The second game on Friday night is a battle of Western Sydney and all fans will want a repeat of the Finals match between these two sides at towards the end of the 2021 season where the Panthers scraped home 8-6 in controversial circumstances. A lot has changed since then; the Panthers have won a Premiership and are undefeated to start the year.
The Eels have experienced two losses recently that left many wondering whether they have regressed or not in 2022. The visitors would love nothing more than to head out to the ‘new’ kings of western Sydney and cause an upset. The ground will be packed and hopefully our wallets also after you’re finished with our NRL tips.
Panthers vs Eels Betting Tips
Bluebet Stadium, Friday 6th May, 7:55pm (EST)
Squads
Penrith Panthers
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Charlie Staines 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Taylan May 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Matthew Eisenhuth 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo Interchange: 14. Soni Luke 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon 18. Robert Jennings
Parramatta Eels
1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Hayze Perham 3. Will Penisini 4. Tom Opacic 5. Bailey Simonsson 6. Dylan Edwards 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Isaiah Papali’I 13. Nathan Brown Interchange: 14. Makahesi Makatoa 15. Ryan Matterson 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Bryce Cartwright 18. Wiremu Greig
Match Preview
The Panthers are strong favourites for this game given their start to the season but sitting in their position, they are a target for every other team. There have been passages in their games this season to suggest that they are vulnerable at times. The question is whether the Eels can capitalise on these situations and turn them into points.
The Panthers defensive record is outstanding, and they are a difficult team to breach. For the Eels to win, they will need to disrupt the momentum of their opponents like they did in the Finals match last year. The return of Brown to the halves will give them confidence and stability, while also taking pressure off Moses and allowing them to attack on the edges more frequently. The Panthers are a dynamic team and will be hard to overcome, but the odds are too heavily in their favour.
They’ve barely played a strong side (Sea Eagles & Rabbitohs) this year and when they have, questions have been raised as to whether their opponents have been at their peak. With a point to prove, the Eels will be out to put the pressure on the Panthers and keep this game tight. It is an ideal opportunity to invest in the line in what should be a close game.
Total Under 40.5 ($1.65 at Ladbrokes)
Crichton & Brown Anytime Tryscorers ($11 at Ladbrokes)
Eels +12.5
$1.85 (1 Unit)
