Round 7: Panthers v Raiders preview
Ricky's Raiders face stern test against perfect Panthers
The Panthers may be defending premiers but the pressure that comes with that tag does not seem to be bothering Ivan Cleary's men.
Penrith still remains unbeaten, this time coming off a dominant 40-12 win over Brisbane.
And the Panthers were tested, with the game still well and truly in the balance before they ran over the top of the Broncos in the second half.
Penrith is still yet to lose a game at BlueBet Stadium since midway through the 2019 season and the trip to the foot of the mountains is an imposing one for Ricky Stuart's Raiders.
The Panthers remain unchanged and continue to get the most out of their lesser names, with Scott Sorensen and Spencer Leniu both soaring past 100 run metres off the bench last week.
Canberra, on the other hand, has taken a risk by shifting Jordan Rapana to fullback and promoting Xavier Savage to the wing with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad on the bench.
It comes after the Raiders squandered a 12-0 lead to fall 18-12 to the Cowboys last Thursday.
Canberra would have had well over a week to ponder over that defeat, ruing a host of missed opportunities in the first half.
The Raiders won't get the same chances against a relentless Panthers side and simply need to execute when it matters or forget about standing a chance in this game.
Last meeting: Round 5 2021 - Panthers 30 Raiders 10
Who to watch: With Brian To'o nearing a return from injury, Charlie Staines needs to step up his game or risk losing his spot to the electric Taylan May. It may be unfair for Staines given his is actually in the best form of his career but right now, May simply offers more of an attacking threat close to the line. And that is not even mentioning his combination with Izack Tago. Staines has been getting more involved in yardage carries but may also need a few more highlight plays to really stamp his authority and press to keep his spot once To'o returns.
As for Canberra, moving Jordan Rapana to fullback could be a masterstroke or leave Ricky Stuart under even more pressure. The Panthers were brilliant in shutting down Tom Trbojevic in the opening round with a calculated kicking game and with Nathan Cleary back, you can guarantee he will throw everything he has got at Rapana. Should the Kiwi International fail to defuse a few Cleary bombs or be caught out of position, it could see Rapana desperately try to redeem himself and grow impatient in attack. Obviously Rapana's tackle-busting ability makes him an intriguing choice at the back and one Penrith may struggle to contain in open space. But he will need to be effective in his communication to make sure the outside backs are best prepared for a Cleary ambush.
The favourite: Penrith is strong favourites to get the job done.
My tip: Even with the Raiders desperate, it is hard to tip against the Panthers at this point. Another strong home crowd should spur Penrith to a comfortable win. Panthers by 16.
