2020 NRL – Penrith Panthers vs Sydney Roosters Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Penrith Panthers vs Sydney Roosters taking place? Saturday 14th March, 2020 – 08:35 (UK)
Where is Penrith Panthers vs Sydney Roosters taking place? Panthers Stadium, Penrith
What is the expected weather for Penrith Panthers vs Sydney Roosters? 16c in rainy conditions
What channel is Penrith Panthers vs Sydney Roosters on? Sky Sports Arena will be televising selected NRL games in the UK and you can find their schedule here. For Australian broadcasters, you can find a list here
Where can I stream Penrith Panthers vs Sydney Roosters? If televised on Sky Sports, then subscribers will be able to stream the match live via Sky Go. Alternatively, the match will be available to subscribers of Watch NRL
Where can I get tickets for Penrith Panthers vs Sydney Roosters? Click here for ticket information on 2020 NRL matches
THE TEAM NEWS
PENRITH PANTHERS
Starting 13: Aekins, Mansour, Whare, Naden, To’o, Luai, Cleary, Tamou, Koroisau, Tetevano, Kikau, Martin, Yeo – Interchanges: Crichton, Fisher-Harris, Leota, Hetherington – Reserves: Burns, Burton
Unavailable: Dylan Edwards (Injured), Kurt Capewell (Injured), Mitch Kenny (Injured), Dean Blore (Injured), Shawn Blore (Injured), Spencer Leniu (Injured)
- Penrith narrowly missed out on a spot in last season’s play-offs as they were punished for their poor start to the year but the way they ended 2019 will give them something to build on in this new campaign.
- The Panthers have lost several players during the off-season, veteran James Maloney’s move to the Super League the most significant departure, with Jarome Luai set to step into the five-eighth role to form a new halves pairing with Nathan Cleary.
- Hooker Api Koroisau has returned to the Panthers and will make his second debut for the club in this game while there will also be a debut in the front row for Zane Tetevano who will debut against his former club.
SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Starting 13: Tedesco, Tupou, Crichton, Manu, Morris, Keary, Flanagan, Waerea-Hargreaves, Friend, Taukeiaho, Tupouniua, Aubusson, Radley – Interchanges: Verrills, Liu, Butcher, Collins – Reserves: Ikuvalu, Faamausili
Unavailable: Billy Smith (Injured), Boyd Cordner (Rested), Ryan Hall (Injured)
- Sydney Roosters defended their NRL crown last season and will go in the hunt of a third consecutive Premiership this year but they will have a new face in the halves following Cooper Cronk’s retirement.
- Kyle Flanagan is the man tasked with filling Cronk’s boots after his arrival from Cronulla while the Roosters will also be boosted by the imminent arrival of Josh Morris who will join his twin brother after the completion of round 2.
- The Roosters prepared for this campaign in strong fashion as they claimed the World Club Challenge with a win over St. Helens in England and that physical contest will have given them some good preparation for this opening clash.
THE PREDICTION
Sydney Roosters will be the side to beat in the NRL once again this season as they go in search of a third straight Premiership. The Roosters begin their campaign on the road at Penrith with the Panthers wanting to lay down a marker for the year after a disappointing campaign last time out. They have the talent to cause problems but are unlikely to get the better of the premiers in this opening match.
