Warriors v Penrith preview

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Warriors v Penrith Panthers Sunday 1:50pm at Suncorp Stadium, Milton / Yuggera-Turrbal

Another week and another loss against a top-eight hopeful for the Warriors.

Nathan Brown's men now find themselves four points adrift of the eighth-placed Sharks and in desperate need of victory. A relentless Panthers side though will likely only make the challenge that much harder.

The Warriors had plenty of chances in a 20-12 loss to Cronulla last week but lacked variety in attack when in strong field position. There just does not seem to be a plan or raft of options for the spine to go through if they are unable to breach the line. Too often it seems like it is just pass it to one side then back to the other then to the middle and repeat. For a team with plenty of attacking potential and natural talent it is not good enough.

Against the best defensive team in the league, it certainly won't be either. Chad Townsend, Tohu Harris and Euan Aitken have been named on the extended bench and could yet be late inclusions in a boost. Josh Curran though is a returned starter after isolating for 14 days following confirmation he was board a Virgin flight with a COVID-positive attendant.

Meanwhile, The Panthers are set for a big boost with all Origin representatives to back up on Sunday. It will provide a much-needed confidence boost for a Penrith side that lost both games earlier this year without their Origin stars. Dylan Edwards also returns pushing Brent Naden to the centres and Charlie Staines to the wing. Paul Momirvoski though could return after being named on the extended bench, which could push Naden out.

Crucially though Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai remain sidelined through injury, meaning Matt Burton and Tyrone May will need to improve on their previous outings playing together.

In both cases Burton came into his own in the second half, starting to command the ball and back his running game. The problem for the Panthers in both games though was that it was far too late. Burton needs to discover the inner-confidence to demand the ball - a tough quality to build as a young playmaker still developing his game. He may as well build on it now though in a high-flying Panthers team before switching to the Bulldogs next year.

Meanwhile, for May he simply needs to stop trying to be Nathan Cleary. May has his own strengths, primarily running hard and direct due to his big frame.  Against the Sharks and Tigers though he drifted across the field like Cleary would but lacked the speed and varied passing game to pose any real threat. In turn Penrith found itself going sideways and the defence simply slid across. May's try against the Eels showed what he can achieve if simplifying his game.

The hope for Panthers fans is that the extended break will have allowed May and Burton to really iron out any issues with their combination.

Last meeting: Round 14 2020 - Warriors 12 Panthers 18

Who to watch: Penrith's defensive combinations were exposed at times by the Sharks and Tigers. With Cleary and Luai sidelined again, the Warriors need to test Burton and May's decision making. They have just the weapon to do it in Eliesa Katoa. The 21-year old has the tackle-busting ability to put the defence in two minds, with the Warriors capable of either playing it short to Katoa or going outside in the hope his presence alone draws opponents in. Both May and Burton have limited experience playing in the halves this season. If May in particular lines up on Katoa's side he is a target in defence given his struggles with lateral movement. Otherwise front on he is a strong defender.

If he pulls up fit all eyes will be on Apisai Koroisau to lead Penrith in attack. Burton and May have looked lost and unsure of themselves when playing together. Koroisau did play in the loss to Cronulla but showed sparks of his best. Those need to be there for the entire 80 minutes. A fortnight ago against Parramatta it was Koroisau showing the maturity and decision-making under pressure Penrith need without Cleary. He would spot markers offside and draw six-again calls while he would also pick his moments to run, kick or just play it safe and pass. His composure will be vital in keeping the Panthers on the same path without their strike halves.

The favourite: The Panthers are heavy favourites even without Cleary and Luai.

My tip: It may not be pretty but Penrith has the best defence in the league and should be able to grind out a win. Penrith by 14.

1. Reece Walsh 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 20. Euan Aitken 4. Marcelo Montoya 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 21. Chad Townsend 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Matt Lodge 22. Tohu Harris 12. Bayley Sironen 13. Jazz Tevaga 6. Kodi Nikorima 11. Eliesa Katoa 14. Josh Curran 15. Leeson Ah Mau 17. Kane Evans

1. Dylan Edwards 2. Charlie Staines 3. Stephen Crichton 4. Brent Naden 5. Brian To'o 6. Matt Burton 7. Tyrone May 8. Moses Leota 14. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Isaah Yeo 9. Apisai Koroisau 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Liam Martin 18. Izack Tago

Referees: Chris Butler; Sideline Officials: Belinda Sharpe, Peter Gough; Video Referees: Steve Chiddy;