Roosters v Panthers: Robson set for club debut; Martin returns
The Roosters host the in-form Panthers in what shapes as a classic match-up between the two powerhouse clubs.
After a poor showing against the Warriors to start their season, the Roosters were able to regroup to spoil the party in their match last week, beating arch rivals the Rabbitohs despite the historic heroics of Alex Johnston, now the NRL's highest ever try scorer.
In his second game for the Tri Colours, five-eighth Daly Cherry-Evans looked much more at home and scored his first try for the club, but their winning performance was led by their skipper James Tedesco, who continues to show his Dally M winning form from last year.
In the Panthers however, they will face a tough challenge, with the defences of Ivan Cleary's men only breached once in two games.
Penrith have been on song to open the season, a far cry from the poor start last year that saw them only able to cement their spot in the top eight after Round 16.
Halfback Nathan Cleary pulled the strings as Penrith slowly suffocated their rivals in Bathurst the Sharks, with Cronulla struggling to penetrate their defences, except for a lone try to winger Sione Katoa in the 58th minute.
Match: Roosters v Panthers
Round 3 -
home Team
Roosters
10th Position
away Team
Panthers
3rd Position
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Roosters: Home fans will get their first sighting of off-season recruit Reece Robson who has been named to make an early return from a thumb injury. With the NSW hooker set to star, this pushes Benaiah Ioelu to the extended bench. Coach Trent Robinson has otherwise made no further changes to the side that beat arch rivals the Rabbitohs in a historic match last round.
Panthers: Liam Martin returns to the line-up in a welcome return after overcoming a calf complaint. This shifts Luke Garner to the bench. Jack Cogger has been omitted following a head knock, moving Freddy Lussick to the interchange. Kalani Going remains on the six-person bench along with Izack Tago.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Roosters is number 1 James TedescoFullback for Panthers is number 1 Dylan Edwards
-
Winger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel TupouWinger for Panthers is number 2 Thomas Jenkins
-
Centre for Roosters is number 3 Fetalaiga PaugaCentre for Panthers is number 3 Paul Alamoti
-
Centre for Roosters is number 4 Robert ToiaCentre for Panthers is number 4 Casey McLean
-
Winger for Roosters is number 5 Mark NawaqanitawaseWinger for Panthers is number 5 Brian To'o
-
Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Daly Cherry-EvansFive-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Blaize Talagi
-
Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Sam WalkerHalfback for Panthers is number 7 Nathan Cleary
Forwards
-
Prop for Roosters is number 8 Naufahu WhyteProp for Panthers is number 8 Moses Leota
-
Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Reece RobsonHooker for Panthers is number 9 Mitch Kenny
-
Prop for Roosters is number 10 Lindsay CollinsProp for Panthers is number 10 Lindsay Smith
-
2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Angus Crichton2nd Row for Panthers is number 11 Isaiah Papali'i
-
2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Siua Wong2nd Row for Panthers is number 12 Liam Martin
-
Lock for Roosters is number 13 Egan ButcherLock for Panthers is number 13 Isaah Yeo
Interchange
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Connor WatsonInterchange for Panthers is number 14 Freddy Lussick
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Blake SteepInterchange for Panthers is number 15 Billy Phillips
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Nat ButcherInterchange for Panthers is number 16 Scott Sorensen
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Salesi FoketiInterchange for Panthers is number 17 Luke Garner
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 18 Cody RamseyInterchange for Panthers is number 18 Izack Tago
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 19 Benaiah IoeluInterchange for Panthers is number 19 Kalani Going
Reserves
-
Reserve for Roosters is number 20 Toby RodwellReserve for Panthers is number 20 Tom Ale
-
Reserve for Roosters is number 21 Tom RodwellReserve for Panthers is number 21 Jack Cole
-
Reserve for Roosters is number 22 Taylor LosaluReserve for Panthers is number 22 Jesse McLean
Roosters Ins
- Reece Robson
- Taylor Losalu
- Toby Rodwell
Panthers Ins
- Jack Cole
- Jesse McLean
- Liam Martin
- Tom Ale
Roosters Outs
Panthers Ins
- Jack Cogger
Match Officials
- Referee: Grant Atkins
- Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
- Senior Review Official: Wyatt Raymond
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Roosters have conceded 30 points or more in five of their past six games against the Panthers.
- The Panthers have won 11 of their last 12 games against the Roosters.
- Roosters winger Mark Nawaqanitawase has scored nine tries in his last five NRL games.
- Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards has scored a try in five of his last six games against the Roosters.
- Roosters five-eighth Daly Cherry-Evans requires one try for a century of NRL tries.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
