NRL Round 3 Preview and Prediction - Penrith Panthers v Sydney Roosters @ Penrith Park

Penrith Panthers v Sydney Roosters @ Pepper Stadium

Preview - We get what looks like an early season clash of the heavyweights here as the unbeaten Roosters head west to take on a rejuvenated Penrith. The Panthers certainly responded to their Round 1 hiding against the Dragons with an emphatic 36-2 victory over the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown. Whilst they scored some scintillating tries, I'm sure Anthony Griffin would have been most pleased with the Panthers' goal line defence as they repelled numerous West Tigers' raids on what was an energy sapping afternoon in the heat. The Roosters, meanwhile, were pushed to the limit against the Bulldogs as they clung on for a 28-24 victory in a game they dominated for large periods. Whilst the Roosters' attack looked like clockwork at its best with some excellent set pieces, they haven't quite found the balance between good attack and discipline, conceding some cheap errors and soft penalties. 

History - The Panthers beat the Roosters in both encounters in 2016, however the recent history between the two Clubs is pretty even with 5 wins a piece. Overall, the Roosters hold a commanding advantage with 53 victories to only 33 losses and 1 draw. 

Penrith Panthers' Scouting Report - The Panthers have Bryce Cartwright back on deck after he left the Tigers' game early with an ankle complaint which turned out to be not serious. Youngster Dylan Edwards had a fantastic game on the wing and retains his place there ahead of Peter Hiku. While the Penrith pack played with far more purpose and conviction last week, they are likely to receive a much sterner examination against the Roosters. 

Sydney Roosters' Scouting Report - The Roosters lose Representative centre Blake Ferguson to a rib injury, with exciting youngster Joseph Manu taking his place in the the centres. Manu has a massive build and certainly will not be physically dominated by any other centres in the NRL. The Roosters' senior players in Jake Friend and Mitchell Pearce have started the season in great form, however, after wins against the Titans and Bulldogs, the Panthers will be a step up in class on Saturday night. 

Verdict - Roosters In a thriller

I'm going for a third straight Roosters' victory here in what I think will be the game of the round. I just like the fact the Roosters have a 9-day turn around into this big game, compared to the Panthers 6-day turn around in energy sapping heat at Campbelltown last Sunday. What the Roosters can't afford to do in this game is suffer the lapses they had in the opening two rounds with silly errors, penalties and conceding some soft tries. Penrith will punish them if that is the case, however I am expecting the Roosters' defence to step up a notch in this game after I think they clicked off mentally in the opening two games against the Titans and Bulldogs that they were dominating. Despite this being a night game, I cannot see both sides going into their shell, and I think there can still be plenty of points scored on what will be a heavy surface out at Pepper Stadium.