Wyong Roos v Penrith Panthers
Central Coast Stadium
Kickoff 4.30pm Sunday
Defending premiers and competition leaders Penrith Panthers head to the Central Coast on Sunday to tackle the fifth-placed Wyong Roos.
The Panthers have proven they are the team to beat in this years’ NSW Cup, setting the bar with their outstanding defensive structures and commitment.
Coach Garth Brennan welcomes back elusive centre Robert Jennings, who has overcome an elbow injury which kept him sidelined for the last three weeks.
Will Smith and Adrian Davis have switched positions, with Davis dropping into fullback and the Fresh Prince of Penrith reclaiming a playmaker role alongside five-eighth Isaac John.
Hooker Sione Katoa is serving a one-week suspension after copping a dangerous contact charge from the Panthers’ last start against Newcastle Knights. Brendan Attwood starts in the nine jersey, while Wellington Albert drops out after dislocating his shoulder against the Knights two weeks ago.
Penrith held on for a thrilling 30-24 win over Newcastle at Pepper Stadium that day and will be refreshed after enjoying the bye last week.
Wyong appears to have a hit a patch of form in recent weeks, culminating in a 38-24 win over Manly in the last round.
Roos coach Rip Taylor said in order to beat the Panthers his side will need to be at the top of their game for the entire 80 minutes.
"You’ve just got to stay in the game with (the Panthers)," Taylor said.
"They’re the top of the table with their defensive program, so obviously completions and staying in the game with Penrith (will be key).
"The footage I’ve watched of them; they play a little bit of structure and a little bit of ad-lib footy, so they’ll come at you from all parts of the park."
TEAMLIST
1. Adrian DAVIS 2. Eddie AIONO 3. Robert JENNINGS 4. Geoff DANIELA 5. Maliko FILINO 6. Isaac JOHN 7. Will SMITH 8. Sam ANDERSON 9. Brendan ATTWOOD 10. Andy SAUNDERS 11. Chris SMITH 12. Tupou SOPOAGA 13. Leilani LATU
INTERCHANGE
14. Stanton ALBERT 15. Matt EISENHUTH 16. Rodney COATES 17. Atonio PELASASA
