Panthers v Wests Tigers: May ruled out; Galvin, Bateman, Fainu return
Refreshed from a week off, the Panthers return to action in Bathurst against a Wests Tigers side eager to halt a two-game winless run.
The bye in Round 6 probably came at a good time for Penrith, following a loss to the Sea Eagles in which they finally showed the signs of a growing injury toll.
Halfback Nathan Cleary remains sidelined but key forward Scott Sorensen is back and the week off will have done hobbled five-eighth Jarome Luai no harm.
Wests Tigers meanwhile failed to score over 17 points for the fourth time in five games this season in a loss to the Dragons last week, with Benji Marshall's men now in danger of losing much of the positive momentum generated by back-to-back wins in Rounds 3 and 4.
Despite having finished at the opposite end of the ladder to the Panthers in the last few seasons, Wests Tigers actually have a favourable record against Ivan Cleary's heavyweights, having won two of their past four against Penrith, including their lone meeting last year.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Panthers v Wests Tigers
Team News
Panthers: Paul Alamoti makes his club debut in the centres in place of Taylan May (personal matter). The squad is otherwise unchanged with Jarome Luai (knee) good to go following the bye and Scott Sorensen back from a knee injury. Luke Garner moves back to the bench.
Wests Tigers: Will take the field as named on Tuesday, with Lachlan Galvin (suspension), John Bateman (concussion), Samuela Fainu (concussion) and Latu Fainu (hamstring) all back on deck for Benji Marshall's side.
Match: Panthers v Wests Tigers
Round 7 -
home Team
Panthers
away Team
Wests Tigers
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Panthers is number 1 Dylan EdwardsFullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Jahream Bula
-
Winger for Panthers is number 2 Sunia TuruvaWinger for Wests Tigers is number 2 Charlie Staines
-
Centre for Panthers is number 3 Izack TagoCentre for Wests Tigers is number 3 Brent Naden
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Centre for Panthers is number 21 Paul AlamotiCentre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Justin Olam
-
Winger for Panthers is number 5 Brian To'oWinger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Junior Tupou
-
Five-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Jarome LuaiFive-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Lachlan Galvin
-
Halfback for Panthers is number 7 Brad SchneiderHalfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Aidan Sezer
Forwards
-
Prop for Panthers is number 8 Moses LeotaProp for Wests Tigers is number 8 Stefano Utoikamanu
-
Hooker for Panthers is number 9 Mitch KennyHooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Apisai Koroisau
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Prop for Panthers is number 10 James Fisher-HarrisProp for Wests Tigers is number 10 David Klemmer
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2nd Row for Panthers is number 11 Scott Sorensen2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Isaiah Papali'i
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2nd Row for Panthers is number 12 Liam Martin2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 John Bateman
-
Lock for Panthers is number 13 Isaah YeoLock for Wests Tigers is number 13 Fonua Pole
Interchange
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 14 Daine LaurieInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Latu Fainu
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Interchange for Panthers is number 15 Lindsay SmithInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 15 Alex Twal
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Interchange for Panthers is number 16 Liam HenryInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Alex Seyfarth
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 17 Luke GarnerInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 17 Samuela Fainu
Reserves
-
Replacement for Panthers is number 20 Matthew EisenhuthReplacement for Wests Tigers is number 18 Justin Matamua
Match Officials
- Referee: Wyatt Raymond
- Touch Judge: Chris Sutton
- Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
- Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Panthers have won their past 10 daytime games.
- Wests Tigers have defeated the Panthers three times in their past seven clashes.
- The Panthers have won only two of their past five games in Bathurst.
- Wests Tigers have conceded only five second-half tries (ranked No.1 in the NRL).
- Panthers winger Sunia Turuva has scored six tries in his past four games.
Match: Panthers v Wests Tigers
Round 7 -
home Team
Panthers
4th Position
away Team
Wests Tigers
13th Position
Venue: Carrington Park, Bathurst
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
