Dragons v Panthers - Round 17

[Jason Maher]

Here's hoping the NSW selectors go for Jennings, Lewis, Gordon, Coote, Walsh, Waterhouse, and Keating, and ignore Creagh, Scott, Morris, and Soward...

 

[Rovelli]

Panthers sans their Origin guys are still pretty strong, though surely Jennings (for one) makes it and a guy like Gordon warrants serious consideration.

Dragons won't lie down though.

 

[Evenflow]

Bit harsh to say it was bad scheduling.

The NRL draw was made last October or something ...

No it wasn't. That round was fixtured about 8-10 weeks ago (give or take)

 

[Ulysseus]

The game wont end up being "all it can be", but it might still be a decent spectacle.
Dependant on Saints level of representation, Panthers will probably get the chocolates in this one though.

 

[STG-MACCA]

When the SOO is already decided, you should be able to play club footy prior to the origin match, or why don't they just throw a team together of Panthers / Dragons players and call it NSW?

 

[Big Mick]

Keating

Wrong team dude.

 

[maple_69]

Wrong team dude.

I don't get why everyone thinks we got Keating rather than Kingston. Even a few commentators and journalists have made the mistake. They offer no resemblance, are different styles of players and I'd say Keating is a great player with a lot of potential but we certainly got the good one on this years form.

I think the Dragons will be typically stingy and tough up front but the back line especially without Fai Fai Loa looks weak and will probably lack cohesion. Penrith have great depth and should be in with a great chance.

Not sure on who will be captain. Smith is the obvious choice, but like Elford wasn't even in the first 17 when he got the gig. F. Puletua is a shot also

 

[Jason Maher]

Yeah, I meant Kingston. Apologies to the boys in pink and their fans.

 

[The Big Cheese]

why don't they just throw a team together of Panthers / Dragons players and call it NSW?

This man is onto something

 

[Saint Doc]

I don't get why everyone thinks we got Keating rather than Kingston.

Kris Keating, Kevin Kingston...Kevin Keating, Kris Kingston...Keating Kingston, Kris Kevin....i can understand the confusion!

 

[chrisD]

After ommissions the Panthers pack is better imo but without Walsh I think it's the Dragons game to lose.

 

[The Tank]

Dragons will win this easily IMO. Too much experience still there and good halves. Especially considering Walshy is out.

 

[saint_marto88]

Graham > Walsh

 

[Doug2234]

Monday night doesnt worry me.

Missing all Origin players is a blow but...

 

[chrisD]

Graham > Walsh

At the end of their careers I agree that'll be the case, but right now Walsh is far more important to Penrith than Graham.

 

[Kilkenny]

Since Luke Walsh came to the Panthers he has been brilliant.

Too much has been made of the Panthers only been able to score on the back of his offensive kicks.

I think the Panthers are marginally in front of Souths as the top point scorers in the NRL thus far (without checking) and he has been a super player not just on the back of his offensive kicking game. His general play in my opinion is underrated and he has the ability to take the line on and create opportunities.

Yes, the Panthers will not be the same side without the attacking abilities of Michael Jennings, but I think the loss of Walsh is more likely to determine the outcome of this clash.