Match Preview: Panthers v Sharks

Panthers v Sharks: Leniu sidelined; Talakai to start

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Sat 29 Jul 2023, 06:35 PM

The high-flying Panthers will be out to pile on more pain in Cronulla's finals hopes when they clash at BlueBet Stadium on Saturday night.

Penrith celebrated the return of Nathan Cleary with a comfortable 44-18 victory over the Bulldogs in Round 21 but across town in the Sutherland Shire was where the Sharks' season was put on the ropes by the Sea Eagles.

After winning three-straight and being well-placed for a top four finish last month, back-to-back losses has suddenly put Craig Fitzgibbon's side in a delicate spot on the ladder with rival clubs looking to leapfrog them.

It doesn't get any easier for them with a clash against the premiers, who are on track for an elusive three-peat and have a recent record of 5-1 against the visitors.

Sportsbet Betting Preview - Panthers v Sharks

Already have an NRL Account?

Not sure? Learn more about an NRL Account .

Team news

Panthers: A switch an hour before kick-off with Lindsay Smith moving into the starting side and Moses Leota going to the bench. Spencer Leniu (knee) has been replaced on the bench by Matt Eisenhuth. Centre Izack Tago remains sidelined with a leg injury that forced him out of Sunday's game against the Bulldogs.

Sharks: Braden Hamlin-Uele will start the match and Oregon Kaufusi goes to the bench in a game day swap. Ronaldo Mulitalo was ruled out in Friday's 24-hour update so Siosifa Talakai will start in the centres and Connor Tracey goes to the wing. Braydon Trindall remains the preferred five-eighth, which leaves Matt Moylan as the 18th man after he was dropped from the side ahead of Round 21. Captain Wade Graham is back from a toe injury and starts in the second row in place of Jesse Colquhoun (suspended). With no Dale Finucane, Cameron McInnes starts at lock.

Round 22 - Round 22 - Saturday 29 Jul

Full Time

Panthers

Sharks

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Panthers is number 1 Dylan Edwards

Fullback for Sharks is number 1 William Kennedy
Winger for Panthers is number 2 Sunia Turuva

Winger for Sharks is number 2 Sione Katoa
Centre for Panthers is number 3 Tyrone Peachey

Centre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse Ramien
Centre for Panthers is number 4 Stephen Crichton

Centre for Sharks is number 15 Siosifa Talakai
Winger for Panthers is number 5 Brian To'o

Winger for Sharks is number 4 Connor Tracey
Five-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Jarome Luai

Five-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Braydon Trindall
Halfback for Panthers is number 7 Nathan Cleary

Halfback for Sharks is number 7 Nicholas Hynes

Forwards

Prop for Panthers is number 10 James Fisher-Harris

Prop for Sharks is number 10 Toby Rudolf
Hooker for Panthers is number 9 Mitch Kenny

Hooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke Brailey
Prop for Panthers is number 15 Lindsay Smith

Prop for Sharks is number 20 Braden Hamlin-Uele
2nd Row for Panthers is number 11 Scott Sorensen

2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora
2nd Row for Panthers is number 12 Liam Martin

2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Wade Graham
Lock for Panthers is number 13 Isaah Yeo

Lock for Sharks is number 13 Cameron McInnes

Interchange

Interchange for Panthers is number 8 Moses Leota

Interchange for Sharks is number 8 Oregon Kaufusi
Interchange for Panthers is number 14 Soni Luke

Interchange for Sharks is number 14 Jack Williams
Interchange for Panthers is number 16 Matthew Eisenhuth

Interchange for Sharks is number 16 Thomas Hazelton
Interchange for Panthers is number 17 Zac Hosking

Interchange for Sharks is number 17 Royce Hunt

Reserves

Replacement for Panthers is number 19 Luke Garner

Replacement for Sharks is number 18 Matt Moylan

Match Officials

Referee: Gerard Sutton
Touch Judge: Dave Munro
Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein

Last updated: 9/7/2024 12:25:56 PM

Stat Attack

The Sharks have not won at BlueBet Stadium since Round 18, 2018.
The Panthers have won five of their past six games against the Sharks.
Panthers centre Tyrone Peachey has scored six tries in his past three games at BlueBet Stadium.
Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo has scored 16 tries in his past 17 games.
Panthers second-rower Scott Sorensen will play his 100th NRL game.