Broncos v Panthers preview

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Brisbane Broncos v Penrith Panthers Thursday 7:50pm at Suncorp Stadium, Milton / Yuggera-Turrbal

Another complete mismatch looms as ladder leaders take on Broncos

Can you answer me one question? How is this Broncos team still not anchored to the bottom of the ladder? Obviously it comes down to the fact that the Bulldogs aren't going that great either. But with a -301 points differential it is clear that Peter Gentle's side is the worst one out in the competition and are still a strong chance of taking out the honours of the wooden spoon. The fact is that the Roosters were nowhere near their best in the opening stages of the first half but Brisbane failed to land a punch and ended up being smacked 58-12. There is no reprieve either with the high-flying Panthers this week. Their last meeting with Penrith ended with a 24-12 win and it was Payne Haas who turned matchwinner in that game. Haas returns this week from suspension in a much-needed boost to any chance they have of a stunning upset.

Complacency is the only real issue for the Panthers this week but there's been little signs of it in an 11-game winning streak. Penrith faced some adversity last Saturday when they fell to an early 6-0 deficit against the Tigers. The ambush was on but they weathered the storm and cruised to what was in the end a comfortable 30-6 win. This is a game the Panthers simply can't lose given the fact that the Broncos have been the laughing stock of the competition since it resumed. There's little chance they do though with Kurt Capewell and Viliame Kikau returning while Apisai Koroisau is also eyeing a comeback. Isaah Yeo is sidelined after a head knock against Wests. 

Last meeting: Round 22 2019 - Broncos 24 Panthers 12

Who to watch: Any chance Brisbane have is dependant upon Payne Haas. Sure, he'll need help from his teammates but against the competition's form forward pack, the Panthers need to be intimidated. Haas did just that the last time these sides met while his speed also caught the Penrith defence off guard when he raced away for an incredible solo try. If Haas can make a statement early it could be just what Brisbane need to rattle the Panthers. 

This match-up is set up perfectly for Panthers five-eighth Jarome Luai. The Samoan international has taken significant strides in his individual game with his short kicking game in particular proving invaluable in building pressure. But Luai also has a lethal running game as evident in his try last week against Wests. Against a Brisbane team that has struggled in defence he could seriously run riot linking with Viliame Kikau, Stephen Crichton and Josh Mansour. 

The favourite: Penrith are the shortest favourites they have been in recent memory.

My tip: The Panthers haven't had to travel any significant distance in a while so they could start slow but should ease their way to victory regardless. Panthers by 22.

1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Richard Kennar 6. Sean O'Sullivan 7. Tom Dearden 8. Payne Haas 9. Issac Luke 10. Rhys Kennedy 11. David Fifita 12. Ben Te'o 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Cory Paix 15. Jordan Riki 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Jamil Hopoate

1. Dylan Edwards 2. Josh Mansour 3. Brent Naden 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To'o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. James Tamou 18. Apisai Koroisau 10. Moses Leota 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Liam Martin 13. James Fisher-Harris 14. Tyrone May 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Kurt Capewell 17. Zane Tetevano

Referees: Matt Cecchin; Sideline Officials: Chris Butler, Belinda Sharpe; Video Referees: Steve Chiddy, Bryan Norrie;