NRL Round 19 Preview and Prediction - New Zealand Warriors v Penrith Panthers @ Mount Smart Stadium

New Zealand Warriors v Penrith Panthers @ Mount Smart Stadium
 
Preview - Both the Panthers and Warriors are looking to mount a late season surge as they clash in a crucial match up at Mount Smart Stadium on Friday night. With the Panthers sitting 9th and the Warriors 10th, both sides need to kick start a winning streak shortly as they both sit more than 2 games outside the top 8, with just 8 games remaining before the finals. The Warriors are fresh off a bye after their latest capitulation against Manly in Perth. It seems no lead is safe for the Kiwi side this year as an early 16-0 lead was run down in the 26-22 defeat. The Panthers salvaged their season with a gritty 16-8 home win over Manly in a game where they won the penalty count 14-4. The Panthers remain 2 full games outside the Top 8 and would be required to win at least 5 of their final 8 games to get to 12 wins and give themselves a chance of sneaking into the finals. 
 
History - The Panthers have had the wood on the Warriors of late, winning 7 of the past 9 clashes between the sides. Earlier this year, the Panthers pulled off a remarkable comeback at Pepper Stadium, coming from the clouds from 28-6 down at halftime to win 36-28. The Panthers also have a decent record in New Zealand with 9 wins from 18 games. Overall, the Panthers have won 21 games to the Warriors 18. 
 
New Zealand Warriors’ Scouting Report - The Warriors have suffered a couple of injury blows with prop Albert Vete and hooker Nathaniel Roache both ruled out with injuries they picked up in Round 17. However, the Warriors will be boosted by the return of both Solomone Kata and Issac Luke as they look to make a late charge for the finals with Bunty Afoa named in the 2nd row and Sam Lisone named on the interchange bench. 
 
Penrith Panthers’ Scouting Report - Penrith has suffered a massive blow on the eve of this game with captain Matt Moylan ruled out with a nagging hamstring injury. Rookie half Tyrone May is expected to slot in for Moylan in what is a must win game for the Panthers.  James Fisher-Harris returns in place of Sitelkea Akola on the interchange bench. 
 
Verdict - Warriors by 1-8 in a high scoring game

I have changed my tip from the Panthers to the Warriors with Moyaln being ruled out injured, With the Panthers having traded Te Maire Martin they have little depth in the halves and I think the Warriors might have too many points them tonight in what will be an entertaining contest.  The Warriors have been very hard to beat at Mount Smart this season, winning their last 6 games at the venue, so I’m expecting this game to be very evenly contested and the home side to be hard to beat. As always when these sides clash, I'm expecting plenty of points and plenty of changes and momentum swings in the game. I think both these teams will score over 20 points; however with the loss of Moylan I feel the Warriors can edge it.