Phins fly past sluggish Eels
11 hours ago | Andy P
NRL Match Previews - Penrith v Sydney (Finals Week 2)
vs 
18-09-2010 07:45PM at Sydney Football Stadium
Referee: Shayne Hayne and Ben Cummins
Touch Judges: David Abood and Russell Turner
Referee: Steve Clark
Make no mistake - the Roosters were unbelievably lucky last week. Granted, they made all the big plays when they needed to and deserve credit for their remarkable victory, but not until Todd Carney took over did they really show any direction in that match. The same can be said for the Panthers - not until they threw away their game plan and played on instinct against the Raiders did they show signs of a being a real semi final football team. Perhaps a symptom of being over-coached?
If Brian Smith hands over the reigns to Pearce and Carney on Saturday night at the SFS, the Panthers are in trouble. If not, then we have another very close game and the Panthers are a chance. We predict the latter unfolds and the visitors stay close until late when Carney realises he can win this game whenever he wants to - and does so. The boys from Penrith do not go quietly though - and this will be another memorable finals match but ultimately, it's Mad Monday time for the Mountain Men.
My Tip: Roosters 24-18
The Teams
 Sydney Roosters Penrith Panthers  |
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| Suspensions No Suspensions Injuries A. Cherrington J. Ford B. Cordner |
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Suspensions No Suspensions Injuries T. Waterhouse L. Coote F. Pritchard |
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Head to Head
| 2010 | NRL - Round 5 | CUA Stadium | Penrith Panthers | 28-6 |
| 2009 | Round 11 | CUA Stadium, Penrith | Penrith Panthers | 48-6 |
| 2008 | Round 14 | Sydney Football Stadium | Sydney Roosters | 32-12 |
| 2008 | Round 5 | CUA Stadium, Penrith | Sydney Roosters | 28-12 |
| 2007 | Round 24 | Sydney Football Stadium | Penrith Panthers | 28-22 |