The Panthers celebrate a try against Manly. Photo: NRL Photos.

Penrith head to the nation’s capital on Sunday afternoon to face Canberra and I’d challenge anyone to predict the result with any real level of confidence.

The Panthers may be short-priced favourites for this clash at GIO Stadium with the bookies, but the Raiders are no easybeats and it’s worth noting the Green Machine have won their last two games against Ivan Cleary’s side.

Even down on troops, Canberra were impressive against Gold Coast last Saturday and in a match they had every right to lose, never looked like surrendering the lead.

Penrith meanwhile appeared slightly off the pace against Manly, escaping with an 18-16 victory at CommBank Stadium in a game that reached no real heights with the close scoreline the only thing keeping neutrals interested and engaged as Sunday night drew on.

Billy Phillips in action for Penrith. Photo: NRL Photos.

The Panthers gave Manly way too many chances and had more of those opportunities been converted, the game could have easily gone the other way.

Canberra and Penrith lead the competition in tackle breaks this season, so I’m expecting to see a lot of second phase play in this contest and I wouldn’t be surprised to see plenty of points too. Both of these sides can pile on the tries when momentum is on their side so if the passes stick, another high tally could be on the cards here.

I was impressed with Blaize Talagi last week who while questionable in defence at times this season has really settled into his attacking role, his partnership with Nathan Cleary one of the big improvements on last season for Penrith.

Also worth noting is Izack Tago’s impact in the back row. There had been talk about Tago possibly moving into the forwards for some time and with Penrith’s embarrassment of riches in the outside backs, Ivan Cleary seems to have found the Premiership winner a role off the bench. Whether or not that’s a long-term solution is yet to be seen but he’s certainly made the most of the opportunity in the last few weeks.

Brian To’o. Photo: NRL Photos.

One thing I would like to see on Penrith’s right-side is Paul Alamoti using Brian To’o more – it feels like opportunities are being missed on that side of the field at times with the trust between the pair clearly needing some work.

This is likely to be a game of taken and missed opportunities.

Canberra have conceded the second most penalties of any side in the competition this year, so they will certainly open the door for Penrith with their discipline at different stages.

Penrith meanwhile actually top the competition in handling errors – making more mistakes than the Eels and Wests Tigers who sit behind them. Again, this means if Canberra is good enough they will be given more than enough chances to cross the line.

Moses Leota in action for Penrith. Photo: NRL Photos.

With a top of 19 degrees tipped on Sunday and temperatures dropping below zero at different stages during the week, the bite of winter rugby league will well and truly be felt this weekend.

And while the conditions are unlikely to favour either team, Canberra at home is always an enormous task.

I’m backing the Panthers based on their stoic defence and ability to frustrate teams out of games, but

I think the Raiders will stick with them in this one and it wouldn’t surprise me to see only a couple of points separating the sides come full-time.

Tip: Panthers by 4.

Penrith and Canberra play on Sunday, May 10 at 4.05pm. The game is live on Fox League and Channel Nine.

Troy Dodds is the Weekender’s Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.