THE FACTS
When is Penrith Panthers vs New Zealand Warriors taking place? Friday 17th May, 09:00
Where is Penrith Panthers vs New Zealand Warriors taking place? Panthers Stadium
What channel is Penrith Panthers vs New Zealand Warriors on?
UK – This match will not be televised live in the UK
Australia – Fox Sports
Where can I stream Penrith Panthers vs New Zealand Warriors?
UK – N/A
Australia – https://www.telstra.com.au/tv-movies-music/sports-offer
Where can I get tickets for Penrith Panthers vs New Zealand Warriors?
Penrith Panthers – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500014
New Zealand Warriors – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500032
THE TEAM NEWS
PENRITH PANTHERS
Head Coach: Ivan Cleary
Starting 13: Edwards, To’o, Whare, Blake, D. Watene-Zelezniak, Maloney, Cleary, Tamou, Katoa, Grant, Kikau, Fisher-Harris, Martin – Interchanges: Luai, Fuimaono, Leota, Ellis – Reserves: Campbell-Gillard, Sele, Winterstein, Aekins
Unavailable: Tyrone May, Sam McKendry, Isaah Yeo, Malakai Watene-Zelezniak
- Penrith's season hit a new low as they lost their fifth successive game with Wests Tigers scoring five tries in the opening 20 minutes. Head coach Ivan Cleary made numerous changes to his side in response to that lacklustre performance.
- Josh Mansour and Reagan Campbell-Gillard are high-profile casualties with the pair dropped this week as Brian To’o makes his debut on the wing in place of Mansour whilst Liam Martin returns at lock following a one-week ban.
- Dylan Edwards comes back into the side after he was dropped earlier in the season to take up the fullback role with Caleb Aekins dropped to the reserves whilst Waqa Blake comes back into the centres after he had been stood down for being late to training last week.
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
Head Coach: Stephen Kearney
Starting 13: Tuivasa-Sheck, Fusitu’a, Hiku, Herbert, Maumalo, Nikorima, Green, Paasi, Roache, Ah Mau, Papali’i, Harris, Burr – Interchanges: Tevaga, Afoa, Sao, Lawton – Reserves: Beale, Harris-Tavita, Luke, Blair
Unavailable:
- New Zealand Warriors scored 20 unanswered points in the second half as they came from behind to defeat St. George in the Magic Round with the Warriors now looking to take advantage of Penrith’s ongoing problems.
- After such a solid performance last week, head coach Stephen Kearney has named the same 17 as last week with Adam Blair having to settle for a place in the reserves despite completing a one-match ban.
- Issac Luke was dropped last week and faces a tough battle to regain his spot in the side after the win for the Warriors although Nathaniel Roache, the man who currently holds the #9 jersey, is struggling with a back injury and could be a late withdrawal.
THE PREDICTION
Penrith are one of just three teams with only two wins to their name as their miserable season continued against Wests Tigers last week. Their play-off hopes are already in tatters and things don't look like improving any time soon with the Warriors able to see them off this week. The Warriors produced a superb second half performance to claim the win over St. George and will be full of confidence after that effort which will help them to make it back-to-back wins over a fragile Penrith who will struggle again despite their numerous changes this week.
