The reigning premiers will be without 2023 Golden Boot winner James Fisher-Harris this week after he sustained a shoulder injury during their game against the Eels. Although it doesn’t seem serious, he is expected to be out for this week.

In his place, the Panthers could select either Lindsay Smith or Liam Henry, which would free up a spot on the interchange bench. Daine Laurie should also keep his spot on the team despite playing limited minutes last week.

Last year’s runners-up missing their general Adam Reynolds, which has this game now swinging heavily in the favour of another Panthers win.

I expect that this match will be a close battle in the first half and I like the look of the the second half line of 4.5 points in the Panthers favour as I expect them to win the game after the break. I don’t expect a lot of points before halftime so this game will lean towards the Under 38.50 game total.

he Panthers won their first regular season match against Parramatta in five matches, beating the Eels more comfortably than the 26-18 scoreline suggests.

The Panthers had 58 percent of the territory in the match on the back of the extra 426 run metres they piled on, pinning Parra in their own end for long periods of the match.