Panthers v Broncos: Smith in for JFH; Haas, Reynolds out
Six months after their heartbreaking grand final loss, the Broncos will head to Penrith to show the premiers they're still the team to be feared in 2024.
Both teams head into the grand final rematch 1-1 to start the season and will be desperate to get on a run after hard fought wins in Round 2.
The Broncos look yet to fully adjust to life without several of last year's stars and have been dealt another curveball with halfback Adam Reynolds (knee) set for a stint on the sideline.
Coach Kevin Walters will need his front men to be at their damaging best and fullback Reece Walsh to bring the magic as the Broncos chase just their second victory at BlueBet Stadium in 15 years.
SportsBet Betting Preview - Panthers v Broncos
Meanwhile, Parramatta tested the Panthers right until the final stages of Friday night's blockbuster but Ivan Cleary's men will take plenty of confidence from their first home victory for the season.
The race is on to end the Panthers' dynasty and if Penrith let Brisbane get the better of them, they'll be giving the Roosters (Round 2) and Sea Eagles (Round 3) plenty of confidence for their clash in coming weeks.
Match: Panthers v Broncos
Round 3 -
home Team
Panthers
5th Position
away Team
Broncos
14th Position
Venue: BlueBet Stadium, Penrith
Team News
Panthers: No late changes an hour before kick-off. Prop James Fisher-Harris (shoulder) is out of action with Lindsay Smith named to partner Moses Leota in the front row. After being called up to the bench in a late change last Friday, Daine Laurie has been named at No.14 with Soni Luke listed as 18th man. Forward Matt Eisenhuth is the new face on the bench.
Broncos: No further changes on game day after Payne Haas (knee) dropped out on Wednesday. “Payne met with a specialist today and it was decided the best course of action was for him to have an arthroscopy next week," head of performance Dave Ballard said on Wednesday. Fletcher Baker moves into the starting side and Xavier Willison joins the bench. Jock Madden fills in at halfback for skipper Adam Reynolds (knee). Tristan Sailor is 18th man.
Match: Panthers v Broncos
Round 3 -
home Team
Panthers
away Team
Broncos
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Panthers is number 1 Dylan EdwardsFullback for Broncos is number 1 Reece Walsh
-
Winger for Panthers is number 2 Sunia TuruvaWinger for Broncos is number 2 Jesse Arthars
-
Centre for Panthers is number 3 Izack TagoCentre for Broncos is number 3 Kotoni Staggs
-
Centre for Panthers is number 4 Taylan MayCentre for Broncos is number 4 Selwyn Cobbo
-
Winger for Panthers is number 5 Brian To'oWinger for Broncos is number 5 Deine Mariner
-
Five-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Jarome LuaiFive-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Ezra Mam
-
Halfback for Panthers is number 7 Nathan ClearyHalfback for Broncos is number 7 Jock Madden
Forwards
-
Prop for Panthers is number 8 Moses LeotaProp for Broncos is number 8 Corey Jensen
-
Hooker for Panthers is number 9 Mitch KennyHooker for Broncos is number 9 Billy Walters
-
Prop for Panthers is number 10 Lindsay SmithProp for Broncos is number 15 Fletcher Baker
-
2nd Row for Panthers is number 11 Scott Sorensen2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Brendan Piakura
-
2nd Row for Panthers is number 12 Liam Martin2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Jordan Riki
-
Lock for Panthers is number 13 Isaah YeoLock for Broncos is number 13 Patrick Carrigan
Interchange
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 14 Daine LaurieInterchange for Broncos is number 14 Tyson Smoothy
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 15 Matthew EisenhuthInterchange for Broncos is number 16 Kobe Hetherington
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 16 Liam HenryInterchange for Broncos is number 17 Martin Taupau
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 17 Luke GarnerInterchange for Broncos is number 18 Xavier Willison
Reserves
-
Replacement for Panthers is number 18 Soni LukeReplacement for Broncos is number 19 Tristan Sailor
Match Officials
- Referee: Gerard Sutton
- Touch Judge: Kasey Badger
- Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Panthers have won six of their past seven games against the Broncos.
- The Broncos have won at BlueBet Stadium only once in the past 15 years.
- Panthers winger Sunia Turuva has scored six tries in his past three games at BlueBet Stadium.
- Broncos forward Corey Jensen will make his 100th NRL appearance.
- Panthers winger Brian To’o has scored 16 tries in his past 14 NRL games.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
