Round 20: Panthers v Dolphins preview
The Dolphins are on the quest to make their first finals appearance, whilst the Panthers are sitting inside the top four and looking to make the Grand Final for the fifth year in a row.
Penrith have won eleven games and lost five, where they sit in second place, already having all three of their byes, their third of which being last week. They most recently took on the Broncos in the second Grand Final Rematch, where they won 14-6, and showed strong sides in defence. Having an easy run home, the Panthers have high certainty of locking in a top four, if not top two, position on the ladder.
The home side are in for a big boost, with Nathan Cleary returning after suffering a hamstring injury in Round 10 against the Bulldogs. With many of the Panthers players representing NSW, Jarome Luai, Brian To'o and Liam Martin are listing among the reserves, whilst Isaah Yeo and Dylan Edwards are being rested. This sees Brad Schneider named at 5/8, Daine Laurie at fullback, with Luke Garner and Matthew Eisenhuth in the starting forwards.
After finishing in tenth place last year, the Dolphins have had a solid season so far, currently sitting in sixth place with nine wins and seven losses, they are one of the many teams in the tight race for the eight in the final third of the season. Last week they beat the Rabbitohs 36-38, but that wasn't an easy win with the Rabbitohs attempting to make a last-minute comeback, but unable to get the job done.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Felise Kaufusi have been named in the starting 17, looking to back up come Sunday after the Game III Origin clash on Wednesday. Trai Fuller keeps a spot in the starting 17 as well pushing Sean O'Sullivan to 18th man, whilst Euan Aitkin is looking to spend a stint on the sidelines due to a pectoral injury suffered last week.
These sides met once in 2023, with Penrith coming out on top, winning 24-14, and they will be looking to continue this "streak" this year.
Last meeting: Round 20 2023 - Dolphins 14 Panthers 24
Who to watch: All eyes will be on Nathan Cleary, who is playing just his sixth game this year. Since losing Cleary in Round 10, Penrith have won four of their matches without him, whilst losing the other six. In the five games that Cleary has played he has made five try assists and four line break assists.
Having missed the past three games due to injury and Origin camp, the Dolphins will be welcoming back Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow with open arms (although it must be noted that Trai Fuller has done an amazing job in the fullback position in the Hammer's absence). In his eight appearances, the Tabuai-Fidow has scored nine tries (including a double and hat trick), made two try assists and seven line breaks.
FAVOURITE: Penrith are favoured to get their twelfth win of the season and hold on to their top two position.
MY TIP: The Panthers will be fired up with the return of Nathan Cleary and an excited home crowd cheering them on. Although the Dolphins have had some strong form this year, I don't think it will be enough to get them over the line against the Panthers at Penrith. Panthers by 12.
