Round 3: Panthers v Broncos preview
Rhys Sullivan previews the first Grand Final rematch of 2024, with the Penrith Panthers hosting the Brisbane Broncos at Bluebet Stadium / Dharug
Stars to miss Grand Final rematch as both sides seek to stake their claim in 2024
October 1st 2023 will be a day forever etched in the history of both of these teams. The day the Penrith Panthers became the first team since the Eels of the early 80's to win three premierships in a row. The day the Brisbane Broncos became responsible for the largest blown lead in Grand Final history.
For the Broncos the scars of that day still cut deep (although you won't hear them talking about it). The team is determined to go one win further in 2024, and while this clash with the Panthers is relatively meaningless for the course of the season, the sentimental value will not be lost on the players.
Both sides have started the season 1-1, with disappointing Round 1 performances leading into strong wins in Round 2- the Broncos downing the Rabbitohs 28-18 while the Panthers overcame the Eels 26-18.
The Broncos will be without their captain Adam Reynolds, who picked up an MCL injury in their win over the Rabbitohs. Similarly, the Panthers are without James Fisher-Harris due to a shoulder problem. While neither player will be unavailable long term, it does put a bit of a dampener on this match.
Last meeting: Grand Final 2023 - Panthers 26 Broncos 24
Who to watch: With Adam Reynolds out, Jock Madden takes on the responsibility of leading the Broncos around the park. The team won 2 of the 4 matches he played at halfback in 2023, although one of those losses did come against the Panthers. He'll be able to rely on the oozing natural talent around him, but still have to get the 1% done that Reynolds does so well.
Similarly, pressures on for Lindsay Smith who steps up in replacing James Fisher-Harris. The Panthers pack famously hunt as a unit, but so do the Broncos. Pat Carrigan and Payne Haas will both be desperate for revenge, meaning Smith will need to step up to help Isaah Yeo and Moses Leota overcome.
But by far the majority of eyes will be on the battle between Nathan Cleary and Reece Walsh. Arguably the two best players in Rugby League, the pair have the potential to almost singlehandedly win games for their club, and with some of their star teammates out they might just have to. Expect to see a chess match between these two as they try to break the game open.
My tip: It's hard to predict how losing stars on both teams will impact how they play, but the loss of Reynolds seems too much for Brisbane to overcome in this one. Panthers by 10
