Panthers v Sea Eagles Preview
NRL.com
CUA Stadium
Saturday 5.30pm
http://nrl.com/News/Latest/tabid/10244/default.aspx?id=52708
MINOR premiership fame and glory, not to mention the $100,000 prize money that goes with it, goes on the line for the Sea Eagles when they travel to the foot of the Blue Mountains to take on the Panthers.
Fortunately for Manly fans the Knights’ victory over the Storm last weekend did the Sea Eagles’ chances of taking the minor crown a huge favour but unfortunately they still will have to sit back and wait a tad over 24 hours to find out if they are no.1.
The Manly boys currently occupy first rung on the NRL ladder, just eight differential points better off than the Storm, who play South Sydney the following evening.
Here are the possible scenarios for the Sea Eagles:
If they win, they are guaranteed a top-two finish.
That finish would be first if they defeat the Panthers by more points (or anywhere between one and seven points less) than the Storm beat the Rabbitohs, or if the Rabbitohs cause an upset and beat Melbourne.
It would be second if the Storm win and finishes with an eight-points-or-better winning margin.
Should the Manly side lose to Penrith, they could potentially still finish anywhere from first to third.
To stay first they’d need both the Storm and Sharks to lose.
To be second they’d need at least one of those two teams to lose but if they falter and both the Sharks and Storm win they will end the regular season in the number three slot.
Now… the Panthers can’t make the finals but they can get themselves a couple of free kegs and cases of ‘refreshments’ should they finish off their year with a victory over the high-flying Sea Eagles.
That’s the carrot being offered by Storm boss Brian Waldron as he hopes to see his side win their third straight minor title.
The home side welcomes back Brad Tighe at centre from the side that lost to the Warriors, which sees Maurice Blair go to the bench. Daniel Penese has been handed a starting jersey in the second row which sees Matthew Bell back on the pine and Toyota Cup Hooker of the Year Masada Iosefa has been added to a bench of six.
Manly have named the same side that downed the Gold Coast on Monday night; however Steve Matai will likely miss a week due to a high shot.
Watch out Panthers: The Sea Eagles’ defence needs some extra practice in the lead-up to the finals, knowing full well that the big games will have some brutality when it comes to collisions.
As the Panthers might not provide the physical confrontation without provocation, look for the Sea Eagles’ big boppers to start whacking hard and often (legally of course).
They will invite the tough stuff because if you come into an elimination clash a week from a grand final with nothing but soft wins and time off under your belly, you can be easily ambushed.
Watch out Sea Eagles: Three Panthers desperate to score tries will be the trio of Paul Aiton, Daniel Penese and Frank Puletua, as this represents their last chance to get a four-pointer this season and avoid the big duck egg and ‘punishments’ that go with it.
If a chance arises near the line the Sea Eagles should be extra watchful of these guys as nothing motivates more than the prospect of being the centre of attention in end-of-season high-jinks!
Where it will be won: Desire.
The Sea Eagles are likely to have plenty and the Panthers next to none.
Internal strife has been continually mentioned throughout the season at Penrith and now they don’t have a finals berth on the line you might not see much resistance.
Hopefully that isn’t the case and the Penrith boys show some pride as they say farewell to their loyal fans for the season.
It is the last game for Luke Priddis, Luke Rooney, Rhys Wesser and Tony Puletua in the club’s colours and despite all the dramas over the years you’d think the 2003 premiership quartet would like one more win to celebrate.
Manly make no secret of their desire to win the minor premiership and need to win and win well. They’ll be dripping with passion.
The History: Played 69; Panthers 24, Sea Eagles 44, drawn 1.
The Sea Eagles have won three of the past four including a 30-10 victory earlier this season at Brookvale.
At CUA Stadium the Sea Eagles have the edge 18-15-1 – although worryingly they have won only one of the past seven against Penrith at the venue.
Conclusion: It should be a case of Manly-by-how-much.
The fact they played Monday night might have them a little heavy in the legs but as one of the fittest, if not the fittest team in the competition, they should be fine.
Penrith are capable of an upset, but it is highly unlikely considering what is at stake for the Sea Eagles.
Once the game is in hand the Manly boys will go to town in an effort to make the margin as large as possible, giving them the best possible shot at finishing the year on top.
Match officials: Referee – Jared Maxwell; Sideline Officials – Adam Devcich & Russell Turner; Video ref – Graeme West.
Televised: Fox Sports 2 – Live 5.30pm.
* Statistics: NRL Stats.
Jared Maxwell
