Panthers v Broncos preview

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Penrith Panthers v Brisbane Broncos Thursday 8:00pm at BlueBet Stadium, Penrith / Dharug

Rhys Sullivan previews the first Grand Final rematch of 2024, with the Penrith Panthers hosting the Brisbane Broncos at Bluebet Stadium / Dharug

Stars to miss Grand Final rematch as both sides seek to stake their claim in 2024 
October 1st 2023 will be a day forever etched in the history of both of these teams. The day the Penrith Panthers became the first team since the Eels of the early 80's to win three premierships in a row. The day the Brisbane Broncos became responsible for the largest blown lead in Grand Final history.

For the Broncos the scars of that day still cut deep (although you won't hear them talking about it). The team is determined to go one win further in 2024, and while this clash with the Panthers is relatively meaningless for the course of the season, the sentimental value will not be lost on the players.

Both sides have started the season 1-1, with disappointing Round 1 performances leading into strong wins in Round 2- the Broncos downing the Rabbitohs 28-18 while the Panthers overcame the Eels 26-18.

The Broncos will be without their captain Adam Reynolds, who picked up an MCL injury in their win over the Rabbitohs. Similarly, the Panthers are without James Fisher-Harris due to a shoulder problem. While neither player will be unavailable long term, it does put a bit of a dampener on this match.

Last meeting: Grand Final 2023 - Panthers 26 Broncos 24

Who to watch: With Adam Reynolds out, Jock Madden takes on the responsibility of leading the Broncos around the park. The team won 2 of the 4 matches he played at halfback in 2023, although one of those losses did come against the Panthers. He'll be able to rely on the oozing natural talent around him, but still have to get the 1% done that Reynolds does so well.

Similarly, pressures on for Lindsay Smith who steps up in replacing James Fisher-Harris. The Panthers pack famously hunt as a unit, but so do the Broncos. Pat Carrigan and Payne Haas will both be desperate for revenge, meaning Smith will need to step up to help Isaah Yeo and Moses Leota overcome.

But by far the majority of eyes will be on the battle between Nathan Cleary and Reece Walsh. Arguably the two best players in Rugby League, the pair have the potential to almost singlehandedly win games for their club, and with some of their star teammates out they might just have to. Expect to see a chess match between these two as they try to break the game open.

The favourite: Penrith by 8.5

My tip: It's hard to predict how losing stars on both teams will impact how they play, but the loss of Reynolds seems too much for Brisbane to overcome in this one. Panthers by 10

1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Taylan May 5. Brian To'o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Daine Laurie 15. Matt Eisenhuth 16. Liam Henry 17. Luke Garner 18. Soni Luke

1. Reece Walsh 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Selwyn Cobbo 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Jock Madden 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 15. Fletcher Baker 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Martin Taupau 18. Xavier Willison 19. Tristan Sailor

Referees: Gerard Sutton; Sideline Officials: Kasey Badger, Drew Oultram; Video Referees: Ashley Klein;