The Panthers return from their trip out to Bathurst to host the Eels in what shapes as a vital match for the defending premiers.
With their Origin stars missing, Penrith were handed a heavy loss by Newcastle who played themselves back into some form, securing a 25-6 win. While they had many players out, overall, the Knights showed more enthusiasm and intent, which not have pleased coach Ivan Cleary.
The Eels however showed plenty of that spark in their win over the Sea Eagles, with youngsters including fullback Isaiah Iongi stepping up.
Despite their positions on the ladder - the Eels are 15th and the Panthers, remarkably, are sitting last - it is still a big encounter with passionate fans hoping to get the spoils in the western derby.
Match: Panthers v Eels
Round 13 -
home Team
Panthers
14th Position
away Team
Eels
16th Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Team News
Panthers: A late swap on game day with Daine Laurie on to the bench, with last week's debutant Harrison Hassett moving to 18th player. Earlier, the return of their Origin reps Dylan Edwards, Brian To'o, Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Liam Martin is a huge boost with all five set to back up. Back-rower Scott Sorensen's return from suspension sees Izack Tago return to his favoured centre position. Forward Liam Henry is serving a two-game ban for a crusher tackle.
Eels: A late switch with Kelma Taulagi moving to the bench and Luca Moretti to start on game day. Earlier, with Mitch Moses and Zac Lomax returning from Origin duty, Dean Hawkins goes to the reserves and Sean Russell slides from wing to centre to replace Will Penisini (concussion). Youngster Joash Papalii retains his place on the bench after an impressive debut against the Sea Eagles.
Match: Panthers v Eels
Round 13 -
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 Zac Lomax
-
Centre for Panthers is number 3 Izack TagoCentre for Eels is number 3 Sean Russell
-
Centre for Panthers is number 4 Casey McLeanCentre for Eels is number 4 Jordan Samrani
-
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 Dylan Brown
-
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 Scott Sorensen2nd Row for Eels is number 12 Kitione Kautoga
-
2nd Row for Panthers is number 12 Liam Martin2nd Row for Eels is number 15 Luca Moretti
-
Lock for Panthers is number 13 Isaah YeoLock for Eels is number 13 J'maine Hopgood
Interchange
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 14 Luke SommertonInterchange for Eels is number 11 Kelma Tuilagi
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 15 Matthew EisenhuthInterchange for Eels is number 14 Dylan Walker
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 16 Luron PateaInterchange for Eels is number 16 Ryan Matterson
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 21 Daine LaurieInterchange for Eels is number 17 Joash Papalii
Reserves
-
Replacement for Panthers is number 17 Harrison HassettReplacement for Eels is number 18 Matt Doorey
Match Officials
- Referee: Peter Gough
- Touch Judge: Liam Kennedy
- Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Panthers have won four of their past six games against the Eels.
- The Eels have won three of their past four games against the Panthers at CommBank Stadium.
- The Panthers have lost all three games at CommBank Stadium this season.
- The Eels are aiming for three consecutive wins for the first time since 2023.
- Panthers winger Brian To’o has scored 10 tries in 13 games against the Eels.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the
