2019 NRL – Sydney Roosters vs Penrith Panthers Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Sydney Roosters vs Penrith Panthers taking place? Saturday 31st August, 10:35
Where is Sydney Roosters vs Penrith Panthers taking place? Sydney Cricket Ground
What channel is Sydney Roosters vs Penrith Panthers on?
UK – Sky Sports Action
Australia – Fox Sports
Where can I stream Sydney Roosters vs Penrith Panthers?
UK – Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match via Sky Go
Australia – https://www.telstra.com.au/tv-movies-music/sports-offer
Where can I get tickets for Sydney Roosters vs Penrith Panthers?
Sydney Roosters – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500001
Penrith Panthers – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500014
THE TEAM NEWS
SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Head Coach: Trent Robinson
Starting 13: Tedesco, Tupou, Mitchell, Manu, Morris, Keary, Cronk, Waerea-Hargreaves, Verrills, Liu, Crichton, Aubusson, Radley – Interchanges: Collins, Tetevano, Butcher, Taukeiaho Reserves: Smith, Tupouniua, Kepaoa, Cordner
Unavailable: Jake Friend, Ryan Hall
- Sydney Roosters made it six wins in a row as they beat St. George last week which all-but ensures a semi-final on home soil but they will want to make sure of it with another win here as they host Penrith.
- Latrell Mitchell missed the game with the Dragons due to calf tightness but it should not keep the Roosters centre out this week and he is listed back in the centres to boost his side for this game.
- Billy Smith is the man to make way after putting in an impressive debut last week whilst Boyd Cordner is listed among the reserves and could be a late inclusion if he can prove his fitness following a calf injury.
PENRITH PANTHERS
Head Coach: Ivan Cleary
Starting 13: Edwards, Crichton, Whare, Naden, To’o, Maloney, Cleary, Tamou, Kenny, Leota, Kikau, Martin, Fisher-Harris – Interchanges: Luai, Leniu, Burns, Campbell-Gillard – Reserves: Egan, Katoa, Sele, Watene-Zelezniak
Unavailable: Tyrone May, Josh Mansour, Isaah Yeo
- Penrith suffered a big blow in their bid to make the top 8 after losing a second game in a row as North Queensland got the better of them and now face the daunting trip to the SCG to face the Roosters.
- Brent Naden is free to play for the Panthers this week after the centre got away with just a fine following a careless high tackle charge which ensures the back division remains the same for Penrith.
- There is a change in the forwards though with Isaah Yeo out until next season after undergoing a shoulder reconstruction and that sees James Fisher-Harris revert to lock with Moses Leoto promoted to the run-on side at prop whilst Billy Burns is named on the bench to make his NRL debut.
THE PREDICTION
Sydney Roosters secured a sixth consecutive victory last week and coupled with Canberra's loss to Manly, they should finish no lower than second. They will be confident of adding another win to their run as they host Penrith and should be able to do just that after head coach Trent Robinson resisted the urge to rest anybody for this week at least. His side have averaged just over 37 points a game over that winning run and with one of their biggest attacking weapons in Latrell Mitchell back in the side this week, they will be aiming to post around that average in this match.
