Round 19: Eels v Panthers preview
Battle of the West turns into season definer for both sides
The Battle of the West between the Eels and the Panthers from CommBank Stadium turns into a match with significant implications for both sides' seasons as it will shape their run to September.
For the Eels, playing finals is obviously of a secondary nature due to the injuries and significant overhaul the roster has undergone under the coaching of Jason Ryles. The run home is critical to them because it sets up their future for the next couple of seasons, developing the likes of Isaiah Iongi, Tallyn Da Silva and Ryley Smith (although suspended) is critical for the run to the end of the season.
Let's remember, the Eels almost beat the Panthers on this turf in June. Although, there was one giant inclusion… the one Mitchell Moses. While Moses won't be on the turf in this one. Dean Hawkins and Dylan Brown have had several games in the halves together and their combination will be vital to the Eels chances in this one. Also, they have to overpower the Panthers pack, on occasion this season, the pack has tried to go around teams but Penrith nullified that really well in June, watch that battle with keen interest.
On the team front. Zac Lomax will back up on the wing. Elsewhere, Joey Lussick and Tallyn Da Silva will form a 1-2 punch from hooker. Charlie Guymer starts in place of Kelma Tuilagi (suspended) while Sam Tuivaiti returns from a syndesmosis injury on the bench.
What a turnaround this season has been for the Panthers. After sitting bottom in Round 12, a lot of people were wondering whether this would be the end of the dynasty. I sat back with my mug in hand and thought, this can't be the way it ends. True to form, the Panthers have rebounded, going undefeated since their horror show in Bathurst.
That has been in large part due to squad continuity. Ivan Cleary took his time and found the right combination of 17 that delivered results for the Panthers. Casey McLean has turned into a dynamic centre and has held his own against some of the best in our game. Nathan Cleary is expected to back-up and his game management will be essential for the Panthers to get home in this one. Meanwhile, Moses Leota has been a man reborn over the last month with consistently strong performances after a lacklustre start to the season and will look to dominate Junior Paulo in this one.
Onto team news. Penrith have named the exact same side that defeated the Warriors. But from jersey 19-23, there are Cleary, Edwards, To'o, Martin, Yeo. If they pull up okay from the decider, this team-list is going to fast resemble a winning Lotto ticket.
Last meeting: Round 13 2025 - Panthers 18 Eels 10
Who to watch: For the Eels, it's the man that left for a permanent fullback gig in Isaiah Iongi. The custodian has been immense for Parramatta this season in a side that has looked lacklustre, he has always brought a spark or a moment that made your head turn. Iongi has been amazing this season and will look to prove his worth against his old club.
For the Panthers, I am going to putting the focus on Lindsay Smith. Smith has emerged as the powerful partner to Moses Leota up front. Smith has averaged strong numbers this season and has been rewarded with appearances in the NSW State of Origin camp. He will be looking to continue the amazing form which saw him earn an Australian jumper.
Favourite: Penrith are favourites with the bookies and have turned their poor CommBank record around having won their last three at home.
My tip: This is very close to call, if Penrith's Origin stars back up then they will romp it home. But if they don't, then this game just evens up a whole lot more and Parramatta have a golden chance to take two points off the Panthers. Watch this space and tip with caution, but I have to go one way. Panthers by 4.
