Penrith Panthers vs Sydney Roosters Preview & Prediction | NRL 2024 | Qualifying Final

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Penrith Panthers and Sydney Roosters kick-off Week 1 of finals footy with a blockbuster clash at the foot of the mountains. The reigning premiers have looked below par this year but still finished in second spot and loom as a big threat for a fourth straight Premiership.

START DATE/TIME: UK - Friday 13th September, 2024 - 10:50am / AUS - 7:50pm / US EST - 5:50am / US PST - 2:50am

HOW TO WATCH ON TV: This match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Mix in the UK / This match will be broadcast live on Fox League and Nine in Australia / This match will not be broadcast live in the US

HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: This match will be streamed live on Watch NRL and Sky Go in the UK / This match will be streamed live on Kayo Sports and 9Now in Australia / This match will be streamed live on Watch NRL in the US

PENRITH PANTHERS FORM: PANTHERS NAB SECOND SPOT

An underwhelming performance against Gold Coast Titans wrapped up the regular season for the Panthers. It was a second win in-a-row but they will need to find another level if they are to progress in the finals.

LAST FIVE: WLLWW

SYDNEY ROOSTERS FORM: CHOOKSC WIN DERBY

A win against bitter rivals South Sydney Rabbitohs was just the tonic for the Roosters as they bounced back from their loss to Canberra Raiders to make it five victories from their last six outings.

LAST FIVE: WWWLW

PENRITH PANTHERS TEAM NEWS: KEY MAN CLEARY RETURNS

It’s been a troublesome season for Nathan Cleary with injuries sidelining him for numerous games but he is back to lead the charge as his side attempt to retain their Premiership once again. His return sees Jarome Luai switch to five-eighth with Brad Schneider dropping out.

Starting 13: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Brian To'o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo Bench: 14. Trent Toelau 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry 17. Luke Garner Reserves: 18. Matt Eisenhuth 19. Brad Schneider 20. Casey McLean 21. Daine Laurie 22. Luke Sommerton

SYDNEY ROOSTERS TEAM NEWS: COLLINS BACK ON DECK

Lindsay Collins was rested for last week’s game and comes straight back into the run-on side. First-choice wingers Daniel Tupou and Dom Young also return along with Nat Butcher to bolster the ranks.

Starting 13: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph Suaali'i 4. Joseph Manu 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sandon Smith 8. Spencer Leniu 9. Connor Watson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Nat Butcher Bench: 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Siua Wong 17. Terrell May Reserves: 18. Michael Jennings 19. Blake Steep 20. Mark Nawaqanitawase 21. Jake Elliott 22. Salesi Foketi

PENRITH PANTHERS VS SYDNEY ROOSTERS PREDICTION

This should be a brilliant game to get the finals underway with Penrith Panthers and Sydney Roosters both fancying their chances in this Qualifying Final. The pair have been well-matched for most of the season but the injury news could be the determining factor here. Nathan Cleary is back for the Panthers and with the Roosters set to see the season out without some key players, combined with the premiers winning the past nine matchups between the two, preference has to go with the hosts in this one.

PENRITH PANTHERS VS SYDNEY ROOSTERS TIP: PENRITH PANTHERS TO WIN