NRL Finals Week 1 Preview - Panthers (5th) v Warriors (8th) @ ANZ Stadium

Penrith Panthers v New Zealand Warriors @ ANZ Stadium
 
Preview - The Panthers host the Warriors at ANZ Stadium in an Elimination Final on Saturday night. The Panthers will be disappointed to have missed the Top 4, having led the competition after 12 rounds, whilst the Warriors make their first finals’ appearance since way back in 2011 when they went on to make the Grand Final. These sides met twice this season for contrasting results, with the Panthers thumping the Warriors 36-4 at Pepper Stadium, before the Warriors returned the favour in Round 24 winning 36-16 at Mount Smart Stadium. The Panthers would have gained some confidence from knocking over the Storm 22-16 to avert their alarming form slump, whilst the Warriors snuck past the Raiders 22-16 at home. 
 
Penrith Panthers’ Scouting Report -  New Coach Cameron Ziraldo makes just the one change, with Corey Harawira-Naera  returning on the bench in place of Jack Hetherington. James Maloney returned to the side last week and put in a strong performance in the Panthers’ win over the Storm. 
 
New Zealand Warriors’ Scouting Report - The Warriors welcome back one of their leaders in a key position with Blake Green back after missing two games. He replaces Mason Lino at five-eight. James Gavet starts at prop, with Bunty Afoa moving back to the bench. 
 
Verdict - Panthers by 1-6 in a high scoring game  

Going to go the Panthers here, as they have won the past two years in Week 1 of the finals in similar elimination match-ups. I know the Warriors flogged them two weeks ago, however ANZ Stadium is a long way from Mount Smart Stadium, and the Warriors don’t have a great record at the ground. It’s New Zealand’s first finals’ appearance in seven years and, whilst on paper you would probably favour them on form, there will be some nerves there. The Panthers really need a win to justify their season, whilst the Warriors are playing with house money, having overachieved this year. Think this game could be high scoring with plenty of ball movement, but the home side to edge it.