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Panthers v Roosters Preview
Big League
http://nrl.com/News/Latest/tabid/10244/default.aspx?id=50472
THERE has been something extra in the clashes between these two sides in recent years, especially since the 2003 grand final where the Panthers upset the more-favoured Roosters to win the premiership.
It is interesting that most history records it as an upset the Panthers were, after all, minor premiers that season and were clinical on their way to the title.
Although the Panthers have now posted back-to-back wins against Souths and the Tigers and are on somewhat of a roll, they are far from the 2003 version; youd think the Roosters should still be good enough to win this clash but injuries can be a curse.
Fullback Anthony Minichiello (back) and enforcer Willie Mason (knee) are missing from the side that dismantled the Bulldogs last week, while prop David Shillington will also watch from the stands after breaking the clubs strict alcohol policy.
This means Sam Perrett moves from centre to fullback, Mitchell Aubusson moves into the centres, Setaimata Sa goes from centre to back row, Sia Soliola comes into centre and Mickey Paea, Brent Grose and Frank Paul-Nuuausala are added to an extended bench.
The Panthers have lost Trent Waterhouse and Adam Woolnough to injury and have replaced them with Luke Lewis in the back row and Frank Puletua on the bench. Matthew Bell, Geoff Daniela and Joseph Paulo are also on a six-man bench.
Watch out Panthers: The Roosters are ranked first in the NRL for running metres gained with 1,510 metres a match, compared to the Panthers 16th-ranked 1110 metres a match.
If there is that much of a discrepancy in this clash, the home side will have next to no chance of manufacturing a victory, short of the Roosters attacking unit being completely inept.
Luckily for the Panthers, the Roosters two main metre-eaters are Minichiello (199 metres a game) and Mason (148 metres) but with six other players averaging over 100 and a further two in the 90s, theyll still be formidable.
Watch out Roosters: The Panthers will be heading left, where they have scored nine of their tries compared to just one on the right. With Amos Roberts having a tendency to float in off his wing, there will be space for the mountain men to exploit.
If they can outstretch the Roosters cover defence there are points to be had. Look for Jarrod Sammut to pull Roberts in early before exploiting the holes later in the match.
Where it will be won: If the Panthers are to win this match they have to not only restrict the Roosters metres-gained but also restrict their offloads and defend well against kicks.
The Roosters are second in the NRL with 61 offloads, while the Panthers have only provided 20 in the opening month. Anthony Tupou is the main weapon, with 12 offloads to his name; however Sa has also notched up seven and can be dangerous.
Considering the Roosters lead the NRL in tries from kicks (with eight) its important the Panthers back three prepare themselves for an assault.
If they can remain solid and hold their nerve, it will force the Roosters into other tactics. And without strike weapons Minichiello and Mason, that is a more difficult assignment.
The History: Played 71; Panthers 26, Roosters 44, drawn 1. The Roosters have won four of the past six games, although the Panthers won the most recent clash between the pair.
The record at CUA Stadium is 22-14 in favour of the Roosters and includes a run of four straight victories.
Conclusion: The loss of key players to both sides brings this game back down to earth a little but the Roosters still look strong enough to grind out a win. In saying that, the Panthers are certainly not out of it theyll just need to be really focussed on their game plan and get off to a good start. If they can score early and rattle the Roosters cage they just might be able to push on to victory.
Match officials: Referee Bernard Sutton; Sideline Officials Peter Kirby & David Abood; Video ref Russell Smith.
Televised: FoxSports 2 Live 7.30pm
* Statistics: NRL Stats.
Big League
http://nrl.com/News/Latest/tabid/10244/default.aspx?id=50472
THERE has been something extra in the clashes between these two sides in recent years, especially since the 2003 grand final where the Panthers upset the more-favoured Roosters to win the premiership.
It is interesting that most history records it as an upset the Panthers were, after all, minor premiers that season and were clinical on their way to the title.
Although the Panthers have now posted back-to-back wins against Souths and the Tigers and are on somewhat of a roll, they are far from the 2003 version; youd think the Roosters should still be good enough to win this clash but injuries can be a curse.
Fullback Anthony Minichiello (back) and enforcer Willie Mason (knee) are missing from the side that dismantled the Bulldogs last week, while prop David Shillington will also watch from the stands after breaking the clubs strict alcohol policy.
This means Sam Perrett moves from centre to fullback, Mitchell Aubusson moves into the centres, Setaimata Sa goes from centre to back row, Sia Soliola comes into centre and Mickey Paea, Brent Grose and Frank Paul-Nuuausala are added to an extended bench.
The Panthers have lost Trent Waterhouse and Adam Woolnough to injury and have replaced them with Luke Lewis in the back row and Frank Puletua on the bench. Matthew Bell, Geoff Daniela and Joseph Paulo are also on a six-man bench.
Watch out Panthers: The Roosters are ranked first in the NRL for running metres gained with 1,510 metres a match, compared to the Panthers 16th-ranked 1110 metres a match.
If there is that much of a discrepancy in this clash, the home side will have next to no chance of manufacturing a victory, short of the Roosters attacking unit being completely inept.
Luckily for the Panthers, the Roosters two main metre-eaters are Minichiello (199 metres a game) and Mason (148 metres) but with six other players averaging over 100 and a further two in the 90s, theyll still be formidable.
Watch out Roosters: The Panthers will be heading left, where they have scored nine of their tries compared to just one on the right. With Amos Roberts having a tendency to float in off his wing, there will be space for the mountain men to exploit.
If they can outstretch the Roosters cover defence there are points to be had. Look for Jarrod Sammut to pull Roberts in early before exploiting the holes later in the match.
Where it will be won: If the Panthers are to win this match they have to not only restrict the Roosters metres-gained but also restrict their offloads and defend well against kicks.
The Roosters are second in the NRL with 61 offloads, while the Panthers have only provided 20 in the opening month. Anthony Tupou is the main weapon, with 12 offloads to his name; however Sa has also notched up seven and can be dangerous.
Considering the Roosters lead the NRL in tries from kicks (with eight) its important the Panthers back three prepare themselves for an assault.
If they can remain solid and hold their nerve, it will force the Roosters into other tactics. And without strike weapons Minichiello and Mason, that is a more difficult assignment.
The History: Played 71; Panthers 26, Roosters 44, drawn 1. The Roosters have won four of the past six games, although the Panthers won the most recent clash between the pair.
The record at CUA Stadium is 22-14 in favour of the Roosters and includes a run of four straight victories.
Conclusion: The loss of key players to both sides brings this game back down to earth a little but the Roosters still look strong enough to grind out a win. In saying that, the Panthers are certainly not out of it theyll just need to be really focussed on their game plan and get off to a good start. If they can score early and rattle the Roosters cage they just might be able to push on to victory.
Match officials: Referee Bernard Sutton; Sideline Officials Peter Kirby & David Abood; Video ref Russell Smith.
Televised: FoxSports 2 Live 7.30pm
* Statistics: NRL Stats.
