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.
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.
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.
