Panthers v Roosters: Origin stars back up; Radley in, Keary out
Penrith's Origin contingent are sure to be buzzing after a magical night in Perth but they face a fierce competitor in James Tedesco and a Roosters side determined to play finals for a sixth straight season.
No fewer than 10 members of the Blues' victorious 17-man squad could be on show at BlueBet Stadium depending on how they pull up and whether coaches Cleary and Robinson choose to rest any of their stars.
Panthers general Nathan Cleary was at his majestic best in Origin Two but the premiers have an able deputy in Sean O'Sullivan should the gun No.7 be given a break.
Tedesco was magnificent running for 259 metres and breaking 10 tackles for the Blues and his presence would be a massive boost for the Roosters as they look to climb back into the top eight after dropping out in round 15.
Sportsbet Betting preview: Panthers v Roosters
The Rundown
Team news
Panthers: Nathan Cleary, Jarome Luai, Brian To'o, Stephen Crichton, Liam Martin, Isaah Yeo and Api Koroisau were all named to back up from Origin II and have got through training this week. Fiji sensation Sunia Turuva is 18th man.
Roosters: Trent Robinson has reshuffled his side before kick-off, with Joey Manu shifting to five-eighth, Drew Hutchison to hooker, Sitili Tupouniua to the centres, Nat Butcher to the second-row and Sam Verrills to the bench. Fletcher Baker has also been replaced by Daniel Suluka-Fifita on the bench. With Luke Keary (concussion) rested again Sam Walker will play halfback. A huge in for the Roosters with Victor Radley returning from an ankle injury at lock, Origin representatives James Tedesco, Daniel Tupou, Angus Crichton and Lindsay Collins are firming to back up.
Match: Panthers v Roosters
Round 16 -
home Team
Panthers
away Team
Roosters
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Panthers is number 1 Dylan EdwardsFullback for Roosters is number 1 James Tedesco
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Winger for Panthers is number 2 Taylan MayWinger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel Tupou
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Centre for Panthers is number 3 Izack TagoCentre for Roosters is number 3 Billy Smith
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Centre for Panthers is number 4 Stephen CrichtonCentre for Roosters is number 12 Sitili Tupouniua
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Winger for Panthers is number 5 Brian To'oWinger for Roosters is number 5 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
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Five-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Jarome LuaiFive-Eighth for Roosters is number 4 Joseph Manu
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Halfback for Panthers is number 7 Nathan ClearyHalfback for Roosters is number 7 Sam Walker
Forwards
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Prop for Panthers is number 8 Moses LeotaProp for Roosters is number 8 Lindsay Collins
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Hooker for Panthers is number 9 Apisai KoroisauHooker for Roosters is number 6 Drew Hutchison
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Prop for Panthers is number 10 James Fisher-HarrisProp for Roosters is number 10 Siosiua Taukeiaho
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2nd Row for Panthers is number 11 Viliame Kikau2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Angus Crichton
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2nd Row for Panthers is number 12 Liam Martin2nd Row for Roosters is number 16 Nat Butcher
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Lock for Panthers is number 13 Isaah YeoLock for Roosters is number 13 Victor Radley
Interchange
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Interchange for Panthers is number 14 Mitch KennyInterchange for Roosters is number 9 Sam Verrills
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Interchange for Panthers is number 15 Scott SorensenInterchange for Roosters is number 14 Connor Watson
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Interchange for Panthers is number 16 Spencer LeniuInterchange for Roosters is number 15 Egan Butcher
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Interchange for Panthers is number 17 Jaeman SalmonInterchange for Roosters is number 19 Daniel Suluka-Fifita
Reserves
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Replacement for Panthers is number 21 Sunia TuruvaReplacement for Roosters is number 20 Adam Keighran
Match Officials
- Referee: Gerard Sutton
- Touch Judge: Wyatt Raymond
- Touch Judge: Kasey Badger
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Key match-up
Dylan Edwards v James Tedesco: The Panthers' No.1 goes from strength to strength as he closes in on 100 career games. Averaging a staggering 219 metres per game in 2022 as well as chalking up 52 tackle breaks, Edwards can be relied upon to get the Panthers' sets started in style and also provide stability and leadership should Cleary or Yeo sit the game out. Tedesco continues to enhance his reputation as the game's best fullback and his numbers are again outstanding this season with 213 metres per match, 91 tackle breaks and 10 line breaks. Roosters fans will be hoping their inspirational skipper is fit to back up from Origin Two as they look to claim a big scalp in a Friday night blockbuster.
Stat Attack
The Panthers have the equal best completion rate in the NRL with 82 per cent, along with the Eels. The Roosters are ranked 13th with a completion rate of 75 per cent.
Match: Panthers v Roosters
Round 16 -
home Team
Panthers
1st Position
away Team
Roosters
10th Position
Venue: BlueBet Stadium, Penrith
