The battle of the big cats kicks things off on NRL Super Saturday, as the Panthers take their home game to Bathurst to take on the Wests Tigers. With the Panthers fresh off the bye, and the Tigers welcoming back a host of stars, this game should be entertaining to say the least.
Below, we will dissect the matchup, supply our Best Bet, and suggest a Same Game Multi. Be sure to head over to our NRL Tips page regularly, as we preview every single game all season long, for free!
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2024 NRL Round 7 Preview & Betting Tips
Penrith Panthers vs Wests Tigers
Carrington Park, Saturday 20th April, 3:00pm (AEST)
Last Week
The Panthers are off the bye, with their last start a round 5 loss to the Sea Eagles. The Panthers conceded 32 points at 4 Pines Park, after conceding a whopping 8 line-breaks in the game. They also conceded 11 penalties, made 13 errors, and missed 32 tackles, in what was one of the worst performances I can recall from this generation Panthers team. Are they on the way down, or was this just a one round aberration? This week should give us a great indication on where this Panthers team are.
As for the Tigers, they lost their second straight last week, going down 24-12 to the Dragons at home. This, after being totally outplayed by the Dolphins the week prior, shows this Tigers team isn’t quite as consistent as needed right now, however they have some very talented youngsters coming through, and this could be a team to watch in the coming years. The Tigers/Dragons clash was tight statistically, however the Dragons were more clinical in attack. The Tigers should look far better this week, with the return of Lachlan Galvin and John Bateman.
Match Preview
The Panthers and Tigers met once last season, again at Carrington Park, with the Tigers getting by the Panthers 12-8 in a massive boilover. The Tigers closed 19.5-point underdogs, before playing their best game of the season defensively. They were also extremely safe with the football, completing at 90% for the game, making just 5 errors. They missed just 27 tackles, against a Panthers side that just two weeks later put 48 on the Roosters. As for the total, it closed 39.5, with the over never having a chance.
The Panthers opened 13.5-point favourites in this matchup, and the number hasn’t wavered, although I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Panthers take money. I’m in complete agreement with the market, as I make the Panthers 13-points better on a neutral field than the Tigers. So, in terms of numbers, I don’t see any real value in the spread, however subjectively I do like the Tigers with the start here. The Panthers are still without Nathan Cleary; however, they should be well rested after the bye.
As for the total, it opened 41.5, where it also remains. I make a fair total 38.5, so do see some value here in the under. Given I lean Tigers, and the under, I’ll split the difference here for my best bet in this game and bet the Panthers team total to go under. Right now, it sits around the 26.5/27.5 mark, and with the Panthers averaging just 20 points per game this season, and the Tigers no doubt up and about for this game, I’d be surprised to see the Panthers get over this total.
Panthers (team total) under 27.5
$1.88 (1.5 Units)
Same Game Multi
J Olam (1+ try) – The Panthers right edge has conceded half the teams’ tries this season, and with Lachlan Galvin back I expect the Tigers to go left. The pair appear to have a great understanding of one another and will continue to create opportunities together.
S Turuva (1+ try) – Turuva has shot out of the game this season, scoring 6 tries in just 5 games. The Panthers seem to be going right a lot more than left to start the season, and I expect this to continue against the Tigers left side.
Either team to win by (1-12) – As above, I like this to be closer than the odds suggest.
SGM Odds: $15.79 at NEDS
