After getting 50 whacked on them by the Broncos first up, there's a good chance the defending premiers are the last thing the Roosters want to see this week, as Penrith look to build on a tough Round 1 victory over the Sharks.
Little went right for the Tricolours at home against a red-hot Brisbane outfit, with injury to veteran forward Victor Radley (head knock) only adding to their woes and lengthy list of unavailable players.
Radley joins fellow forwards Nat Butcher and Lindsay Collins in missing Friday's showdown.
The Panthers meanwhile have had an 11-day turnaround on the back of a 28-22 win over the Sharks in Vegas, with their makeshift backline starring in a further testament to the impressive depth Ivan Cleary has at his disposal.
Recent history sits heavily in Penrith's favour, with the Roosters' last triumph over the Panthers coming way back in August of 2019.
Match: Panthers v Roosters
Round 2 -
home Team
Panthers
9th Position
away Team
Roosters
12th Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Team News
Panthers: A change 24 hours out from kick-off with back-rower Isaiah Papali'i dropping out, replaced by Liam Henry in his return from a shoulder injury. Brian To'o's return from a hamstring injury has triggered a backline reshuffle, with Paul Alamoti shifting to the centres and Luke Garner moving to the bench. Fellow winger Casey McLean suffered a head knock in Vegas but will line up thanks to the extended gap between games. Brad Schneider is 18th man.
Roosters: Local junior Hugo Savala is set to make his NRL debut after being promoted to the bench when Lindsay Collins dropped out on Thursday. The Origin forward has been rested after battling illness this week. Taylor Losalu will start the game at prop in jersey No.17. Centre Billy Smith will make his long-awaited return to the field via NSW Cup on Saturday, with coach Trent Robinson confirming Smith will drop out of the extended NRL squad. Victor Radley's absence due to the concussion protocol has also prompted a forward pack reshuffle, young gun Salesi Foketi stepping into the starting side and former Eel Makahesi Makatoa coming on to the bench. Ethan Roberts is 18th man.
Match: Panthers v Roosters
Round 2 -
home Team
Panthers
away Team
Roosters
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Panthers is number 1 Dylan EdwardsFullback for Roosters is number 1 James Tedesco
-
Winger for Panthers is number 2 Casey McLeanWinger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel Tupou
-
Centre for Panthers is number 3 Izack TagoCentre for Roosters is number 3 Mark Nawaqanitawase
-
Centre for Panthers is number 4 Paul AlamotiCentre for Roosters is number 4 Robert Toia
-
Winger for Panthers is number 5 Brian To'oWinger for Roosters is number 5 Dominic Young
-
Five-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Jack ColeFive-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Sandon Smith
-
Halfback for Panthers is number 7 Nathan ClearyHalfback for Roosters is number 7 Chad Townsend
Forwards
-
Prop for Panthers is number 8 Moses LeotaProp for Roosters is number 10 Naufahu Whyte
-
Hooker for Panthers is number 9 Mitch KennyHooker for Roosters is number 9 Connor Watson
-
Prop for Panthers is number 10 Lindsay SmithProp for Roosters is number 17 Taylor Losalu
-
2nd Row for Panthers is number 11 Scott Sorensen2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Angus Crichton
-
2nd Row for Panthers is number 12 Liam Martin2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Siua Wong
-
Lock for Panthers is number 13 Isaah YeoLock for Roosters is number 13 Salesi Foketi
Interchange
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 14 Daine LaurieInterchange for Roosters is number 14 Zach Dockar-Clay
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 16 Matthew EisenhuthInterchange for Roosters is number 15 Makahesi Makatoa
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 17 Luke GarnerInterchange for Roosters is number 16 Blake Steep
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 20 Liam HenryInterchange for Roosters is number 18 Hugo Savala
Reserves
-
Replacement for Panthers is number 18 Brad SchneiderReplacement for Roosters is number 19 Ethan Roberts
Match Officials
- Referee: Todd Smith
- Touch Judge: Belinda Sharpe
- Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
- Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Panthers have won 10 in a row against the Roosters.
- The Roosters have conceded 98 points in their past two NRL games.
- Panthers centre Izack Tago has scored three tries in his past four games at CommBank Stadium.
- Roosters winger Dominic Young has scored 22 tries in 23 games for the club.
- Panthers winger Paul Alamoti has scored four tries in his past three NRL appearances.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
