NRL Round 1 - Penrith Panthers v Parramatta Eels @ Pepper Stadium

Penrith Panthers v Parramatta Eels @ Pepper Stadium

Preview - We get a Western Derby on A Sunday Afternoon in Round as the Panthers and Eles collide at what is sure to be a sold out Pepper Stadium. The panthers have had a turbulent summer with 2 high profile local junior having departed the club un captain matt Moylan backorder Bryce cartwright. The panthers will be looking to improve on their 2 seasons under Anthony Griffin where they have exited in the 3nd round of the finals in bot occasions. The Eels also exited in the 2nd round the finals in 2017 despite making the Top 4. The Eels had their best seasons ince 2009 last season inning 15 games with the club finally heading in the fight direction after years of off field dramas. 

History - The Eels beat the panthers 18-12 in the only clash between the 2 sides last year at ANZ Stadium. The Panthers have a slight edge over the past 6 years having won 6 from the last 11 clashes. 

Penrith Panthers Scouting Report - James Maloney will his Panthers debuts in a much antiquated alves pairing with Nathan Cleary. Whilst Cleary will be doing the goal kicking it will be interesting to see how the dynamic work between such as experienced Origin player and perhaps the next big thing in Cleary. Dallas Watene Zelekniak has been named on the wing despite being under an injury cloud whilst Villama Kikau wins a spot in the starting back row, 

Parramatta Eels Scouting Report - Jarrad Hayne makes his much antipcitped return to the Eels starting in the centres with Beven French winning the starting fullback role.  Kirisome Auva’a and Josh Hoffman are the wingers. Brad Takairangi is on the bench with Tepai Moeroa and Manu Ma’u the backrow starters.

Verdict - Penrith 1-12

This game should be a belter with plenty of feeling into. Both sides are expected to make th finals this year so they will be desperate to get an early victory over their arch rivals here. Being an afternoon game I'm expecting some free flowing football with perhaps a higher score then antiquated. Its hard to operate the teams although i just favour Penrith given hey are first up in front of a sell out crowd. Excepting this game to go down until the final 10 minutes.