Round 7: Roosters v Panthers preview
Roosters search for consistency while Penrith look for anything!
The Sydney Roosters will be looking to complete a season sweep over the Penrith Panthers for the first time since 2015 when the teams clash at Allianz Stadium this Saturday.
The Tri Colours have had an initiation to season 2025 that their fans were expecting, starting the year 2-4 but with some big scalps claimed along the way including their opponents this weekend. Their attack which was the benchmark a year ago has sputtered, clearly missing the impact of Sam Walker, that being said there are signs that progress is being made.
The arrival of Hugo Savala at pivot was critical, that gave the Roosters something they have been missing for quite a while, a long kicking game. He kicked the life out of the Steeden last week and will look to cause nightmares for the Panthers back three. Their forward pack led by New Zealand international Naufahu Whyte claimed a big points victory in the Round 2 encounter, but will have to lift to an even higher standard as Penrith will look for revenge.
On the team cards, the Chooks are missing last week's hero Billy Smith, this time through suspension and not injury. Fortunately, they do get the return of explosive centre Mark Nawaqanitawase who tore shreds off the Panthers right edge at CommBank in the earlier fixture.
For the Panthers, it has been a rough start for the boys that have had most things go their way over the last five years. After returning from Vegas, the Panthers have seemingly left most good things about their play over there. So far this year, they are the second worst defensive side in the competition and have been a shadow of themselves in key performance indicators such as discipline (especially in the first half) and errors.
To beat the Roosters, they have to go back to basics and dictate the terms they want to play on. That was something that had frustrated the Bondi boys in all their losses against this team since 2020. If they have the better share of possession, they will find a way to break you down. Another key point here is the forward pack, outside of Kangaroo duo Lindsay Smith and Isaiah Yeo, it feels like they are lacking something this season. The side just doesn't have the same lift when coming out of trouble as in previous seasons and it's something that Ivan Cleary is hoping the nine-day turnaround will readjust attitudes at the club.
Onto team news. Izack Tago has been dropped to the bench with Luke Garner coming into the centres. Elsewhere, Blaize Talagi keeps his 5/8 jersey while Mitch Kenny is a welcome inclusion at hooker with Luke Summerton reverting to the NSW Cup.
Last meeting: Round 2 2025 - Panthers 32 Roosters 38
Players to watch: If you know me for five seconds, you probably knew where I was going with this one. New Zealand prop Naufahu Whyte has been one of the shining lights for the Roosters this season. A strong carrier of the ball, averaging well over 100 metres a game and having explosive runs that change matches. The only knock on his game is a few defensive reads he would love back in review, but look for the 23-year-old to continue from where he left off in Round 2.
For the Panthers, the focus is squarely on Izack Tago. Ever since his hot start to 2024 where he capitalised on some favourable match-ups, it feels like we've said the same thing over and over again on his form. It has just been consistently inconsistent, one minute he looks like he will look fine in a NSW Cup spot, the next he is making great defensive decisions and running hard out of his own end. Currently, his form suggests a stint in NSW Cup as he approaches a big decision in his career trajectory.
Favourite: Believe it or not, the Panthers come into this one as the bookies favourites. Penrith are undefeated at the new Allianz Stadium.
My tip: It feels like a game that the Panthers simply have to win. It's not quite Grand Final territory yet for the Mountain Men, but boy it's approaching steadily after a 1-5 start to the year. For the Roosters, they are riding high and are looking for something not achieved in a decade thanks to quirky scheduling and poor play. It's going to come down to the final five again and that could be enough for either side to win, it's really a toss of the coin scenario. Roosters by 4.
