Penrith – Parramatta | 7.45pm Friday 29 May, Pepper Stadium
After a come from behind win at Brookvale that saw them return to the top eight for the first time in two months, Penrith fans can look forward to the second half of the season with renewed optimism, starting with Friday night’s visit from local rivals Parramatta. Peter Wallace returns from a knee injury to resume his partnership in the halves with Jamie Soward, giving the Panthers some much needed stability in these key positions after they have been forced to trial nine different combinations at six and seven already this year. Parramatta gave a great sight against the Bunnies and for the second consecutive week were a bit stiff not to get the points, goalkicking once again proving crucial. With Reece Robinson back in the number one jersey, Chris Sandow gets another crack at running the show after playing out of position last week and Eels fans will hope it’s a case of “Good Chris” this week. Danny Wicks has earned a starting spot after some bullocking displays off the bench in one of the league’s feelgood stories and will serve it up to the Panthers’ pack but the hosts look to have a bit too much skill out wide.
Last time they met: Round 12 2014 – Penrith 38-12 Parramatta
Penrith by 8
After a come from behind win at Brookvale that saw them return to the top eight for the first time in two months, Penrith fans can look forward to the second half of the season with renewed optimism, starting with Friday night’s visit from local rivals Parramatta. Peter Wallace returns from a knee injury to resume his partnership in the halves with Jamie Soward, giving the Panthers some much needed stability in these key positions after they have been forced to trial nine different combinations at six and seven already this year. Parramatta gave a great sight against the Bunnies and for the second consecutive week were a bit stiff not to get the points, goalkicking once again proving crucial. With Reece Robinson back in the number one jersey, Chris Sandow gets another crack at running the show after playing out of position last week and Eels fans will hope it’s a case of “Good Chris” this week. Danny Wicks has earned a starting spot after some bullocking displays off the bench in one of the league’s feelgood stories and will serve it up to the Panthers’ pack but the hosts look to have a bit too much skill out wide.
Last time they met: Round 12 2014 – Penrith 38-12 Parramatta
Penrith by 8