24-year-old to leave his mark on the NRL.

Producing a breakthrough season for the Sea Eagles, outside back Brayden Williame has proven to be an unsung hero of the Manly backline in 2016. Having struggled for game time in recent years, the former Parramatta winger has made the most of his opportunities under coach Trent Barrett, bagging six tries in 17 games. Signing on for a further two seasons, Williame will be out to finish the season on a high note as he looks to secure a starting position at the Sea Eagles in 2017 and take over the mantle left by retiring club legend Jamie Lyon.

The favourite: With a finals position assured, the Panthers are expected to account for their Northern visitors.

My tip: Developing into a competitive force throughout the season, look for the Panthers to launch their premiership assault with a strong win at home. Panthers by 18.

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. Jeremy Latimore 16. Chris Grevsmuhl 17. Zak Hardaker

1. Tom Trbojevic 20. Brad Parker 16. Lewis Brown 4. Matthew Wright 5. Brayden Wiliame 6. Apisai Koroisau 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Addin Fonua-blake 9. Matt Parcell 11. Martin Taupau 21. Frank Winterstein 12. Jamie Buhrer 13. Jake Trbojevic
Interchange: 14. Blake Leary 15. Josh Starling 17. Siosaia Vave 23. Billy Bainbridge

Referees: Grant Atkins, Chris Sutton; Sideline Officials: Rohan Best, Nick Morel; Video Referees: Luke Patten, Bryan Norrie, Jason Robinson