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Penrith Panthers vs. Sydney Roosters – Match Preview
Round 5 of the NRL seasons sees the Sydney Roosters play their fourth hot Sunday afternoon clash, and this time against the Penrith Panthers at CUA Stadium.
Back to winning ways
When we look at the results at the end of the season, and look at the Roosters humiliating result against the Bulldogs, people will be looking back at their response, a 25-6 victory over a side that usually beats them in that fixture and will have thought that it was a good win. But, as we all know, the Roosters will have to lift their performance considerably to get the better of the Panthers, who know how to put points on the board, and to quiet the Channel 9 commentary team.
40 minute side
The Panthers seem to be only functioning as a team for 40 minutes per game this season, and if the Roosters can capitalise on the other 40, they could be in for a hefty score line. Penrith were down 24-6 at the break against a good looking Newcastle outfit (who didn’t deserve to lose), and came out in the second half and won the match 34-30. Their second 40 minute display was absolutely incredible.
Also, in Round 2, Penrith visited North Queensland and lead the Cowboys by 14-2 at the break, only to be pegged back by poor defence and losing the match 28-20 in the end.
Redemption
In Round 11 2009, the Sydney Roosters headed out to CUA Stadium in the pouring rain and were flogged by the Panthers to the tune of 48-6. This, compounded with their grand final loss in 2003, means the teams share their own rivalry, and that there is no doubt that the Roosters will look to avenge that horrible result last year further their stand in the NRL’s Top 8. The Panthers on the other hand will be looking to continue on and possibly even better last years’ dominance over the Roosters.
Form Guide
Penrith Panthers
April 5, 2010 – Newcastle Knights 30 def. by Penrith Panthers 34
March 27, 2010 – Penrith Panthers 10 def. by Melbourne Storm 16
March 20, 2010 – North Queensland Cowboys 28 def. Penrith Panthers 20
March 13, 2010 – Penrith Panthers 34 def. Canberra Raiders 16
February 27, 2010 – Penrith Panthers 41 def. Newcastle Knights 16
Sydney Roosters
April 2, 2010 – Sydney Roosters 25 def. Brisbane Broncos 6
March 28, 2010 – Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs 60 def. Sydney Roosters 14
March 22, 2010 – Sydney Roosters 44 def. Wests Tigers 32
March 14, 2010 – South Sydney Rabbitohs 10 def. by Sydney Roosters 36
February 27, 2010 – Sydney Roosters 40 def. Parramatta Eels 14
Head to Head
Played: 74
Penrith Panthers Wins: 27
Sydney Roosters Wins: 46
Drawn: 1
Last Match:
May 23, 2009 –Penrith Panthers 48 def. Sydney Roosters 6
Team News
Penrith Panthers
Trent Waterhouse (quad). Gavin Cooper (virus), Daine Laurie (toe), Wade Graham (shoulder) and Travis Burns (knee) are all a week from returning, giving the Panthers a much needed boost to their squad list. Waterhouse and Cooper, although, could be late inclusions to the squad for the clash.
Sydney Roosters
Knocks to Daniel Conn and Phil Graham during the Good Friday clash have been cleared to play with Martin Kennedy being not so lucky, missing out 4-6 weeks. Tom Symonds (knee) and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (shoulder) are a week or two away. And if rumours are true, the tri-colours could have Anthony Cherrington earlier than expected. More will be posted on this matter.
How they line up
Players to Watch
Penrith Panthers – Petero Civoniceva
This man is a machine, and no doubt influential player in his team. With 74 runs for 605 metres in 4 games (2nd in the NRL), he is the Panthers most reliable and most consistent forward. He will make a lot of yardage up the middle, where the Roosters’ defence is at his weakest. If the Roosters want to win, they will have to shut this man down.
Sydney Roosters – Todd Carney
Todd Carney has taken the NRL by storm this season, racing into the lead in the Dally M leaderboard, 1 point in front of Jonathan Thurston. With that in his mind, plus his will to get points on the board, he will prove to be a real handful for Penrith. He will be tested on Sunday, with bombs raining supreme from Walsh.
Mouth-watering Match Ups
Adrian Purtell vs. Phil Graham
It’s the battle of the former team-mates. Purtell and Graham were both part of the Canberra Raiders outfit last season, and they will be both playing against each other for the very first time. Graham was fantastic against the Broncos, putting Minichiello over for his try and also held Sam Thaiday and Peter Wallace extremely quiet for the majority of the night. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said of Purtell. It will be the battle of wills in this one.
Michael Jennings vs. Shaun Kenny-Dowall
The last time Michael Jennings played in this position before this year was in the match against the Roosters last year, scoring a 109 metre solo try. This year, he has Shaun Kenny-Dowall on him, not so good in defence, but oh so brilliant in attack. Jennings has been off his form, aggravating his knee injury last week, so has been a little off his game, only scoring 1 try this season. If Kenny-Dowall can contain him in defence and then run at him while attacking, there could be a few tries scored down the right, especially with Jennings missing a lot of tackles of late.
Luke Walsh vs. Mitchell Pearce
Two years ago, Mitchell Pearce one this fixture with a run-away solo try in the final 5 minutes, and he will no doubt be looking to that for inspiration. Being the Roosters top try-scorer, he will be looking to get the Roosters over the line again, but will have to vastly improve his kicking game which was not so good against Brisbane. On the other hand, Luke Walsh prays to God on almost every occasion as he can, sending up Hail Mary’s that bring rain. He had a hand in 3 of the tries on Monday night which put Penrith in a good position to win the match. The Roosters will have to do a good job on him to keep him quiet.
What the Chookpen forum members think
Chookpen forum members were polled on the result of the match, with just over 85% going for a Roosters win and 57.14% overall going for the win by 1-12 points. They were also asked on their predictions on the match, who to watch out for and what each team needs to do to get the win. Here were the pick of the responses:
“I'm leaning towards the Roosters getting the 2 points, but only just. Penrith are a quality side and they will be hard to beat. But I just think we have too much attacking prowess out wide in the likes of Todd Carney, Anthony Minichiello and Phil Graham. The forward battle though will determine whether we are a chance or not. Their pack is quite strong and they have class players on the edges of the ruck but I just think our expansive attacking game will get us over the line. Roosters by 1-12” – footy
“This match has the potential to be another Tigers-style try fest. Should be plenty of points in it.” – redwhiteandbluester
“I think Frank-Paul Nuuausala needs to start on the bench. He is very talented in my opinion, on the contrary to what many people seem to be saying. He isn't soft, he is just at an age where he is yet to know how to use his body to best effect when he hits the ball up. He had a good game on Friday, and his offload is working well too, but I think he is best used off the bench with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (when he is fully fit). Paea is at an age where he, along with Ryles, should be leading the pack. If by the end of the season he hasn't found the consistently damaging form he reached over 2007-2008, he will have to be released, especially if Lima is coming, and Kennedy, Masoe, Arona and Maliota are all waiting in the wings.” – The Mack
“Hopefully we see a more fluid and clinical team on Sunday, no excuses this time they've got plenty of time to prepare themselves and recover.” – Rooster 6
Prediction
Both teams have made good starts to the season, with the Roosters doing slightly better. No matter what anyone tells me, my belief is that this match will go down to the wire, making the prediction will almost be too hard to call. If I would have picked a Roosters loss in the opening five rounds, it would have been in this fixture, but with the long week that the Roosters have to recover from their opening four rounds, I think they’ll just scrape it... Just.
Sydney Roosters by 1-12
Big League, on the other hand, believes it will be an onslaught from the Roosters:
“On current form, it’s hard to see the Roosters letting this one slip by, in what will hopefully be a sunny afternoon at the foot of the mountains. The Panthers have been too inconsistent of late to be of any threat to a side high on confidence.
Nate Myles, Mitchell Pearce and Todd Carney have proven to be one of the most threatening trios in the competition and should be too much for a defence that can go missing in large patches. Roosters by 13+.”
This will make this clash a hell of a match to watch. So sit back, buckle up and enjoy the ride.
Round 5 of the NRL seasons sees the Sydney Roosters play their fourth hot Sunday afternoon clash, and this time against the Penrith Panthers at CUA Stadium.
Back to winning ways
When we look at the results at the end of the season, and look at the Roosters humiliating result against the Bulldogs, people will be looking back at their response, a 25-6 victory over a side that usually beats them in that fixture and will have thought that it was a good win. But, as we all know, the Roosters will have to lift their performance considerably to get the better of the Panthers, who know how to put points on the board, and to quiet the Channel 9 commentary team.
40 minute side
The Panthers seem to be only functioning as a team for 40 minutes per game this season, and if the Roosters can capitalise on the other 40, they could be in for a hefty score line. Penrith were down 24-6 at the break against a good looking Newcastle outfit (who didn’t deserve to lose), and came out in the second half and won the match 34-30. Their second 40 minute display was absolutely incredible.
Also, in Round 2, Penrith visited North Queensland and lead the Cowboys by 14-2 at the break, only to be pegged back by poor defence and losing the match 28-20 in the end.
Redemption
In Round 11 2009, the Sydney Roosters headed out to CUA Stadium in the pouring rain and were flogged by the Panthers to the tune of 48-6. This, compounded with their grand final loss in 2003, means the teams share their own rivalry, and that there is no doubt that the Roosters will look to avenge that horrible result last year further their stand in the NRL’s Top 8. The Panthers on the other hand will be looking to continue on and possibly even better last years’ dominance over the Roosters.
Form Guide
Penrith Panthers
April 5, 2010 – Newcastle Knights 30 def. by Penrith Panthers 34
March 27, 2010 – Penrith Panthers 10 def. by Melbourne Storm 16
March 20, 2010 – North Queensland Cowboys 28 def. Penrith Panthers 20
March 13, 2010 – Penrith Panthers 34 def. Canberra Raiders 16
February 27, 2010 – Penrith Panthers 41 def. Newcastle Knights 16
Sydney Roosters
April 2, 2010 – Sydney Roosters 25 def. Brisbane Broncos 6
March 28, 2010 – Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs 60 def. Sydney Roosters 14
March 22, 2010 – Sydney Roosters 44 def. Wests Tigers 32
March 14, 2010 – South Sydney Rabbitohs 10 def. by Sydney Roosters 36
February 27, 2010 – Sydney Roosters 40 def. Parramatta Eels 14
Head to Head
Played: 74
Penrith Panthers Wins: 27
Sydney Roosters Wins: 46
Drawn: 1
Last Match:
May 23, 2009 –Penrith Panthers 48 def. Sydney Roosters 6
Team News
Penrith Panthers
Trent Waterhouse (quad). Gavin Cooper (virus), Daine Laurie (toe), Wade Graham (shoulder) and Travis Burns (knee) are all a week from returning, giving the Panthers a much needed boost to their squad list. Waterhouse and Cooper, although, could be late inclusions to the squad for the clash.
Sydney Roosters
Knocks to Daniel Conn and Phil Graham during the Good Friday clash have been cleared to play with Martin Kennedy being not so lucky, missing out 4-6 weeks. Tom Symonds (knee) and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (shoulder) are a week or two away. And if rumours are true, the tri-colours could have Anthony Cherrington earlier than expected. More will be posted on this matter.
How they line up
Players to Watch
Penrith Panthers – Petero Civoniceva
This man is a machine, and no doubt influential player in his team. With 74 runs for 605 metres in 4 games (2nd in the NRL), he is the Panthers most reliable and most consistent forward. He will make a lot of yardage up the middle, where the Roosters’ defence is at his weakest. If the Roosters want to win, they will have to shut this man down.
Sydney Roosters – Todd Carney
Todd Carney has taken the NRL by storm this season, racing into the lead in the Dally M leaderboard, 1 point in front of Jonathan Thurston. With that in his mind, plus his will to get points on the board, he will prove to be a real handful for Penrith. He will be tested on Sunday, with bombs raining supreme from Walsh.
Mouth-watering Match Ups
Adrian Purtell vs. Phil Graham
It’s the battle of the former team-mates. Purtell and Graham were both part of the Canberra Raiders outfit last season, and they will be both playing against each other for the very first time. Graham was fantastic against the Broncos, putting Minichiello over for his try and also held Sam Thaiday and Peter Wallace extremely quiet for the majority of the night. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said of Purtell. It will be the battle of wills in this one.
Michael Jennings vs. Shaun Kenny-Dowall
The last time Michael Jennings played in this position before this year was in the match against the Roosters last year, scoring a 109 metre solo try. This year, he has Shaun Kenny-Dowall on him, not so good in defence, but oh so brilliant in attack. Jennings has been off his form, aggravating his knee injury last week, so has been a little off his game, only scoring 1 try this season. If Kenny-Dowall can contain him in defence and then run at him while attacking, there could be a few tries scored down the right, especially with Jennings missing a lot of tackles of late.
Luke Walsh vs. Mitchell Pearce
Two years ago, Mitchell Pearce one this fixture with a run-away solo try in the final 5 minutes, and he will no doubt be looking to that for inspiration. Being the Roosters top try-scorer, he will be looking to get the Roosters over the line again, but will have to vastly improve his kicking game which was not so good against Brisbane. On the other hand, Luke Walsh prays to God on almost every occasion as he can, sending up Hail Mary’s that bring rain. He had a hand in 3 of the tries on Monday night which put Penrith in a good position to win the match. The Roosters will have to do a good job on him to keep him quiet.
What the Chookpen forum members think
Chookpen forum members were polled on the result of the match, with just over 85% going for a Roosters win and 57.14% overall going for the win by 1-12 points. They were also asked on their predictions on the match, who to watch out for and what each team needs to do to get the win. Here were the pick of the responses:
“I'm leaning towards the Roosters getting the 2 points, but only just. Penrith are a quality side and they will be hard to beat. But I just think we have too much attacking prowess out wide in the likes of Todd Carney, Anthony Minichiello and Phil Graham. The forward battle though will determine whether we are a chance or not. Their pack is quite strong and they have class players on the edges of the ruck but I just think our expansive attacking game will get us over the line. Roosters by 1-12” – footy
“This match has the potential to be another Tigers-style try fest. Should be plenty of points in it.” – redwhiteandbluester
“I think Frank-Paul Nuuausala needs to start on the bench. He is very talented in my opinion, on the contrary to what many people seem to be saying. He isn't soft, he is just at an age where he is yet to know how to use his body to best effect when he hits the ball up. He had a good game on Friday, and his offload is working well too, but I think he is best used off the bench with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (when he is fully fit). Paea is at an age where he, along with Ryles, should be leading the pack. If by the end of the season he hasn't found the consistently damaging form he reached over 2007-2008, he will have to be released, especially if Lima is coming, and Kennedy, Masoe, Arona and Maliota are all waiting in the wings.” – The Mack
“Hopefully we see a more fluid and clinical team on Sunday, no excuses this time they've got plenty of time to prepare themselves and recover.” – Rooster 6
Prediction
Both teams have made good starts to the season, with the Roosters doing slightly better. No matter what anyone tells me, my belief is that this match will go down to the wire, making the prediction will almost be too hard to call. If I would have picked a Roosters loss in the opening five rounds, it would have been in this fixture, but with the long week that the Roosters have to recover from their opening four rounds, I think they’ll just scrape it... Just.
Sydney Roosters by 1-12
Big League, on the other hand, believes it will be an onslaught from the Roosters:
“On current form, it’s hard to see the Roosters letting this one slip by, in what will hopefully be a sunny afternoon at the foot of the mountains. The Panthers have been too inconsistent of late to be of any threat to a side high on confidence.
Nate Myles, Mitchell Pearce and Todd Carney have proven to be one of the most threatening trios in the competition and should be too much for a defence that can go missing in large patches. Roosters by 13+.”
This will make this clash a hell of a match to watch. So sit back, buckle up and enjoy the ride.
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