Panthers v Broncos: McLean on deck: Brisbane big guns return
Penrith are determined to solidify their place at the top of the NRL ladder when they host a desperate Broncos in the opening game of Women in League Round.
The two sides have developed an intense rivalry over the past few years, with Nathan Cleary orchestrating a comeback to stun Brisbane in the 2023 decider.
The Broncos returned the favour in last season's preliminary final, Reece Walsh helping his side pull off a monumental upset and end the Panthers' four-year premiership reign.
The stakes will be again be high at CommBank Stadium on Thursday night, Penrith eyeing the minor premiership and Brisbane desperate to keep their top-eight hopes alive.
The premiership defence hasn't gone to plan for Michael Maguire's men but Walsh, Adam Reynolds and Payne Haas have shown they have the talent and experience to lead their side past the Panthers.
Penrith's season has largely been smooth sailing, Ivan Cleary's men sitting pretty four points clear at the top of the table.
The Panthers are well-rested following last week's bye, while NSW heroes Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Liam Martin are riding high after the Blues stunning Origin triumph.
The trio will look to hit the ground running as Penrith launch their run to the finals.
Match: Panthers v Broncos
Round 20 -
home Team
Panthers
1st Position
away Team
Broncos
14th Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Panthers: Young gun Casey McLean (quad) returns in the centres while back-rower Isaiah Papali'i (concussion) is also back on deck. Blues stars Nathan Cleary, Liam Martin and Isaah Yeo are back to bolster the Panthers after missing Round 18 on Origin duty. Jack Cole, Scott Sorensen, Billy Phillips and Liam Henry all revert to the six-man interchange alongside Izack Tago and Billy Scott.
Broncos: The cavalry is coming for the champs with Reece Walsh, Ezra Mam, Adam Reynolds, Payne Haas, Brendan Piakura and Pat Carrigan all back to face the Panthers while Billy Walters is listed among the reserves. Reynolds has missed two games with a calf injury suffered in Round 15 while Mam hurt his shoulder in the same match against Souths. Haas and Carrigan return from Origin duty while Piakura has recovered from a head knock. Walters has been finding fitness with two games in Queensland Cup after returning from an ACL injury suffered in last year's finals.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Panthers is number 1 Dylan EdwardsFullback for Broncos is number 1 Reece Walsh
-
Winger for Panthers is number 2 Thomas JenkinsWinger for Broncos is number 2 Josiah Karapani
-
Centre for Panthers is number 3 Paul AlamotiCentre for Broncos is number 3 Kotoni Staggs
-
Centre for Panthers is number 4 Casey McLeanCentre for Broncos is number 4 Gehamat Shibasaki
-
Winger for Panthers is number 5 Brian To'oWinger for Broncos is number 5 Deine Mariner
-
Five-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Blaize TalagiFive-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Ezra Mam
-
Halfback for Panthers is number 7 Nathan ClearyHalfback for Broncos is number 7 Adam Reynolds
Forwards
-
Prop for Panthers is number 8 Moses LeotaProp for Broncos is number 8 Xavier Willison
-
Hooker for Panthers is number 9 Freddy LussickHooker for Broncos is number 9 Cory Paix
-
Prop for Panthers is number 10 Lindsay SmithProp for Broncos is number 10 Payne Haas
-
2nd Row for Panthers is number 11 Isaiah Papali'i2nd 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 Jack ColeInterchange for Broncos is number 14 Ben Hunt
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 15 Scott SorensenInterchange for Broncos is number 15 Ben Talty
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 16 Liam HenryInterchange for Broncos is number 16 Preston Riki
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 17 Billy PhillipsInterchange for Broncos is number 17 Grant Anderson
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 18 Izack TagoInterchange for Broncos is number 18 Va'a Semu
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 19 Billy ScottInterchange for Broncos is number 19 Hayze Perham
Reserves
-
Reserve for Panthers is number 20 Sione FonuaReserve for Broncos is number 20 Billy Walters
-
Reserve for Panthers is number 21 Kalani Leuluai-GoingReserve for Broncos is number 21 Luke Gale
-
Reserve for Panthers is number 22 Luron PateaReserve for Broncos is number 22 Thomas Duffy
Panthers Ins
- Casey McLean
- Isaah Yeo
- Isaiah Papali'i
- Liam Martin
- Nathan Cleary
Broncos Ins
- Adam Reynolds
- Billy Walters
- Ezra Mam
- Josiah Karapani
- Patrick Carrigan
- Payne Haas
- Reece Walsh
Panthers Outs
- Jack Cogger
- Zakauri Clarke
Broncos Ins
- Blake Mozer
- Jaiyden Hunt
- Jesse Arthars
- Joshua Coric
Match Officials
- Referee: Todd Smith
- Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Touch Judge: Belinda Sharpe
- Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Panthers have won six of their last seven games against the Broncos.
- The Broncos have conceded 34 points per game in eight consecutive losses.
- The Panthers have won all six games at CommBank Stadium this season.
- The Broncos have defeated the Panthers in Sydney only once since 2009.
- Panthers winger Thomas Jenkins requires one try to break the club’s all-time season try scoring record.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
Family tickets are available from just $67 using the offer code PANTHERS67. Click here to access this exclusive deal and secure your seats before they sell out.
