Panthers v Cowboys preview

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Penrith Panthers v North Queensland Cowboys Saturday 5:30pm at BlueBet Stadium, Penrith / Dharug

Cowboys look to lasso finals berth with win at Penrith

The Cowboys face a simple scenario on Saturday afternoon when they take on the Penrith Panthers on the road at Blue Bet stadium. Win or go home. Technically they could still be going home even if they win but I doubt that will be the prevalent messaging from Todd Payten this week. The Cowboys will be sweating the results of the Roosters v Rabbitohs match on Friday night and the Sharks v Raiders game on Sunday afternoon to inform their fate but all of that will be irrelevant if they cannot take down the mighty Panthers.

Payten has named the same squad of 17 that defeated the Dolphins last week and will look to keep their attacking brand of footy rolling in this must win game. Instrumental to that is Scott Drinkwater who has been in scintillating form this year elevating himself in the conversation of elite fullbacks around the competition. Maika Sivo had a field day down Penrith's right edge last week so look for the Drinkwater and the Cowboys to employ similar tactics as Penrith continue to juggle their edge defence pairings. The Cowboys will also aim to heavily involve their talented edge back rowers Luciano Leilua and Heilum Luki who can create breaks from anywhere on the field. 

While some expected the Panthers to rest some of their stars for the final round clash, Ivan Cleary has named a near full strength side to steady the ship after last week's loss to Parramatta and potentially capture another Minor Premiership. If the Broncos lose to the Storm on Thursday night in their glorified Q Cup clash at Suncorp a win will take Penrith back to top spot and make it back-to-back J.J. Giltinan Shield's and three of the last four. Dylan Edwards, Sunia Turuva and Scott Sorensen have all been named to return after resting's last week while Jack Cogger takes over for Jarome Luai at five-eighth. Izack Tago also looms in the reserves as he works his way back from a leg injury.

Penrith have not lost back-to-back games since April and have a very strong record at home so things will not come easy for the Cowboys. The Cowboys have also not travelled relatively well this year with a 4-7 record away from home. They will need to be at their very best to topple the Panthers, but they may have just enough off the cuff attacking prowess to make this one interesting.

Last meeting: Round 16 2023 - Cowboys 27 Panthers 23

Who to watch: I know I've mentioned him earlier, but it really is hard to go past Drinkwater who is the heartbeat of this Cowboys attack. His ability to play both structured and ad lib footy will be key to keeping Penrith off balance in defence and put on points. Drinkwater dazzled again last week with a try, a try assist and four line break assists and look for him to be heavily involved on Saturday afternoon.

Penrith will be very glad to have Dylan Edwards back this week. While not as flashy as some other fullbacks his tough carries and defensive structure are vital to the Panthers success. Edwards is as reliable as they come and expect another 200+ metre performance along with linking up with Penrith's other key strike members in attack.

Favourite: Penrith are currently 11.5 point favourites.

My tip: Penrith will be looking to take some form into the finals especially if the Minor Premiership is up for grabs so I'll take them to win in a close one. Panthers win 22-18.

1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 19. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To'o 6. Jack Cogger 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Luke Sommerton 10. James Fisher-Harris 21. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 3. Tyrone Peachey 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Zac Hosking 18. Jaeman Salmon

1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 15. Coen Hess 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Heilum Luki 13. Reuben Cotter 10. Jason Taumalolo 14. Jake Granville 16. Griffin Neame 17. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 18. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown

Referees: Todd Smith; Sideline Officials: Peter Gough, Jon Stone; Video Referees: Chris Butler;