NRL Panthers v Bulldogs
Pepper Stadium, Penrith
Kickoff: 4pm
The Panthers will kick off their 2015 season this Sunday at Pepper Stadium with a Grand Final Qualifier rematch against the Bulldogs. Ivan Cleary will field a strong side and will be keen to even the score after the Doggies handed us that agonising defeat last September.
We will have the majority of our top squad back in action this weekend, as well as a few new faces in the line-up. Josh Mansour, Nigel Plum and David Simmons are all out with injury this week, but exciting up and comers George Jennings and Reagan Campbell-Gillard will make their NRL debuts. Api Koroisau will also strap on the boots for Penrith for the first time since joining us from the Rabbitohs in the off-season.
Key players Matt Moylan, Jamie Soward and James Segeyaro are all in top form and should do well to lead our boys around the park. Peter Wallace will captain the Panthers once again this year and will be looking to inspire a win in front of a home crowd. The game won’t be an easy one though, with the newly named Bulldogs captain, James Graham hoping to spoil the party with the big forward pack behind him.
See the team match up here: http://www.penrithpanthers.com.au/team/team-list.html
NSW Cup Panthers v Bulldogs
Pepper Stadium, Penrith
Kickoff: 1.45pm
Panthers Line Up | Kieran Moss, Christian Crichton, Will Smith, Waqa Blake, Robert Jennings, Isaac John, Adrian Davis, Andy Saunders, Liam Ayoub, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Tupou Sopoaga, James Fisher-Harris, Adam Docker, Sam Anderson, Rodney Coates, Leilani Latu, Nu’u Akeripa, Chris Smith.
After holding on for the victory against the Eels in their final trial, our NSW cup boys will be keen to keep that momentum going for their round 1 clash against the Bulldogs.
Garth Brennan’s boys enjoyed a successful 2014 season and took home the Premiership trophy after a long winning streak heading into the finals series. They are a strong and confident side with plenty of experience, and they will be keen to kick off their 2015 campaign with a win.
Will Smith and Kieran Moss were standouts throughout the trials, along with Waqa Blake, Christian Crichton and Robert Jennings, who all got their first taste of first grade footy. Isaac John and Adrian Davis are a confident and comfortable halves pair, while Ben Murdoch-Masila and Adam Docker will provide plenty of attacking power.
NYC Panthers v Bulldogs
Pepper Stadium, Penrith
Kickoff: 11.40am
Panthers Line Up | Tyrone May, Fuimanu Enise, Jack Nelson, Brent Naden, Joshua Jay, Logan Geyer, Soni Luke, Moses Leota, Sione Katoa, Oliver Clark, Elkander Fairouz, Dave Cowhan, Dylan Fuad, Kade Ellis, Paea Pua, Soni Hala, Maliko Filino, Dylan Edwards, Josh Grant.
Coming off the back of a very impressive set of trials, Penrith’s new look Under 20’s team is keen to start their season off with a bang, and prove they could be serious top 8 contenders this year.
The Panthers youngsters shocked a few people with their gutsy win over a strong Roosters pack in their first trial, and they were equally as confident against in Eels in their final practice match.
Coach Cam Ciraldo has selected as many experienced players as he has fresh faces for this Sunday’s game against the Dogs, with Josh Jay, Logan Geyer, Brent Naden and Dave Cowhan taking on a leadership role for the newcomers.
Penrith will need to be strong in defence against Canterbury who are known for their forceful attacking style, and quick ball play will also be a top priority.
