Penrith are determined to solidify their place at the top of the NRL ladder when they host a desperate Broncos in the opening game of Women in League Round.
The two sides have developed an intense rivalry over the past few years, with Nathan Cleary orchestrating a comeback to stun Brisbane in the 2023 decider.
The Broncos returned the favour in last season’s preliminary final, Reece Walsh helping his side pull off a monumental upset and end the Panthers’ four-year premiership reign.
The stakes will be again be high at CommBank Stadium on Thursday night, Penrith eyeing the minor premiership and Brisbane desperate to keep their top-eight hopes alive.
The premiership defence hasn’t gone to plan for Michael Maguire’s men but Walsh, Adam Reynolds and Payne Haas have shown they have the talent and experience to lead their side past the Panthers.
Penrith’s season has largely been smooth sailing, Ivan Cleary’s men sitting pretty four points clear at the top of the table.
The Panthers are well-rested following last week’s bye, while NSW heroes Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Liam Martin are riding high after the Blues stunning Origin triumph.
The trio will look to hit the ground running as Penrith launch their run to the finals.
Team News
Panthers: Young gun Casey McLean (quad) returns in the centres while back-rower Isaiah Papali’i (concussion) is also back on deck. Blues stars Nathan Cleary, Liam Martin and Isaah Yeo are back to bolster the Panthers after missing Round 18 on Origin duty. Jack Cole, Scott Sorensen, Billy Phillips and Liam Henry all revert to the six-man interchange alongside Izack Tago and Billy Scott. No changes in the 24-hour update to the 1-20, with Kalani Leului-Going and Luron Patea dropping out.
Broncos: The cavalry is coming for the champs with Reece Walsh, Ezra Mam, Adam Reynolds, Payne Haas, Brendan Piakura and Pat Carrigan all back to face the Panthers while Billy Walters is listed among the reserves. Reynolds has missed two games with a calf injury suffered in Round 15 while Mam hurt his shoulder in the same match against Souths. Haas and Carrigan return from Origin duty while Piakura has recovered from a head knock. Walters has been finding fitness with two games in Queensland Cup after returning from an ACL injury suffered in last year’s finals. No changes in the 24-hour update to the 1-20, with Luke Gale and Tom Duffy dropping out.
Stat Attack
The Panthers have won six of their last seven games against the Broncos.
The Broncos have conceded 34 points per game in eight consecutive losses.
The Panthers have won all six games at CommBank Stadium this season.
The Broncos have defeated the Panthers in Sydney only once since 2009.
Panthers winger Thomas Jenkins requires one try to break the club’s all-time season try scoring record.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
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