Tamou confident Panthers ready for Roosters test

Penrith captain James Tamou believes his side is ready for the challenge of facing back-to-back premiers and world club champions Sydney Roosters in round one after Saturday’s 22-22 draw with Parramatta at Bega.

The Panthers host the Roosters on March 14 and Tamou said they would need to be at their best after watching the Trent Robinson-coached side in their 20-12 defeat of Super League champions St Helens in England last week.

Tamou, who made his first appearance of the season against the Eels, said he just wanted to get a run under his belt before the start of the season and was happy with the performance of his side.

“Having the Roosters in round one you really test where you are so we are going to have to be up for that game,” Tamou said.

“I think the main thing today was just getting that hit-out and making sure the lungs are right for round one.

“That is a box I wanted to tick but obviously now we have got to handle the Roosters and watching them against St Helens they looked like they have taken up where they left off last year.

“There is still a lot of work to do but I was pretty happy with that.”

The Panthers led for most of the match but conceded a late try to Parramatta rookie John Fonua and would've lost if Jai Field hadn't missed a sideline conversion on full-time.

Penrith halves Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai had an influence on proceedings as the Panthers took a 16-6 lead just after half-time and Tamou said the combination they had developed in the junior ranks was obvious.

With former NSW Origin playmaker James Maloney leaving for Catalans, Cleary and Luai are now Penrith’s first-choice halves.

“Nathan has obviously got more of that structured game and Jarome, from what we have seen of him, can play off the cuff footy and catch the defence napping sometimes so that is where they complement each other really well,” Tamou said.

“It’s up to us forwards to give them that room.

“Nathan has worked hard this pre-season so hopefully there are good things to come now after losing Jimmy Maloney and obviously a lot of experience there.

“The young boys are going to have to step up and it is up to us forwards to lay a good platform and give them some room.”