Two unbeaten sides from round one look to build on their strong starts as the Dragons host premiers Penrith at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.

The Red V didn't have it all their own way in downing the Warriors last week but pulled away at the end while the Panthers looked every bit the grand-final winning outfit despite missing star halfback Nathan Cleary as they easily accounted for fellow heavyweights Manly.

The Dragons enjoyed plenty of positive signs from their emerging young-guns, giving them something to build on into the season, but face a big step up against a Penrith side that were absolutely dominant in round one. 

Sportsbet Betting preview: Dragons v Panthers

The Rundown

Team news

Dragons: Tariq Sims remains in the 19-man squad after the 24-hour cut and looks set to make a return after playing NSW Cup last weekend. Aaron Woods (hamstring) is replaced at prop by Francis Molo, with George Burgess coming on to the bench.

Panthers: No changes expected to the side named. Moses Leota's shoulder injury sees Spencer Leniu move to the run-on side with Matt Eisenhuth joining the bench. 

 

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Key match-up

Tyrell Sloan v Dylan Edwards: Sloan started his career as the official first-choice Dragons fullback in fine style, setting up two tries against the Warriors. Edwards meanwhile was the unsung hero once again for the Panthers, chalking up a massive 344 run metres against Manly.

Stat attack

These two teams dominated possesion like no other club in round one, with Penrith holding the most ball of any side in round one with 59% and the Dragons equal-best of the rest with 57% possession against the Warriors.