NRL Round 7 Preview and Prediction - Penrith Panthers v Cronulla Sharks @ Pepper Stadium

Penrith Panthers v Cronulla Sharks @ Pepper Stadium

Preview - The Panthers came into the season as Premiership favourites, however come into this game under pressure sitting at 2-4 against the defending Premiers in Cronulla. Anthony Griffin's controversial decision to drop three of his back line players, including captain Matt Moylan, may well have backfired at least on the field as the Panthers were beaten 21-20 by the Rabbitohs at Pepper Stadium last Friday night. The Sharks are meanwhile going along swimmingly, riding the back of a 3-game winning streak, with their most impressive win of the season coming last week against the Storm. The Sharks were defensively resolute and took their opportunities when on offer in a gripping 11-2 victory at AAMI Park in a game played in atrocious conditions. 

History - The Sharks have had the wood on the Panthers of late having won 7 from the past 9 encounters against the mountain men. However, 4 of those victories were decided by a try or less, meaning there is rarely much between these two sides. The Sharks won last year at Pepper Stadium 26-10, however Penrith have the edge in the overall record, winning 46 compared to the Sharks’ 38. 

Penrith Panthers’ Scouting Report - The cavalry returns for the Panthers with Matt Moylan, Peter Hiku and Waqa Blake all back from their suspensions. Bryce Cartwright has not played since Round 2 however he is a chance of returning from an ankle injury. 

Cronulla Sharks’ Scouting Report - James Segeyaro broke his arm last week in the Sharks’ win over the Storm and will be out for up to 8 weeks. Jayden Brailey is a chance to play the full 80 minutes at hooker with Kurt Capewell winning a spot on the interchange bench. James Maloney continues to prove his quality in the halves, slotting a vital field goal last week as he shows no sign of diminishing with age. 

Verdict - Panthers by 1-6 in a high quality game

I'm going for Penrith here because I just think they are going to be the more desperate team, with more to play for, heading into this game. On form, you would probably give the Sharks the edge, especially given their road form has been outstanding this year with wins against the Raiders, Eels and Storm away from home. However, I just think the Panthers, with Moylan, Hiku and Blake back in, those guys are going to have a lot to prove to their team mates after letting down the Club last week. The Panthers, despite sitting at 2-4, have not been too bad this year, with two thumping victories and two narrow defeats to the Roosters and Souths at home, in games they easily could have won. Whilst the Sharks are in form right now, sometimes teams can produce a flat performance after three straight victories, and I am banking on that a little bit here as there appears little between the two teams.