Two Premiership heavyweights go toe-to-toe on Friday night, with the Roosters travelling to the foot of the mountains to take on the Panthers in a rematch of the 2003 Grand Final. With both team in patchy form, a real grind could be on the cards in this one, with two dominant forward packs colliding here. We might not see the high scoring escapades of exciting Friday Night contests in rounds past, but this should be a physical encounter not to be missed.
Check out our best bets for the Panthers vs Roosters clash below, and make sure to head over to our NRL Tips page for more Round 11 previews and betting tips!
NRL Round 11 Preview & Betting Tips
Penrith Panthers vs Sydney Roosters
BlueBet Stadium, Friday 12th May, 8:00pm (AEST)
The Panthers were in an absolute dog fight last week, as they eked out an important 18-6 victory over the Warriors in Magic Round. Whilst it was far from their best showing in recent seasons, the Panthers showed resilience, particularly in defence, to get a crucial two points to jump back inside the top 4.
The resurgent Cowboys last week humbled the Roosters, with the result never really in doubt, as the Cowboys ran out 20-6 winners. The chooks may have had one eye on this week’s clash with the Panthers, but with so little separating positions 3 through 11 on the ladder (2 points), no team can look too far ahead.
The Panthers come into this contest with a stranglehold over the Roosters in the recent history, winning the past 7 matchups between the teams. Last year, the Panthers easily accounted for the Roosters at the SCG, 32-12, before coming from behind to beat them at home 26-18 in round 16.
The market hasn’t moved all that much from the lookahead last week, with the Panthers moving from 4.5 to 5.5-point favourites. Whilst my power ratings have this number spot on, the Panthers definitely have it in their make up to blow the Roosters away if their attack can get going. But with only two scores above 20 all season, it is hard to be confident in the premiers kicking on past a solid Roosters defence.
The total is a paltry 37.5, equal lowest total of the season. With both these teams in the top 4 defensive units in the competition, it’s easy to see this game being low scoring. However, there is still a slight concern the Panthers turn up and put a score on the Roosters, so I believe a Roosters team total is probably the way to attack this total.
Finally, I’ll take a small stab at the Panthers to win by 1-12. The Roosters have played 9 games this season, and in 6 of those the margin of victory was 1-12. The Panthers have an even greater percentage of close games, with 7 of their 9 being decided by 1-12. I believe the Panthers will get it done, and the most likely scenario is a margin of 1-12 in my opinion.
Other Bet
Panthers (1-12) - $2.90 @ TAB (1u)
Sydney Roosters (team total) under 14.5 points
$1.95 (2 Units)
