Round 19: Panthers v Raiders preview
Round 19 finishes off with a cracking contest - the streaking Panthers host the rampant Raiders on a bright Sunday afternoon which will definitely prompt Phil Gould to proclaim ‘I love Sunday afternoon football'
Panthers have authored a seven-game win streak after their demolition of St George Illawarra which has them sat in quite nicely in seventh. After a poor start to the season, it seems like dreamland for those clad in black.
An old football axiom is you can't win anything with kids but the Panthers turned to the youngsters after their experienced core let them down. They have injected some bounce back into the side with Brent Naden and Brian To'o - the latter with a spectacular double against the Dragons.
Sunday will be a big test in the Panthers finals credentials as they chase that feeling all the way to September.
Currently, it is quite easy being green - the Raiders are comfortable in the top four and off back-to-back victories are always ready to blow their own horn. Last week was a celebration of their 1989 Premiership and the Green Machine hope they might end with similar memories 30 years on.
Behind Melbourne, the rest of the top four is quite condensed. For Ricky Stuart, it will be about getting his side prepared for the crucible that is the finals. A prime-time contest against an in-form Panthers where they will have a full stadium is a great marker for them for the backend of the season.
A final note is that the two sides feature two exciting backlines with some supreme talent so sit back, relax and grab a cold drink as there will be a quality* game of football to round off Round 19.
*LeagueUnlimited.com takes no responsibility if the game is crap.
Last meeting: Round 8 2019 - Raiders 30 Panthers 12
Who to watch: The suspension of Bill Kikau has left a hole on the Panthers edge. Kikau is a huge part of getting the Panthers attack on the front foot so whoever replaces ‘Big Bill' - which is likely Liam Martin - has to replicate that against a mobile Raiders pack. In a contest that may be decided by a piece of magic from the edge forward on a rampage.
In a battle between two electric backlines - Jarrod Croker is the silent achiever of the group. The centre sits second in point scoring for the season with seven tries and 60 goals - as the games get tighter his ability to find the stripe will be crucial. Taking on the youthful Panthers backline, he might have a trick to glide through.
The favourite: Canberra are favourites with the bookies.
My tip: This will be a cracker of a contest on Sunday afternoon between two sides in form. The Raiders will want to turn around their poor record against the Panthers and without Kikau the ledger swings to them. Raiders by 6.
