Panthers v Eels: Cleary ready to lead; Kelly into the centres
Western Sydney rivals Penrith and Parramatta are set for another epic contest when they face off in a Saturday night showdown at CommBank Stadium.
The two clubs have long battled for supremacy in Sydney's west and this week's clash marks the latest instalment in a fierce rivalry.
Penrith have dominated their opponents throughout the opening three rounds of the competition, conceding just 10 points on the way to an undefeated start to the season.
The Panthers have swept aside three of last year's finals teams in the process, beating Brisbane, Cronulla and the Roosters to assert their premiership credentials.
Fullback Dylan Edwards is back to his best, winger Brian To'o is producing freakish plays and halfback Nathan Cleary is pulling the strings.
Penrith like to dissect opponents with surgical precision but they will have to counter the unpredictability of the Eels to claim their fourth win of the year.
After a Round 1 hiccup, Parramatta have defeated Brisbane and St George Illawarra in back-to-back weeks.
Last Sunday's victory over the Dragons was a gritty win that saw Jason Ryles' squad fiercely defend their own line throughout the second half.
The Eels will be without J'maine Hopgood on Saturday and for the rest of the season after he tore his ACL last week and they will be looking to the young forwards in their pack to step up.
Match: Panthers v Eels
Round 4 -
home Team
Panthers
1st Position
away Team
Eels
13th Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Team News
Panthers: Stability is key for Ivan Cleary's men as the Penrith juggernaut chases a fourth-straight win to start the year. No changes to the starting side, but utility Jack Cogger returns from concussion on the interchange. Izack Tago is also on the six-man bench as he looks to break into the side. No changes in the 24-hour update, with Jack Cole remaining in the extended squad.
Eels: Luca Moretti is set for his first game of the season and has been added to the bench to replace the injured J'maine Hopgood (ACL). A knee injury to Jordan Samrani has seen Brian Kelly recalled for his first game since Round 1. Parramatta have won their last four games at CommBank Stadium but have lost their last four games against the Panthers. The Eels are unchanged in Friday's 24-hour update, with Jack de Belin remaining in the reserves.
Match: Panthers v Eels
Round 4 -
home Team
Panthers
away Team
Eels
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Panthers is number 1 Dylan EdwardsFullback for Eels is number 1 Isaiah Iongi
-
Winger for Panthers is number 2 Thomas JenkinsWinger for Eels is number 2 Bailey Simonsson
-
Centre for Panthers is number 3 Paul AlamotiCentre for Eels is number 3 Brian Kelly
-
Centre for Panthers is number 4 Casey McLeanCentre for Eels is number 4 Sean Russell
-
Winger for Panthers is number 5 Brian To'oWinger for Eels is number 5 Josh Addo-Carr
-
Five-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Blaize TalagiFive-Eighth for Eels is number 6 Jonah Pezet
-
Halfback for Panthers is number 7 Nathan ClearyHalfback for Eels is number 7 Mitchell Moses
Forwards
-
Prop for Panthers is number 8 Moses LeotaProp for Eels is number 8 Jack Williams
-
Hooker for Panthers is number 9 Mitch KennyHooker for Eels is number 9 Ryley Smith
-
Prop for Panthers is number 10 Lindsay SmithProp for Eels is number 10 Junior Paulo
-
2nd Row for Panthers is number 11 Isaiah Papali'i2nd Row for Eels is number 11 Kelma Tuilagi
-
2nd Row for Panthers is number 12 Liam Martin2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Kitione Kautoga
-
Lock for Panthers is number 13 Isaah YeoLock for Eels is number 13 Dylan Walker
Interchange
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 15 Billy PhillipsInterchange for Eels is number 14 Tallyn Da Silva
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 16 Scott SorensenInterchange for Eels is number 15 Sam Tuivaiti
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 17 Luke GarnerInterchange for Eels is number 16 Matt Doorey
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 19 Freddy LussickInterchange for Eels is number 19 Joash Papalii
Reserves
-
Replacement for Eels is number 17 Luca Moretti
-
Reserve for Panthers is number 18 Izack TagoReserve for Eels is number 18 Charlie Guymer
-
Reserve for Panthers is number 21 Jack Cole
Match Officials
- Referee: Todd Smith
- Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
- Senior Review Official: Liam Kennedy
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Panthers have won their last four games against the Eels.
- The Eels have won their last four games at CommBank Stadium.
- The Panthers are aiming for a 4-0 start for the third time since 2021.
- Eels winger Josh Addo-Carr has scored nine tries in his last five games at CommBank Stadium.
- Panthers winger Brian To’o has scored 10 tries in his last 10 games against the Eels.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
