NRL Round 16 Preview - Panthers v Sea Eagles @ Pepper Stadium

Penrith Panthers v Manly Sea Eagles @ Pepper Stadium
 
Preview - The Panthers will be looking to bounce back from their first loss in six games when they host a struggling Manly side at Pepper Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Panthers were belted by the Roosters 32-6 at Allianz Stadium, but remain second on the NRL ladder after 15 rounds. The Sea Eagles were on another horror 4-match losing streak, having gone down 32-8 to the Dragons, to slump to 14th place on the ladder with little prospect of making a charge towards the Top 8. 
 
Penrith Panthers’ Scouting Report - Penrith have named all their Origin and Test players to back up. James Tamou starts for Reagan Campbell-Gillard, whilst Moses Leota joins the bench. Barnstorming backtower Viliame Kikau returns and starts in the back row, with Corey Harawira-Naera out injured.
 
Manly Sea Eagles’ Scouting Report - Manly get an injection of class with Dylan Walker returning at five-eight, with Trent Hodkinson shifting back to the bench. Brad Parker replaces Akuila Uate on the wing, who is out for the season. Manase Fainu has again been named at hooker, with Matt Wright also benched as Manly attempt to get clearance for Fainu to make his debut. Tom Wright drops to the reserves. 
 
Verdict - Panthers by 6-16 in a high scoring game

Expecting a big reaction from Penrith after their poor showing against the Roosters. Manly were nowhere near as bad as the score line suggested against the Dragons, and I expect them to pose a threat to Penrith defensively throughout the game. Being an afternoon game, I expect this to be a bit of a shoot out, but Manly to get the points by a couple of tries in a high scoring affair.