NRL Finals Week 2 Preview and Prediction - Brisbane Broncos v Penrith Panthers @ Suncorp Stadium

Brisbane Broncos v Penrith Panthers @ Suncorp Stadium
 
Preview - The Broncos and Panthers lock horns in an explosive Elimination Final, with a trip to Melbourne and the Preliminary Final awaiting the winner. The Broncos nearly pulled off a miracle come-from-behind win against the Roosters last week, before a late try to Latrell Mitchell sealed a 24-22 win for the Roosters in a game they dominated. Wayne Bennett was critical of his team’s defending, as the Roosters opened the Broncos up at will at times throughout the game. The Panthers got revenge over the Sea Eagles for their Round 26 hiding, by turning the tables in a big way, pulling off a 20-10 upset at Allianz Stadium to keep their season alive. The Panthers hit Manly with plenty of line speed and intensity in defence, as opposed to their soft display in the forwards at Lottoland, and will head to Brisbane with a similar nothing to lose mentality.
 
History - The Broncos belted the Panthers earlier this season 32-18 in the only time these sides clashed this season. Whilst the scoreline ended up close, the Broncos led this game
20-0 and really took their foot off the pedal in the second half. The Panthers have a decent record against the Broncos of late having won 4 from the past 6 clashes, however Brisbane have won 4 from the past 5 at Suncorp Stadium. 
 
Brisbane Broncos’ Scouting Report - There is mystery around the Broncos line-up with Captain, Darius Boyd, a strong chance to return from a hamstring injury, having been named on an extended bench alongside Tevita Pangai Jnr. Kodi Nikorima has been named at fullback after being benched last week in favour of David Mead. 
 
Penrith Panthers’ Scouting Report - The Panthers have named an unchanged team from the one that upset the Sea Eagles last weekend. This means it is very unlikely Captain Matt Moylan will return for the clash after being given time away from the Club for personal reasons, as well as recovering from a hamstring injury. Bryce Cartwright has had a very disappointing year form-wise. However he returned to somewhere near his best last week with two tries in the Panthers’ win. 
 
Verdict - Broncos 13+

I think the Broncos will steel themselves for this game and win it fairly comfortably. I think, in some way, the Panthers played their Grand Final last week. I think that game would have taken plenty out of them physically, and a 6-day turnaround heading up to Brisbane is a tough recipe for success in my opinion. I think Brisbane, for the most part, have been really strong at home this season and, with Wayne Bennett's words about their defence rising in their ears, it wouldn't surprise me if they held the Panthers to 1 or 2 tries here. For all their courage and bravery last week, I wasn't impressed with the Panthers’ attack on Manly’s line, and I think Brisbane will have too much strike power and be too strong for Penrith by 2 tries or more.