NRL Round 2 Preview and Prediction -Wests Tigers v Penrith Panthers @ Campbelltown Stadium

Wests Tigers v Penrith Panthers @ Campbelltown Stadium
 
Preview - It's the battle of the big cats as the Tigers and Panthers collide at Campbelltown Stadium. With this game scheduled for 4pm, and a dry afternoon expected in Sydney's West, it sets the scene for two of the most exciting teams in the League to throw caution to the wind and play some razzle dazzle football like only they know. Last week, the Tigers played some scintillating football racking up 6 tries, with 3 of them going through several sets of hands, in their 34-18 rout of the Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium. It was a far different story for the Panthers who were given a rude shock at Kogarah as they were thumped by the maligned Dragons 42-10. Penrith started the season as equal Premiership favourites, however were never in this contest as they were completely dominated in the forwards, with the Dragons playing with more energy, intent and aggression. 
 
History - The Panthers have a good overall record against the Wests Tigers with 17 wins and 12 losses. However, the Tigers have won the past 3 at Campbelltown Stadium and 7 of the last 10 overall against the Panthers. Interestingly though, the Panthers have won 3 of the last 4 and are averaging 31 points per game in that 4-game spell.
 
Wests Tigers’ Scouting Report - The Tigers will keep faith with the same starting line-up that demolished South Sydney last week. Debutant, Moses Suli, had a barnstorming debut on the wing with several strong carries, setting up a try and scoring a try himself. What impressed most about Suli was the fact he was not phased by dropping the ball with his first carry, and he has impressive size and power for a player so young. I was also very impressed with journeyman hooker Matt McIlwrick who did his job with a minimum of fuss, giving the Tigers halves quick and early service and making a few handy runs. Luke Brooks was left behind by the likes of James Tedesco and Mitchell Moses last season, however I thought he was really busy in the game and was involved in some key touches. 
 
Penrith Panthers’ Scouting Report - The Panthers have lost Peter Hiku to injury, however they replace him with exciting young talent Dylan Edwards. Edwards played for the Australian Under 20s side last season and has been prolific in the Holden Cup, and it is only a matter of time before he becomes a First Grade regular. However, he might be sweating on the fitness of Dallin Watene Zelezniak who has been named in Jumper 21 and could be a late inclusion. Bryce Cartwright was off the boil last week as Joel Thompson went through for 3 tries on his edge, and he made a few errors with the football.
 
Verdict - Tigers by 6 + in a high scoring game
 
I just think the Panthers are vulnerable at the moment with a few players out with injury and a really disjointed and lacklustre performance last week. I have no doubt they will have been given a rocket during the week and will play with a lot more aggression and energy, however I think the Tigers are going to expose them defensively in this game. The Tigers have won their last 3 games at Campbelltown against the Panthers and have won their first two games in each of their past two seasons. The Tigers attack looked really slick last week, and that was in abysmal conditions, so I am expecting them to cause Bryce Cartwright and the Panthers young halves some real headaches on the edges in this game with the speed of Tedesco. The Tigers’ edge defence is also suspect so I am expecting over 50 points in this game, showcasing all that is great about attacking Rugby League.